A case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in which long–term gait training was performed using a Hybrid Assistive Limb

Abstract

Herein, we present a 61–year–old female with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), who underwent gait training with a lower limb–type Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL^®). She could walk with a quad cane and presented with anterocollis in her neck and trunk. To prevent her gait disturbance from worsening, we scheduled gait training using a HAL^® for 20 minutes/day for 9 of 14 days. At the end of the 1^st course, her gait speed had improved. We continued the HAL^®–based gait training at intervals of >14 days. The patient's gait function gradually declined ; however, we observed temporary improvements in her gait speed. In addition, the anterocollis in her neck and trunk were transiently ameliorated. Despite its short–term efficacy, repeated gait training using a HAL^® improved the gait function and resting function of an ALS patient.