Lokomat: a therapeutic chance for patients with chronic hemiplegia.

Background: Treadmill training with partial body weight support has been suggested as a useful strategy for gait rehabilitation after stroke.

Objectives: This prospective, randomized, controlled study of gait training tested the feasibility and potential efficacy of using a robotic-assisted gait device, Lokomat, for treadmill training with partial body weight support in subjects with chronic hemiplegia; the device was also compared with conventional home exercise.

Methods: Twenty-two male ambulatory ischemic or hemorrhagic induced stroke patients with chronic hemiplegia lasting at least 12 months were enrolled in this prospective study.