The Impact of Exoskeleton Rehabilitation Robot Training on Balance and Lower Limb Function in Subacute Stroke Patients: A Preliminary, Randomized Controlled Trial

Research Background and Purpose

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. With the rapid development of stroke treatment technology, the mortality rate of stroke has significantly decreased, leading to an increase in the number of stroke survivors. Statistics show that more than 70% of stroke survivors will suffer from varying degrees of motor, sensory, cognitive, and speech impairments. This not only places a heavy burden on individuals and families but also has a significant impact on society. Balance is the foundation for all static and dynamic human activities, and up to 80% of stroke patients experience balance impairments. These impairments can affect patients’ mobility and quality of life.

This study aims to investigate the effects of rehabilitation robot-assisted training on balance and lower limb function recovery in subacute stroke patients, with a focus on whether exoskeleton rehabilitation robot training with the REX robot is superior to dose-matched conventional training in improving balance and lower limb function in subacute stroke patients.

Research Source

This research was conducted by Yu-Ting Zhang et al. and published in the journal Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation (2024). The researchers are from various institutions, including the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Jiangnan University, Nanjing Sport Institute, and others.

Research Details

Study Design

This study is a preliminary single-blind randomized controlled trial. A total of 24 subacute stroke patients (with a disease duration of 3 weeks to 3 months) were randomly assigned to the robot group and the control group. Both groups received training once a day (60 minutes per session), five days a week, for a total of four weeks.

Intervention Measures

Patients in the robot group underwent REX exoskeleton rehabilitation robot training, including standing balance training, knee flexion training, and lower limb function training. Patients in the control group received conventional rehabilitation training.

Main Results

The robot group showed significant improvements in the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS), and surface electromyography (sEMG) of the lower limbs. Compared to the control group, the robot group demonstrated more significant improvements in BBS and PASS scores.

Conclusion

This is the first study to explore the effectiveness of the REX exoskeleton rehabilitation robot in stroke patient rehabilitation training. The results indicate that this robot has potential superiority in promoting early recovery of balance and motor function in subacute stroke patients.

Research Highlights

The study methodology is novel, and the research subjects have special characteristics. This study focuses on the impact of robot-assisted training and its potential applications in the field of rehabilitation, providing a basis for future large-scale randomized controlled trials and follow-up evaluations.

Other Notable Points

• The REX exoskeleton rehabilitation robot is a wearable, self-stabilizing dynamic exoskeleton robot.
• The study also monitored vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
• Future research should aim to increase sample size, conduct long-term follow-up, and further improve the methodological design.

Significance and Value of the Research

This study provides evidence for the application of rehabilitation robots in the rehabilitation of subacute stroke patients, demonstrating their potential value in improving patients’ balance and lower limb function. With further research in the future, rehabilitation robots have the potential to play a greater role in clinical practice, optimize stroke rehabilitation strategies, reduce social burden, and improve patients’ quality of life.