Ankle torque steadiness and gait speed after a single session of robot therapy in individuals with chronic hemiparesis: a pilot study

Author(s)

Silva-Couto, M. A. ^{[1, 2]} ; Siqueira, A. A. G. ^[1] ; Santos, Gabriela L. ^{[2, 3]} ; Russo, Thaigo L. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Mech Engn, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Fed Univ Sao Carlos UFSCar, Dept Phys Therapy, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[3] Alfredo Nasser Fac, Inst Sci & Hlth, Aparecida De Goiania - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation; v. 26, n. 8 AUG 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Background: Anklebot therapy has proven to be effective in improving hemiparetic gait. However, neither ankle torque steadiness nor the relationship between changes in force control and functional tasks after therapy with Anklebot were described. Objective: To assess whether a single session of robotic therapy promotes short-term ankle adaptations that influence ankle torque steadiness and walking speed in individuals with chronic hemiparesis. Methods: A sample of participants who had residual hemiparesis deficits (hemiparesis group; n = 13) and age- and sex-matched healthy control participants (control group; n = 13). For sample characterization, balance, mobility, sensorimotor impairment, and daily living activities performance were measured. Results: Differences in functional tests were identified only when the control and hemiparesis groups (F = 29.1; p = .001) were compared during the 10-metre Walking Test. Regarding the pre- and post-robotic assistance session, no significant difference was observed for any comparison (p > .05), except for the steadiness test, as demonstrated by the standard deviation (F = 7.10; p = .01) and coefficient of variation (F = 6.20; p = .02). The hemiparesis group showed better torque steadiness during dorsiflexion post-robotic assistance therapy (p >= 0.02) when compared with pre-robotic assessment. Correlations were identified between steadiness and walking speed variables. Conclusion: People with chronic hemiparesis presented short-term performance gains in torque steadiness, especially during dorsiflexion, after a single robotic therapy session. The robotic therapy did not influence the walking speed, although low to moderate correlations between torque steadiness variables and walking speed were observed. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/13655-6 - Sedentary behaviour and arterial dysfunction in chronic post-stroke subjects
• Grantee: Thiago Luiz de Russo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/25845-6 - Effects of elastic tape on shoulder proprioception and sensory-motor performance during reaching in chronic hemiparetic subjects
• Grantee: Gabriela Lopes dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate