The Effect of Robot-Assisted Gait Training with Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on Lower Limb Function, Balance and Gait in Hemiplegic Stroke Patients

Objective: This study compared the effect of lower limb function, balance and gait between robot-assisted gait training with andwithout rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) in hemiplegic stroke patients. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty-one strokepatients were randomly divided to robot-assisted gait training with RAS (RGTR) group (n=15) andcontrol group (n=16). Both groups undergone robot-assisted gait training and conservative exercise therapy for 30 minutes each,five times a week, for 4 weeks. The RGTR group additionally received RAS during the robot-assisted gait training. To analyze theeffect of the training, Lower limb function was Fugl-Meyer assessment lower extremity, balance ability was stability index andBerg balance scale, and Gait ability was using gait parameters obtained using a gait analyzer (Zebris FDM-T system) were measured. Results: According to the training, the RGTR group showed of increased significantly in lower limb function, balance, and gaitability in the within-group before-after difference (p<0.05).In the between-group difference comparison, the RGTR group were significantly better improvements in the Berg balance scale of balance ability and among gait ability, all gait parameters except forcadence than the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: Thisstudy offer that robot-assisted gait training with RAS in performed together with conservative exercise therapyis an effective training method of improving balance and gait ability in hemiplegic stroke patients.