Article

Neurological disorders lead to walking disabilities, which are often
treated using robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) devices such as the driven
gait-orthosis Lokomat. A novel integrated biofeedback system was developed to
facilitate therapeutically desirable activities during walking. The aim of this
study was to evaluate the feasibility to detect changes during RAGT by using this
novel biofeedback approach in a clinical setting for patients with central
neurological disorders. METHODS: 84 subjects (50 men and 34 women, mean age of 58
+/- 13 years) were followed over 8 RAGT sessions. Outcome measures were
biofeedback values as weighted averages of torques measured in the joint drives
and independent parameters such as guidance force, walking speed, patient
coefficient, session duration, time between sessions and total treatment time.
RESULTS: Joint segmented analysis showed significant trends for decreasing hip
flexion activity (p </=.003) and increasing knee extension activity (p </=.001)
during RAGT sessions with an intercorrelation of r=-.43
(p </=.001). Further
associations among independent variables were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: This is the first study that evaluates the Lokomat integrated
biofeedback system in different neurological disorders in a clinical setting.
Results suggest that this novel biofeedback approach used in this study is not
able to detect progress during RAGT. These findings should be taken into account
when refining existing or developing new biofeedback strategies in RAGT relating
to appropriate systems to evaluate progress and support therapist feedback in
clinical settings.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS