A retrospective study of the effect of treatment with the hybrid assistive limb^® for spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy

Abstract

Objective : Although treatment with the hybrid assistive limb^® (HAL) for gait disturbance in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is now covered by insurance in Japan, the efficacy of HAL treatment for SBMA alone has not been fully evaluated. Here, we retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of HAL treatment for SBMA.

Methods : Thirteen SBMA patients underwent gait treatment using HAL. Results of the 2–minute walking distance (2MD), 6–meter walking time, Timed Up & Go test (TUG), and creatine kinase (CK) levels were compared before and after the first course of HAL (40 minutes per session, 9 sessions per course).

Results : Results of the 2MD, 6–meter walking time, and TUG improved significantly (p=0.003, p<0.001, p=0.002, respectively), while CK showed no significant difference (p=0.425).

Conclusion : Gait treatment using HAL can improve gait function in SBMA.