| Objective: To observe the effects of weight-bearing robot-assisted training on the lower limb function of hemiplegic patients after stroke. Methods: Thirty-nine stroke patients were divided into two groups by a random number method, including 19 in the robot group and 20 in the control group. The robot group received physical therapy combined with weight-bearing robot-assisted training for the lower limb. The control group received physical therapy with therapist-guiding balance and gait training. The functional outcomes were Brunnstrom scale (lower limb), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), Berg balance scale, functional ambulation category scale (FAC), and Barthel index (BI) before, 2 weeks and 3 weeks after the rehabilitation. Results: After 2-week rehabilitation, there was no significant change of Brunnstrom scale in both groups and no significant difference between the two groups; FMA of lower limb in robot group after 2 weeks was better than before (P<0.05) with no significant difference between two groups, while control group had no changes after 2-week rehabilitation. After 3-week rehabilitation, Brunnstrom scale and FMA of lower limb in robot group were improved significantly as compared with baselines, but there was no significant difference between two groups. There were no significant differences in Brunnstrom scale and FMA of lower limb in control group before and after 2-week rehabilitation. After 2-week rehabilitation, there was significant difference in Berg balance scale in both groups (P<0.05) with no significant difference between two groups. After 3-week rehabilitation, there was significant difference in Berg balance scale (P<0.05) in both groups, and robot group was better than control group (P<0.05). After 2-week and 3-week rehabilitation, Barthel Index was improved significantly as compared with baselines in both groups (P<0.05) with no significant difference between two groups. Conclusion: Weight-bearing robot assisted training for the lower limb can improve balance, motor function of lower limb, and activities of daily living in hemiplegic patients following stroke. The robot training is better than physical exercise instructed by therapists in balance. |
