Journal of Physical Therapy Science
Online ISSN : 2187-5626
Print ISSN : 0915-5287
ISSN-L : 0915-5287
Original Article
Views of physiatrists and physical therapists on the use of gait-training robots for stroke patients
Chang Gu KangMin Ho ChunMin Cheol ChangWon KimKyung Hee Do
Author information
Keywords: Robot, Gait, Stroke
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2016 Volume 28 Issue 1 Pages 202-206

Details
Abstract

[Purpose] Gait-training robots have been developed for stroke patients with gait disturbance. It is important to survey the views of physiatrists and physical therapists on the characteristics of these devices during their development. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 100 physiatrists and 100 physical therapists from 38 hospitals participated in our questionnaire survey. [Results] The most common answers about the merits of gait-training robots concern improving the treatment effects (28.5%), followed by standardizing treatment (19%), motivating patients about treatment (17%), and improving patients’ self-esteem (14%). The subacute period (1–3 months post-stroke onset) was most often chosen as the ideal period (47.3%) for the use of these devices, and a functional ambulation classification of 0–2 was the most selected response for the optimal patient status (27%). The preferred model was the treadmill type (47.5%) over the overground walking type (40%). The most favored commercial price was $50,000–$100,000 (38.3%). The most selected optimal duration for robot-assisted gait therapy was 30–45 min (47%), followed by 15–30 min (29%), 45–60 min (18%), ≥ 60 min (5%), and < 15 min (1%). [Conclusion] Our study findings could guide the future designs of more effective gait-training robots for stroke patients.

Content from these authors
© 2016 by the Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc.

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (by-nc-nd) License.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Previous article Next article
feedback
Top