Effect of an End Effector Gait Assistance Robot on the Gait of Chronic Stroke Patients

[Purpose] To verify the effects of the use of an end effector gait assistance robot on the gait of chronic stroke patients with gait disorders. [Subjects and Methods] Eleven patients who were able to walk 6 months after stroke with and without the use of the end effector gait assistance robot were compared. The evaluation items were walking speed (m/min), step rate (steps/min), stride length (m), Physical Cost Index (beats/m), Borg Scale and heart rate variation (beats/min). [Results] Patients who used the gait assistance robot had a lower Physical Cost Index and a longer stride length. [Conclusion] Ambulatory exercise was done at a lower load when the end effector gait assistance robot was used, suggesting gait ability would improve through long-term use.