Lokomat guided gait in hemiparetic stroke patients: the effects of training parameters on muscle activity and temporal symmetry.

CONCLUSIONS: The Lokomat training parameters are generally ineffective in shaping short term muscle activity and step symmetry patients with hemiparetic stroke, as speed is the only parameter that significantly affects muscular amplitude. TRIAL REGISTRATION: d.n.a. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The Lokomat is a commercially available gait trainer that can be used for gait rehabilitation in post-stroke hemiparetic patients. This study shows that muscle amplitude is generally low during Lokomat guided walking, and that treadmill Speed is the main training parameter to influence muscular output in stroke patients during Lokomat walking. Varying Guidance and Bodyweight Support within a clinical relevant range barely affected muscle activity, and temporal step symmetry was unaffected by variation in any of the training parameters. Based on the findings it is advised to increase speed as early as possible during Lokomat therapy, or use other means (e.g. feedback or instructions) to stimulate active involvement of patients during training. PMID: 30973764 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tags: Disabil Rehabil Source Type: research