The Effectiveness of Robotic Constraint Lokomat Training on Gait Rehabilitation in Saudi Females Patients with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of robot-assisted gait training (Lokomat) combined with conventional physical therapy (CPT) on gait parameters and overall functional outcomes in female patients with stroke.

Methods

A total of 40 female patients with stroke were participated in the study. They were randomly allocated into two groups: Robotic-assisted gait training group (RG; n = 20), and received Lokomat training combined with CPT, and the control group (CG; n = 20), received CPT only. CPT included neurophysiological approaches, functional training, balance exercises, and overground walking. Gait parameters (stride length and cadence), muscle strength (Motricity Index), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), gait independence (Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), and lower limb muscle tone (Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) were measured before and after 12-weeks of rehabilitation for both groups.

Results

Significant improvements in post-treatment were observed in all measures across both groups, except for MAS and TUG, as reductions in muscle tone and walking speed were significant only in the RG. Greater significant improvements in all outcome measures were recorded at RG when compared to the CG.

Conclusion

Robot-assisted gait training with Lokomat, combined with CPT, was more effective than CPT alone in improving gait parameters, mobility, and walking speed in ambulatory post-stroke female patients.

Registry: Clinical Trials.gov (NCT05485727).