Acute effects of 10-minute robotic leg movements on a dynamic tilt table in patients with chronic stroke

Abstract

[Purpose] We previously reported that a combination of stepping and functional electrical stimulation on a dynamic tilt table with robotic leg movement improved walking speed in patients with stroke. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a single bilateral lower limb exercise session using a dynamic tilt table with robotic leg movement without functional electrical stimulation on walking speed in patients with chronic stroke. [Participants and Methods] Ten patients with chronic stroke who were capable of walking independently (73 ± 44 months post stroke onset) were included. The participants performed passive lower extremity walking for 10 minutes in a standing position on the dynamic tilt table with robotic leg movement. The effects of the intervention on walking speed, cadence, and Modified Ashworth Scale score for the quadriceps muscle on the paralyzed side were assessed using the 10-meter walking test. [Results] The 10-minute intervention significantly increased the walking speed (baseline: 0.49 ± 0.17 m/sec, after: 0.56 ± 0.23 m/sec) and cadence (baseline: 96 ± 22 steps/min, after: 99 ± 24 steps/min); however, it had no effect on the Modified Ashworth Scale score for the paralyzed quadriceps muscle. [Conclusion] This study highlights the potential of the dynamic tilt table with robotic leg movement without functional electrical stimulation in rehabilitation therapy for patients with chronic stroke.

Keywords: Central pattern generator; Spasticity; Walking speed.

Fig. 1.

Photograph of the dynamic tilt table for robotic leg movement (DTTRLM) used in this study. The device facilitates vertical loading of the paralyzed patient and achieves rhythmic and cyclical leg movements.