Comparative Effectiveness of Passive vs. Assistive Robotic Gait Training on Functional Recovery and Neuroplasticity Post-Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Published: May 9, 2025

Background Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) has gained recognition as a promising therapeutic approach, offering high-intensity and repetitive training. Despite its potential, the clinical effectiveness ideal protocols continue to be subjects of debate. This study seeks compare impacts various RAGT modes on lower limb motor function recovery in stroke patients while exploring corresponding neural mechanisms. Methods A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted aged 18 80 who had experienced their first unilateral accompanied by walking impairments. Participants were randomly assigned one three groups: (1) assistive mode combined with conventional therapies, (2) passive or (3) control group receiving only traditional rehabilitation. Outcomes evaluated using Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Lower Extremity (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Functional Ambulatory Category (FAC), functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Statistical analyses performed repeated measures ANOVA non-parametric tests where appropriate, statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results Among 48 recruited, significant time effects observed across all groups FMA-LE scores (p 0.001). Notable improvements detected (MD = 2.688, 0.005) 3.667, 0.001), also demonstrating effect 1.789, 0.039). BBS improved groups; however, no differences noted between 0.106). Similarly, MBI showed without notable 0.286). Crucially, exhibited brain activation during tasks specific regions compared group, alongside interhemispheric connectivity differences. Conclusions All modalities effectively enhanced function, balance, daily living skills patients. Nevertheless, unique patterns pathways suggest distinct underlying mechanisms each approach. Trial Registration: The registered China Clinical Registration Center under registration number ChiCTR2100054527.

Language: Английский

Plantar sensory stimulation and its impact on gait and lower limb motor function in individuals with stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 19(12), P. e0315097 - e0315097

Published: Dec. 6, 2024

Background Stroke frequently leads to motor impairments, with almost half of the affected individuals experiencing diminished sensation, impacting their overall quality life and autonomy. Rehabilitation efforts, however, often overlook somatosensory functions lower limbs. While plantar sensory stimulation activates receptors in foot sole, its precise impact on gait stroke is yet be ascertained. Objectives This systematic review meta-analysis aimed examine effects interventions limb function stroke. Methods We searched eight databases from inception December 2023 for randomized controlled trials that investigated targeting or patients. The primary outcomes included changes function, reported as standardized mean differences (SMD) assessed heterogeneity (I 2 ). Results A total [number] studies were included, covering different modalities such textured insoles, vibration, cognitive sensorimotor exercises. showed varying effectiveness, vibration therapy exhibiting a large effect size (SMD = 2.03 [1.13, 2.94]) improving while insoles moderate effectiveness 0.58 [0.24, 0.92]) no 0%). For gait, significant enhancement was seen 3.17 [2.05, 4.29]) training 2.85 [1.69, 4.02]). However, high 65% 85% gait), indicating variability across intervention types. Conclusion findings this suggest has potential improve people firmly establish efficacy rehabilitative tool, larger-scale high-quality are requisite.

Language: Английский