Effects of robot-assisted gait training on trunk symmetry improvement in patients with chronic hemiplegia: A randomized, single-blind clinical trial.

Background: Stroke-induced gait impairments often result in asymmetrical trunk alignment, affecting mobility and quality of life of patients. This randomized, single-blind clinical trial investigated the efficacy of robot-assisted gait training in addressing this issue and explored its impact on lower limb functions.

Methods: Fifty patients with chronic stroke were included in this study, with one group receiving traditional rehabilitation therapy and the other receiving additional robot-assisted gait training session. Participants in the robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) group underwent 30-min session, thrice per week for 4 weeks, totaling 12 sessions, in addition to traditional rehabilitation therapy. All participants underwent preintervention assessments, with reassessments at 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention. We assessed trunk symmetry and gait parameters, including step time, step length, separation line, and foot force, along with knee joint extensor muscle strength and stiffness.

Findings: Significant improvements in trunk symmetry were observed in the RAGT group (F(2,46) = 35.52, p < 0.001, η = 0.607). Changes in step length asymmetry were significant for both groups (p < 0.000 each) without intergroup differences, whereas paralyzed knee extensor strength showed greater improvement in the RAGT group (p < 0.001).

Interpretation: The study findings revealed significant improvements in trunk symmetry and muscle strength among patients receiving RAGT. These results underscore the promising role of RAGT in stroke rehabilitation. Thus, proper gait patterns may contribute to maintaining a healthy posture.