Early Robotic Gait Training After Stroke
Baylor Research Institute
Summary
The ERA Stroke project will compare the effects of robotic gait training (RGT) and usual care (UC) gait training in patients in the subacute phase of stroke recovery undergoing inpatient rehabilitation at the Baylor Scott \& White Institute for Rehabilitation (BSWIR).
Description
Importance: Stroke is estimated to affect 6.6 million Americans, and around 795,000 new cases are reported each year. By 2030, annual stroke-related healthcare costs are expected to eclipse $240 billion, a staggering 445% increase from the current annual cost of $53.9 billion. Specialized stroke rehabilitation reduces long-term disability and stroke-related costs, making cost-efficient efforts to minimize functional deficits faced by people with stroke (e.g., gait impairment) a high priority. This project will provision preliminary evidence regarding the clinical use and efficacy of robotic ga…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–85 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-85 years of age * All types of stroke * Acute/subacute phase of recovery * Medically stable as deemed by a physician * Undergoing medical care and rehabilitation at BSWIR * All genders, races, and ethnicities * Meets Ekso robotic exoskeleton frame limitations * Continence or on a program for bladder and bowel management * Capacity and goal for walking recovery Exclusion Criteria: * Concurrent neurological diagnoses (e.g., TBI, degenerative, CNS neoplasm) * Profound cognitive impairment * Pregnancy
Interventions
- DeviceRobotic Gait Training
Participants will complete standing and walking activities while wearing a robotic exoskeleton. Participants will also be asked to complete questionnaires about their walking and function.
- OtherUsual Care Gait Training
Participants will complete standing and walking activities such as body weight-supported treadmill training and conventional overground walking. Participants will also be asked to complete questionnaires about their walking and function.
Location
- Baylor Scott & White Institute for RehabilitationDallas, Texas