Mehrholz, J. et al „Electromechanical-Assisted Gait training after stroke: a systematic review comparing end effector and exoskeleton devices. J Rehabil Med (2012); 44: 193–199 (2)
In a systematic review, end effector and exo-skeleton approaches were compared with the aim of analyze the effects of different electromechanical gait trainings after stroke. The review was made using the following sources: Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, COMPENDEX and INSPEC.
18 clinical trials were included involving 885 patients. Significantly higher rates of independent walking in end-effector compared with exoskeleton-based training were shown.
The results suggest that the type of electromechanical-assisted device might influence the outcome of gait rehabilitation after stroke.