Comparison of the effects of robot-assisted gait training using FES versus virtual reality for stroke patients. A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted gait training is becoming an effective alternative to therapist-assisted gait training in stroke rehabilitation. This method has the potential to reduce therapist burden and treatment costs, and is receiving considerable attention for the functional recovery of stroke patients. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of robot-assisted gait training using Functional electrical stimulation (FES) and Virtual Reality(VR) on balance and gait abilities in stroke patients and to suggest an effective treatment strategies. METHODS: All subjects were randomly divided into three groups: Robot-assisted gait training using FES Group (RFG) (n = 22), Robot-assisted gait training using VR Group (RVG) (n = 23) and control group (n = 20). Subjects in RFG or RVG underwent robot-assisted gait training for 30 minutes, three times a week for six weeks. All Subjects were assessed for lower extremity muscle strength, balance, gait, motor function, and ADL pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: All subjects showed that all outcome measures significantly improved post-intervention (p < 0.05). In addition, it has been confirmed that RFG had significantly improved in MRC and BBS scores compared with RVG (p < 0.05). And, both groups showed significant differences compared to the control group in all areas except MBI (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that showed improved lower extremity muscle strength and balance abilities after RFG compared with RVG and may be effective strategy to enhance the functional recovery of persons with stroke.