Effects of robot-assisted gait training on motor performance of lower limb in poststroke survivors: a systematic review with meta-analysis

S. Liang, Z.-Q. Hong, Q. Cai, H.-G. Gao, Y.-J. Ren, H.-Q. Zheng, X. Chen, X.-Q. Hu

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China. huxiquan@mail.sysu.edu.cn

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• Physical Therapy

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) on improving walking ability, and to determine the optimal dosage of task-specific training based on RAGT for stroke patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two investigators independently searched electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) from inception to 31 January 2020. The study design was a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparing the intervention of RAGT plus conventional therapy to conventional therapy alone. RCTs mainly focus on lower limb motor function as the primary outcomes, while the secondary outcomes involve gait speed, walking distance, cadence, balance, and activities of daily living (ADL). Pooled effect estimates were calculated by comparing the change from baseline to the end of the study in each group.

RESULTS: Twenty-eight RCTs were included. The pooled analysis showed that RAGT had a significantly short-term effect on improving lower limb function [standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.32, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.55]. Additionally, there were significant improvements in gait speed (MD 0.10, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.14) and ADL (SMD 0.17, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.32). Subgroup analyses indicated that RAGT lasting for 30-60 minutes per day over 4 weeks yielded a moderate effect size (SMD 0.53, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.90). Additionally, RAGT significantly promoted lower limb function recovery in the early stage after a stroke (SMD 0.33, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.58) or in non-ambulatory patients (SMD 0.35, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.59).

CONCLUSIONS: RAGT demonstrated significant positive effects on lower limb function post-stroke. Our results provide additional evidence to support that RAGT is a potentially appropriate intervention to promote lower limb recovery in individuals who have had a stroke.

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