Effects of robot-assisted locomotor training in patients with gait disorders following neurological injury: An integrated EMG and kinematic approach

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of robot-assisted locomotor training on muscular recruitment in patients with gait disorders. Three incomplete spinal cord injured patients and four patients with multiple sclerosis were recruited and underwent a 7-weeks gait robotic training. For comparison purposes five healthy subjects were recruited. Clinical outcome measures and walking tests were used as assessment tools. The integrated value of electromyographic activity and the hip angle deviations from the trajectory imposed by the robot were computed. Both an increase in the muscular activity and a decrease in the angle deviations were observed. Clinical outcome measures and walking tests showed a functional improvement. The electromyographic recordings can highlight the activation of neuronal plasticity in patients undergoing gait robotic training.