The Effects of Robot-Assisted Gait Training using FES on Lower Limb Strength and Balance in Stroke Patients

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine changes in lower limb strength and balance ability in stroke patients through robot-assisted gait training using functional electrical stimulation (FES) and to identify effective treatment methods. Design: Randomized controlled studyMethods: A total of fifty-five subjects diagnosed with stroke were randomly divided into three groups.: Robot-assist gait training with FES group (RFG) (n 18), Robot-assist gait training with non FES group (RNFG) (n=17), ＝ and control group (n=20). Subjects received robot-assisted gait training for 30 minutes, three times a week for 6 weeks. All subjects were assessed with Medical Research Council (MRC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), 10 Meter Walking Test (10MWT), Fugl-Myer Assessment (FMA) and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) pre-and post-intervention. Results: Significant improvements were observed across all parameters post-intervention (p＜0.05). The RFG and the RNFG showed significant improvements in MRC, BBS, TUG, 10MWT and FMA scores compared with the control group (p＜0.05). The RFG also showed a significant improvement in MRC and BBS scores compared with the RNFG (p＜0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study showed improved lower limb strength and balance RFG compared with RNFG and was found to be effective in enhancing the functional activity of persons affected with stroke.