Highlights
- •Combined Lokomat and conventional physiotherapy has superior effects than Lokomat alone.
- •The Lokomat may improve the functional gait ability after incomplete SCI.
- •The effect of the Lokomat on balance and cardiorespiratory fitness remains unclear.
- •The effects of Lokomat on the lower extremity spasticity was limited.
- •Lokomat is not superior in improving the gait speed.
Abstract
Background
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a critical medical condition that causes numerous impairments
leading to accompanying disability. Robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) offers many
advantages, including the capability to increase the intensity and total duration
of training while maintaining a physiological gait pattern. The effects of the RAGT
‘Lokomat’ on various impairments following SCI remain unclear.
Objectives
This review was conducted to examine the impacts of the RAGT ‘Lokomat’ on the impairments
following SCI.
Methods
We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, PEDro, REHABDATA, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and web of science
from inception to January 2021. Experimental studies examining the effects of the
Lokomat on the impairments following incomplete SCI were selected. The methodological
quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.
Results
Sixteen studies were met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen were randomized controlled
trials, two were clinical trials, and one was a pilot study. The scores on the PEDro
scale ranged from two to eight, with a median score of six. The results showed evidence
for the beneficial effects of the Lokomat on many motor impairments following incomplete
SCI.
Conclusions
The Lokomat may improve gait speed, walking distance, strength, range of motion, and
mobility after incomplete SCI. There is insufficient evidence for the effect of the
Lokomat on balance, depression, cardiorespiratory fitness, and quality of life. The
effects of the Lokomat on the lower extremity spasticity were limited.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Accepted:
July 16,
2021
Received:
February 1,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
