Galli, M. et al. “Robot-assisted gait training versus treadmill training in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a kinematic evaluation with gait profile score” Functional Neurology 2016; 31(3):163-170
The aim of the study was to quantitatively compare the effects, on walking performance, of end-effector robotic locomotor training (G-EO System) versus intensive training with a treadmill in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Fifty patients with PD were randomly divided into two groups: 25 were assigned to the robot-assisted therapy group (RG) and 25 to the intensive treadmill therapy group (IG).
Measurement at onset (T0) and at the end (T1).
Spatio-temporal parameters: % stance, mean velocity, step length, step width, cadence; kinematics: gait profile score (GPS) and gait variable scores (GVS) were assessed.
The G-EO group significantly improved various spatio-temporal parameters (mean velocity, step length and cadence) whereas the treadmill group only improved the step length.
The G-EO group showed significant improvements in GVS (Pelvic obliquity and Hip Ab-Adduction) whereas the treadmill group did not show any improvements in kinematics.