Comparison of robot-assisted gait training using auditory stimulation versus overground gait training for stroke patients

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare robot-assisted gait training with rhythmical auditory stimulation and over-ground gait training to improve balance and gait abilities in stroke patients. Design: randomized controlled study Methods: All subjects were randomly divided into two groups where twelve subjects were in the auditory stimulation with robot-assisted gait training group (ARGT) and sixteen subjects in the over-ground gait training group (OGG). Subjects received rhythmical auditory stimulation while undergoing robotic gait training for 30 minutes, three times a week for six weeks, and all subjects had undergone general physical therapy for 30 minutes, five times a week for six weeks. Assessments were conducted pre- and post-intervention using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI). Results: Significant improvements were observed across all parameters after the intervention (p < 0.05). Additionally, the ARGT group showed significantly greater improvements in MRC, BBS, and TUG scores compared to that of the OGG group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study showed improved balance abilities after robot assisted with auditory stimulation compared with over-ground gait training and was found to be effective in enhancing the functional activity of persons affected with stroke.