The Effects of Robotic Exoskeleton Gait Training on Improving Walking Adaptability in Persons with MS

The goal of the present pilot investigation is to examine the effects of 8 weeks of supervised, over-ground gait training using a robotic exoskeleton (RE) compared with a control condition (conventional gait therapy, CGT) in persons with MS with ambulatory. Four female subjects (mean age=53 years) with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) participated in this study and completed a total of sixteen sessions (1-hour/session) gait training in a standard therapy gym either using a RE supervised by a physical therapist (PT) trained with RE therapy (2 subjects) or with the CGT (2 subjects) supervised by a PT. Outcome measures (obstacle avoidance, ability to track augmented cues, and average walking speed while completing these dual-tasks) were measured for both groups on a smart, instrumented treadmill (C-Mill, Motekforce, Netherland) pre- and post-intervention without the RE. Overall, individuals with MS who underwent training with RE demonstrated improved walking adaptability (obstacle avoidance and augmented cues tracking) with no adverse events during the study, and improved average walking speed post training compared to baseline.Clinical Relevance— These preliminary results from four individuals with MS suggest that gait training with robotic exoskeleton may present an effective method for improving walking adaptability and average walking speed.