Search

Objective To assess effects of 15 exoskeleton-assisted gait training sessions, reflected by the muscle strength of the lower limbs and by walking speed immediately after the training sessions and at the 6-week follow-up. Design Single-group longitudinal preliminary study. Setting Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) at a hospital neurology ward. Participants Participants (N=14) included women and men aged from 36-61 years, with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores from 5.0-6.5. Interventions Exoskeleton-assisted walk training. Main Outcome Measures Primary outcomes included dynamometric knee extensor and flexor strength (Biodex Pro4), postural balance, and center of pressure displacements (Zebris FMD-S). Secondary outcomes included walking speed measured with the timed 25-foot walk test and fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale). Assessments were performed 4 times, that is, prior to the start of the program (T0), at the end of the physiotherapy without an exoskeleton (T1), at the end of the exoskeleton-assisted training (T2), and at 6-week follow-up (T3). Results At the end of exoskeleton-assisted gait training there was a statistically significant improvement in peak torque of knee extensor muscles compared with the period of exercise without an exoskeleton. No statistically significant change was identified in the value of peak torque of knee flexors at T1. Likewise, the assessment at T2 showed the change in peak torque of knee flexors was not significant. The participants presented significantly faster walking speed after exoskeleton-assisted gait training compared with T0 and T1. No improvement was found in body balance. The subjects reported lower fatigue after exoskeleton-assisted gait training; however, the differences between the assessments at T1 and T0 as well as at T2 and T1 were statistically insignificant. Conclusions Individuals with MS and severe gait impairment participating in exoskeleton-assisted gait training achieved significant improvement in lower-limb muscle strength and increase in walking speed, yet the effect was not long-lasting.

Incroduction: Falls are a very serious problem for people over 65 years of age. The frequency of falls increases with age. Studies show that 18% of people under the age of 45 fall down every year, 25% of those aged 45-65 and 35% of those over 65. Material and Methods: 18 people from the participants of the project “Comprehensive diagnosis and rehabilitation of patients with back pain syndromes and those at risk of falling using innovative therapy” were qualified for the analysis. Patients, before and after therapy, were tested using a stabilometric platform. The test was conducted in a free standing position with eyes open (30 seconds) and then with eyes closed (30 seconds). Results: Comparison of patient results before and after therapy showed a statistically significant (p