Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan CNS(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Physiotherapy, Kwong Wah Hospital.
Introduction :
Gait dysfunction is an important result in neurological patients (Lunenburger et al, 2005). Manual and robotic-assisted body weight–supported treadmill training (BWSTT) is based on optimizing sensory inputs relevant to step training, repeated practice, and possible optimization of neuroplasticity (Alcobendas-Maestro, Esclarin-Ruz and Casado-Lopez, 2012).
Objectives :
To evaluate the usage of Lokomat BWSTT in enhancing the walking ability of neurological patients.
Methodology :
A total of 17 participants with various neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, parkinson’s disease, and spinal condition were included. The study period was from 2017 to 2019. The age of the participants aged from 23 to 84. Nine were male and eight were female. Patients received walking re-education sessions using Lokomat BWSTT. Outcome measure such as Time-up-and-go test (TUGT), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and 10-metre walk test were used to measure the functional and walking ability. Modified Functional Ambulation Classification (MFAC) was used to evaluate the mobility status of participants.
Result & Outcome :
Among participants, there was a significant change in MFAC after Lokomat training (P=0.003). The 6-minute walk test also showed significant difference (p=0.013). However, no significant differences in TUGT and 10-metre walk test (p>0.05) was observed.
