Abstract

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of Walkbot gait training on knee joint stiffness in an individual with spastic hemiplegia.

METHOD

A woman with hemiparetic stroke underwent a 30-minute Walkbot robotic-assisted gait training session. Knee flexion stiffness associated with hamstring spasticity and knee extension torques during the terminal swing phase was determined before and after the intervention using the Walkbot-STIFF measurement system.

DESIGN

Descriptive case analysis.

RESULTS

Knee joint extension kinematic at the terminal swing phase increased from 2.44◦ to −0.28◦. Knee joint torque increased from 0.26 Nm to 0.32 Nm. The knee flexion stiffness decreased from 0.0083 Nm/degree to 0.0022 Nm/degree following the training.

CONCLUSIONS

The Walkbot robotic-assisted locomotor training was effective for reducing knee joint stiffness and improving extensor torque during functional gait. Moreover, the Walkbot-STIFF system was useful for assessing and monitoring spasticity during locomotor training.

Keywords: Assistive device, cortical disinhibition, muscle stiffness, robotic-assisted gait training, stroke