To determine the effect of using a robotic exoskeleton to allow walking practice after stroke, compared to usual physiotherapy care, on recovery of walking ability and secondary outcomes.
Participants admitted to inpatient stroke rehabilitation for physiotherapy services will be randomly assigned to either the Exoskeleton Program or Usual Care Program. Individuals in the Exoskeleton Program will have their usual physiotherapy sessions replaced with the exoskeleton intervention. The exoskeleton will allow standing and walking from the first sessions in rehabilitation, as the exoskeleton provides the physical support to allow walking in full weight-bearing without being limited by therapist fatigue and lifting requirements. Individuals in the Usual Care Program will receive standard physiotherapy care, which is individualized and hands-on with their therapist to regain walking, mobility, and independent function. Both groups will be conducted 3-5 days a week, 30-60 minutes per session until discharge (to a maximum of 8 weeks). Participants will be assessed at baseline, discharge, and 6-months after starting rehabilitation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
36
Subjects will wear the exoskeleton device at each physiotherapy session to work on improving mobility and walking ability.
Subjects will receive hands-on physiotherapy to improve their mobility and walking ability. Physiotherapy session will be tailored to subject individually by their therapist.
Glenrose Rehabilitation hospital
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
GF Strong Rehab Centre
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Parkwood Institute
London, Ontario, Canada
Walking ability - Functional Ambulation Category
Time frame: Rehabilitation Discharge (generally 4-6 weeks, up to 8 weeks)
5-Metre Walk Test (5MWT)
Time frame: Discharge (generally 4-6 weeks, up to 8 weeks), 6 months from admission
6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
Time frame: Discharge (generally 4-6 weeks, up to 8 weeks), 6 months from admission
Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
Time frame: Discharge (generally 4-6 weeks, up to 8 weeks), 6 months from admission
Health-related Quality of Life (SF-36)
Time frame: Discharge (generally 4-6 weeks, up to 8 weeks), 6 months from admission
Depressive Symptoms (PHQ-9)
Time frame: Discharge (generally 4-6 weeks, up to 8 weeks), 6 months from admission
Days to independent walking
The number of days from admission until the participant is able to walk without any manual assistance from a therapist will be recorded.
Time frame: Discharge (generally 4-6 weeks, up to 8 weeks)
Motor impairment/recovery of the lower extremity (Fugl-Meyer Lower)
Time frame: Discharge (generally 4-6 weeks, up to 8 weeks), 6 months from admission
Cognition - Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
Time frame: Discharge (generally 4-6 weeks, up to 8 weeks), 6 months from admission
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Functional Ambulation Category
Time frame: 6 Months from admission
Daily step count
ActivPAL recording over 4 days
Time frame: 6 months from admission