The Effect of Mobile Robot Assisted Gait Training on Gait Performance in Chronic Patients With Impaired Gait Function After Burn Injury

In the researchers' words

This study aims to examine the clinical effectiveness of gait training using wearable robots in patients with impaired gait function after burn injury. The participants were chronic patients who underwent split-thickness skin grafting or burns of more than 50% of the lower extremities and still had impaired gait dysfunction 6 months later. Eligible participants were aged over 18 years and had a Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) score of 3 or higher. Physiotherapy was performed on a one to one basis by qualified physiotherapists for 1 hour per day, 5 days a week Monday through Friday, for 12 weeks. Assessments were carried out before and immediately after the 12-week training period. Physical ability were assessed using the functional ambulatory category(FAC) scale, the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and the visual analogue scale (VAS). Spatiotemporal gait parameters-including gait speed, cadence, and step length-and sagittal joint kinematic parameters for the hip, knee, and ankle during stance and swing phases were measured during gait analysis. Pulmonary function test such as forced vital capacity (FVC), 1-s forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and carbon monoxide (DLco). The highest maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) value were evaluated.