Effect of Robot-Assisted Gait Training (RAGT) on Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), Walking Ability of Chronic Stroke Patients

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze and compare the effects of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on patients' functional ambulation category (FAC) and walking ability in chronic patients 6 months after the onset of stroke according to the duration of stroke. Method: In this study, patients hospitalized at D hospital in Gyeonggi-do who had an onset period of 6 months or later were assigned to the experimental group. Within 6 months, subjects were assigned as a control group and both groups received RAGT. Both groups were provided 30 minutes a day for 4 weeks for 5 days a week. Before and after the intervention, FAC, 10 m walk test, and 6 minute walk test were conducted. Results: Before and after each group, the FAC, 10 m walk test, and 6 minute walk test all showed significant results (p<.05), and the comparison between the two groups showed insignificant results in all of the FAC, 10 m walk test, and 6 minute walk test (p>.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the study, RAGT has a significant effect on FAC and walking ability, and there is no difference in the effectiveness of RAGT according to the duration of the outbreak.