This study aims to examine the clinical effectiveness of gait training using wearable robots in patients with impaired gait function after burn injury. The participants were chronic patients who underwent split-thickness skin grafting or burns of more than 50% of the lower extremities and still had impaired gait dysfunction 6 months later. Eligible participants were aged over 18 years and had a Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) score of 3 or higher. Physiotherapy was performed on a one to one basis by qualified physiotherapists for 1 hour per day, 5 days a week Monday through Friday, for 12 weeks. Assessments were carried out before and immediately after the 12-week training period. Physical ability were assessed using the functional ambulatory category(FAC) scale, the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and the visual analogue scale (VAS). Spatiotemporal gait parameters-including gait speed, cadence, and step length-and sagittal joint kinematic parameters for the hip, knee, and ankle during stance and swing phases were measured during gait analysis. Pulmonary function test such as forced vital capacity (FVC), 1-s forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and carbon monoxide (DLco). The highest maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) value were evaluated.
chronic patients who underwent split-thickness skin grafting or burns of more than 50% of the lower extremities and still had impaired gait dysfunction 6 months later. -aged over 18 years
had a Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) score of 3 or higher
fourth-degree burns (involving muscles, tendons, and bone injuries)
severe communication disorders because of intellectual impairment and psychological problems
Patients with body types that prevent them form wearing the robot, such as a height of 4.59 feet (140cm) or 5.91 feet (185cm) or more, or severe obesity with a BMI of 35 or more.
Patients with heart and circulatory conditions that may affect gait training.
Single group
wearable robot training
Other interventionThe wearable robot (WIRobotics Inc) is a wearable robot designed to provide assistive torque and resistive torque for hip movement. It is worn around the waist and thighs and weight approximately 1.6 kg. The main body and actuation parts are not located at the hip joints and back to avoid restricting body movements and to facilitate movement even in cramped spaces. Physiotherapy was performed on a one to one basis by qualified physiotherapists for 1 hour per day, 5 days a week Monday through Friday, for 12 weeks.
functional ambulatory category
Participants were rated on a six-point scale based on the level of physical assistance required for walking, regardless of whether an assistive device was used.
6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
conducted according to standardized guidelines, on a 20-meter walking course. Patients were instructed to walk as far as possible in 6 min.
visual analogue scale (VAS)
rate the degree of subjective pain during gait movement (0 points : when no pain was noted, and 10 points : when unbearable pain was noted).
sagittal joint kinematic parameters for the hip, knee, and ankle during stance and swing phases
the total range of motion of hip, knee, and ankle during one gait cycle
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