Exo-rehabilitation of patients with spastic hemiparesis: high technology

AIM: Walking disorders are a frequent consequence of stroke. New technologies, such as the use robotic exoskeletons, can help with recovery, but their effectiveness has not yet been sufficiently proven.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients spasticity and walking (stroke duration from 1.5 to 4 years) were included in study. The Tardieu Scale, Modified Ashworth scale, Medical Research Council 10 Meter Walk Test, Rivermead Mobility Index, Berg Balance Rankin Visual Analog Scale (to assess patient satisfaction treatment) used assessments. randomized into 2 groups (n = 22 20): first group received exoskeleton walk training powered exoskeleton, ExoAtlet, second physical therapy sessions, each for 1 hour daily over days. Clinical evaluations performed at 3 timepoints: baseline (Day 1), 12.
 RESULTS: Comparison both timepoint showed significantly better results (p 0.05) vs group. speed increased due balance training, correction postural disorders, spastic muscle stretching, stretch reflex suppression.
 CONCLUSION: wearable ExoAtlet is promising technology improving (2 tables, bibliography: 13 refs).