Robot-assisted gait training in multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomized trial

Abstract

Robot-assisted gait training is feasible and may be an effective therapeutic option in MS patients with severe walking disabilities. Effect size calculation and prepost analysis suggest a higher benefit on walking velocity and knee-extensor strength by RAGT compared to CWT. Due to several limitations, however, our results should be regarded as preliminary. Post hoc power calculation showed that two groups of 106 patients are needed to demonstrate a significant moderate effect size of 0.4 after three weeks of RAGT. Thus, further studies with a larger number of patients are needed to investigate the impact of this new treatment option in MS patients.

Exercise Training in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

“…Similarly, previous work by our research group did not determine significant changes in functional outcomes after 12 weeks of BWSTT in participants with progressive MS with severe disability; however, there was a small positive effect on MSFC scores. 9 Previous research also supports the beneficial effects of BWSTT for improving mobility in participants with MS. [5][6][7] A factor that may have contributed to inconsistency in results is the high level of neurologic impairment of participants in the present study compared with previous trials. Of note, we did not observe a decline in function over 12 weeks in this study.…”

“…The ESs have been used in previous physical activity and exercise training interventions in people with MS to express the magnitude of differences within and between groups after the interventions. 5,[29][30][31][32] The ESs were interpreted as small, moderate, and large based on criteria of 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8, respectively. 33 Statistical significance was set at P ≤ .05.…”

“…Supported treadmill walking has been examined in people with advanced MS and has been found to be safe and well tolerated, with preliminary results suggesting improvements in mobility, fatigue, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). [5][6][7][8][9][10] Although BWSTT may have benefits for participants with limited mobility, this type of intervention is rarely available in community settings, requires highly trained personnel to operate, and is costly to initiate and maintain. 4 Furthermore, improvements gained from BWSTT disability that could interfere with the evaluation of disability due to MS; 4) other serious medical conditions that might impair the ability to walk on a treadmill or participate in exercise training; and 5) previous experience with BWSTT or TBRST.…”

Effect of Comorbidities on Outcomes of Neurorehabilitation Interventions in Multiple Sclerosis

“…[12][13][14][15][16][17][18] The number of intervention sessions ranged from 6 18 to 15 12 over 3 12,14,18 to 6 16,17 weeks. The duration of each session ranged from 30 12,13,15 to 60 16 minutes.…”

“…[12][13][14][16][17][18] The most commonly excluded comorbidities were cognitive impairment (n = 5, 71%) 12,14,[16][17][18] and any orthopedic or joint problems that limited range of motion (n = 4, 57%) [12][13][14]18 (Figure 3). Of the five studies that excluded cognitive impairment, only two provided information on the measurement tools and cutoff scores used to determine eligibility.…”