Hybrid assistive limb robot training improves daily living activities in patients with stroke

This study investigated if lower limb robot training (LLRT) using the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) device improves daily living in patients with stroke. Researchers suggested that HAL improves daily activities and walking ability in these patients.

A stroke consists of a blockage of the blood flow to the brain. This can be caused by a clot or by a burst blood vessel. Brain cells lose their abilities in controlling body functions which lead to symptoms such as paralysis. Recent novel therapies have significantly improved the outcomes of patients with stroke. However, many of these patients still experience residual disability. Patients with a residual disability after therapy, need long-term care.

The ability to perform daily activities affects the quality of life of patients with stroke. These patients undergo long-term therapies such as physiotherapy. Prior studies showed that these treatment methods improve the performance of daily activities.

LLRT using HAL was developed to assist in rehabilitation therapy. It moves the arms and legs of the patients according to an electrical signal. This signal is given by electrodes placed on the skin surface. LLRT improves the movement of paralyzed arms or legs which are necessary for daily activities. However, it is still not clear whether LLRT improves the gait (walking) ability of these patients.

This study included information about 108 patients with stroke. These patients were divided into two groups. Patients in the conventional therapy period were assigned to group 1 (63), and patients receiving LLRT with HAL to group 2 (45). An LLRT gait therapy program started at the midpoint of these two periods. The performance of daily activities was evaluated by the capacity of being independent in those activities.

The capacity for performing daily activities was significantly higher in patients during LLRT. Moreover, more stroke patients improved their gait ability during the LLRT therapy program.

This study concluded that LLRT using HAL improves daily activities such as gait in patients with stroke.

This study had a small number of participants and patients were not randomized to treatment groups.