Objective
To evaluate the feasibility and usability of cost-effective complex upper and lower limb robot-assisted gait training in patients with stroke using the GTR-A, a foot-plate based end-effector type robotic device.
Methods
Patients with subacute stroke (n=9) were included in this study. The enrolled patients received 30-minute robot-assisted gait training thrice a week for 2 weeks (6 sessions). The hand grip strength, functional ambulation categories, modified Barthel index, muscle strength test sum score, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, and Short Physical Performance Battery were used as functional assessments. The heart rate was measured to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness. A structured questionnaire was used to evaluate the usability of robot-assisted gait training. All the parameters were evaluated before and after the robot-assisted gait training program.
Results
Eight patients completed robot-assisted gait training, and all parameters of functional assessment significantly improved between baseline and posttraining, except for hand grip strength and muscle strength test score. The mean scores for each domain of the questionnaire were as follows: safety, 4.40±0.35; effects, 4.23±0.31; efficiency, 4.22±0.77; and satisfaction, 4.41±0.25.
Conclusion
Thus, the GTR-A is a feasible and safe robotic device for patients with gait impairment after stroke, resulting in improvement of ambulatory function and performance of activities of daily living with endurance training. Further research including various diseases and larger sample groups is necessary to verify the utility of this device.

Citations

• Effect of Progressive Speed Increase Versus Constant Speed in Robot-Assisted Gait Training on Balance and Gait Ability in Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
  Dong-Yun Bae, Soo-Yong Kim, Jong-Chul Jung, Min-Chull Park
  NeuroRehabilitation.2026; 58(1): 135.     CrossRef
• Changes in body composition, physical fitness and quality of life on robotic gait assisted training in patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome: a case report
  Moon Jin Lee, Sung Jin Yoon
  Physical Activity and Nutrition.2024; 28(4): 009.     CrossRef
• Smart Devices for Health and Wellness Applied to Tele-Exercise: An Overview of New Trends and Technologies Such as IoT and AI
  Antonio Fabbrizio, Alberto Fucarino, Manuela Cantoia, Andrea De Giorgio, Nuno D. Garrido, Enzo Iuliano, Victor Machado Reis, Martina Sausa, José Vilaça-Alves, Giovanna Zimatore, Carlo Baldari, Filippo Macaluso
  Healthcare.2023; 11(12): 1805.     CrossRef