Robot-Assisted Gait Training vs Visual Feedback Balance Training in Stroke

Description

Stroke frequently leads to balance impairment and gait dysfunction, increasing fall risk and limiting functional independence. Technology-assisted rehabilitation approaches such as robot-assisted gait training and visual feedback balance training have been shown to improve balance and mobility in stroke patients. This randomized, assessor-blinded clinical trial aims to compare the effects of robot-assisted gait training and visual feedback balance training on balance and gait outcomes in patients with subacute and chronic stroke. Both interventions are part of routine clinical rehabilitation practice. Participants will be evaluated at baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention using clinical balance, gait, and functional assessments.

Interventions

• Robot-Assisted Gait Training (Device)
  Robot-Assisted Gait Training (RoboGait®) Robot-assisted gait training will be delivered using the RoboGait® device (Bama Technology, METU Technokent, Ankara, Türkiye). The system provides repetitive, task-specific gait training with controlled movement patterns to improve dynamic balance, gait symmetry, and motor relearning. Sessions will be performed twice weekly for 4 weeks, each lasting 30 minutes. Body weight support and gait parameters will be adjusted according to the patient's clinical status and tolerance. Other: Conventional Rehabilitation Program All participants will receive conventional rehabilitation for 40 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The program includes static and dynamic balance exercises, lower extremity and trunk strengthening, weight shifting, sit-to-stand training, turning activities, and gait-related balance exercises under therapist supervision. Exercise progression will be individualized based on functional capacity and safety.
• Visual Feedback Balance Training (Device)
  Visual Feedback Balance Training Visual feedback balance training will be performed using the ProKin 252 system (TecnoBody S.R.L., Bergamo, Italy). The system provides real-time visual feedback to improve postural stability, weight shifting, and dynamic balance control. Sessions will be conducted twice weekly for 4 weeks, each lasting 30 minutes. Training difficulty will be progressively adjusted according to patient performance and safety. Other: Conventional Rehabilitation Program All participants will receive conventional rehabilitation for 40 minutes per session, 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The program includes static and dynamic balance exercises, lower extremity and trunk strengthening, weight shifting, sit-to-stand training, turning activities, and gait-related balance exercises under therapist supervision. Exercise progression will be individualized based on functional capacity and safety.

Eligibility criteria

Conditions

Locations

• AIBU Izzet Baysak Physical Treatment and Rehabilitation Hospital — Bolu, Turkey (Türkiye)