The Usefulness of a Gait-assist Robot for Patients with Subacute Stroke

Abstract

[Purpose] This study investigated whether an intervention using Physibo Gait (PG) contributed to improvements in the gait speed, balance ability, and activities of daily living (ADL) of patients with stroke. [Participants and Methods] A total of 505 patients admitted to the convalescent rehabilitation ward of our hospital were included in this study. Based on the presence or absence of PG intervention, the patients were divided into two groups: a control group (n=445) and a PG group (n=60). Propensity score matching was performed using baseline data at admission, resulting in matched groups of 60 patients each. Physical and ADL functions were then compared before and after the intervention period. [Results] After matching, there were 60 patients in each group. Both groups showed significant improvements in gait speed, Timed Up and Go Test, and the Functional Balance Scale after the intervention. The PG group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in these outcomes compared to the control group. [Conclusion] The results suggest that intervention using PG contributes to improvements in the gait speed and balance ability of patients with stroke.