The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy

The Korean Society of Physical Therapy (대한물리치료학회)
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Clinical Feasibility of Wearable Robot Orthosis on Gait and Balance Ability for Stroke Rehabilitation: A Case Study

  • Shin, Young-Il (Deptartment of Prosthetics & Orthoics, Korea National University of Welfare) ;
  • Yang, Seong-Hwa (Department of Physical Therapy, Gyeonggi-Incheon Medical Rehabilitation Center) ;
  • Kim, Jin-Young (Department of Occupational Therapy, Howon University)
  • Received : 2015.03.24
  • Accepted : 2015.04.21
  • Published : 2015.04.25
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Abstract

Purpose: The emphasis on gait rehabilitation after stroke depends on training support through the lower limbs, balance of body mass over the changing base of support. However, muscle weakness, lack of control of lower limb, and poor balance can interfere with training after stroke. For this case study report, a wearable robot orthosis was applied to stroke patients in order to verify its actual applicability on balance and gait ability in the clinical field. Methods: Two stroke patients participated in the training using the wearable robot orthosis. Wearable robot orthosis provides patient-initiated active assistance contraction during training. Training includes weight shift training, standing up and sitting down, ground walking, and stair up and down Training was applied a total of 20 times, five times a week for 4 weeks, for 30 minutes a day. Gait ability was determined by Stance phase symmetry profile, Swing phase symmetry profile, and velocity using the GAITRite system. Balance ability was measured using the Biodex balance system. Results: Subjects 1, 2 showed improved gait and balance ability with mean individual improvement of 72.4% for velocity, 19.4% for stance phase symmetry profile, 9.6% for swing phase symmetry profile, and 13.6% for balance ability. Conclusion: Training utilizing a wearable robot orthosis can be useful for improvement of the gait and balance ability of stroke patients.

Keywords

References

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