A Robot-Assisted Therapy to Increase Muscle Strength in Hemiplegic Gait Rehabilitation
Gil-Castillo, Javier
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC)
Abarza, Karim Baleta
Rehabil Ctr Club Leones Cruz
Gallardo, Asterio Andrade
Rehabil Ctr Club Leones Cruz
Mancilla, Angel Biskupovic
Univ Catol Chile
Azorin, Jose M.
Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche
Moreno, Juan C.
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC)
Journal
Frontiers in Neurorobotics
ISSN
1662-5218
Open Access
gold
Volume
16
This study examines the feasibility of using a robot-assisted therapy methodology based on the Bobath concept to perform exercises applied in conventional therapy for gait rehabilitation in stroke patients. The aim of the therapy is to improve postural control and movement through exercises based on repetitive active-assisted joint mobilization, which is expected to produce strength changes in the lower limbs. As therapy progresses, robotic assistance is gradually reduced and the patient's burden increases with the goal of achieving a certain degree of independence. The relationship between force and range of motion led to the analysis of both parameters of interest. The study included 23 volunteers who performed 24 sessions, 2 sessions per week for 12 weeks, each lasting about 1 h. The results showed a significant increase in hip abduction and knee flexion strength on both sides, although there was a general trend of increased strength in all joints. However, the range of motion at the hip and ankle joints was reduced. The usefulness of this platform for transferring exercises from conventional to robot-assisted therapies was demonstrated, as well as the benefits that can be obtained in muscle strength training. However, it is suggested to complement the applied therapy with exercises for the maintenance and improvement of the range of motion.
Name
document.pdf
Type
Main Article
Size
1.4 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum
(MD5):ab74b034f2e323306bcc9c6c994ed4cc