Citation

Furnari A, Calabrò RS, De Cola MC, Bartolo M, Castelli A, Mapelli A, Buttacchio G, Farini E, Bramanti P, Casale R. Int. J. Neurosci. 2017; 127(11): 996-1004.

Affiliation

Neurorehabilitation Unit, HABILITA Care & Research Rehabilitation Hospitals , Zingonia di Ciserano (Bergamo).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00207454.2017.1288623

PMID

28132574

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a Robotic-Assisted Gait Training (RAGT), together with a conventional exercise program (CEP), to improve PD ambulation, as compared to standard gait training.

METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with mild PD stage (H&Y 2-2.5) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) or a control group (CG). The 19 patients in EG received 30 min RAGT (using Lokomat device), whereas the 19 controls received a conventional gait training; both groups received 30 min of CEP. Participants were evaluated before (T0), immediately after (T1), and 12 weeks after the end of treatment (T2), by using 10-MWT, Tinetti Test and the motor score of the UPDRS-III.

RESULTS: We found that Tinetti Walking (TW) (X(2) (3) = 31.75; p < 0.001), Tinetti Balance (X(2) (3) = 74.07; p < 0.001), UPDRS-III (X(2) (3) = 6.87; p < 0.001), and GDS (X(2) (3) = 28.83; p < 0.001) scores were affected by the type of the rehabilitative treatment. At T2 we found a significant difference between the two groups for TW (t = 2.62; p < 0.02, d = 0.85). Concerning all the study outcomes, a significant improvement was observed from T0 to T1 in both the groups. However, the functional motor gain at T2 was maintained only in the EG.

CONCLUSIONS: RAGT may significantly improve walking ability, motor function and for a maximum period of 3 months. Thus, our findings support the importance of a RAGT as a valid rehabilitative tool for PD.

Language: en

Keywords

device-based therapy; gait disorders; lower extremity rehabilitation; neurodegenerative brain disorder