Effects of Robot-Assisted Rehabilitation Training on Functional Recovery in Subacute Stroke Patients

This study aimed to examine the effects of robot-assisted gait training on the balance and gait of patients with subacute stroke. Forty patients with subacute stroke were divided into two groups based on their Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores, with a cutoff of 40 points, which is considered an indicator of balance ability and fall risk. The two groups were the High Berg Balance Scale (HBBS) group with a score of 40 or higher and the Low Berg Balance Scale (LBBS) group with a score of 39 or lower. Both groups were evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), and gait ability was assessed using the Zebris FDM-T Treadmill system. The intervention period was 8 weeks, with three sessions per week, each lasting 25 min. The training began with assisted gait, supporting 30-40% of the patient's weight, and gradually reducing support as the patient's condition improved. Outcomes were evaluated using BBS, FMA, TIS, and Gait ability. The data were analyzed using paired t-tests to compare pre- and post-intervention scores within each group and independent t-tests to compare the changes in balance and gait ability between the two groups. Significant improvements were observed in both HBBS and LBBS groups (p<.05). This study suggests that robot-assisted rehabilitation training may be important for improving balance and gait in patients with subacute stroke, regardless of their Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) score. It also highlights the importance of addressing balance difficulties at the beginning of rehabilitation programs for patients with stroke.