Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2025, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (6): 711-720.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2025.06.012

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Effect of Lokomat robotic-assisted gait training on lower limb motor function in children with hemiplegia

ZHOU Tiantian1,2a, ZHANG Tong1,2b(), ZHANG Qi1,2a, LIANG Yanhua1,2a, ZHANG Yanqing1,2a, YUE Qing1,2a, LI Sijia1,2a   

  1. 1. Capital Medical University School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Beijing 100068, China
    2a. Department of Pediatric Physical Therapy; b. Department of Neurology, Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing 100068, China
  • Received:2025-03-13 Revised:2025-05-15 Published:2025-06-25 Online:2025-06-16
  • Contact: E-mail: Tom611@126.com E-mail:Tom611@126.com

Abstract:

Objective To explore the effect of Lokomat robotic-assisted gait training on lower limb motor function in children with hemiplegia.

Methods From October, 2023 to January, 2025, a total of 52 children with hemiplegia admitted to Beijing Bo'ai Hospital were randomly divided into control group (n = 26) and observation group (n = 26). Both groups received conventional rehabilitation therapy, while the observation group additionally received Lokomat robotic-assisted gait training, for four weeks. Before and after intervention, the self-selected walking speed (SWS) and maximum walking speed (MWS) of 10-meter Walk Test, 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), Physiological Cost Index (PCI), as well as gait line length asymmetry ratio, single support line asymmetry ratio, stance phase asymmetry ratio and step length ratio were compared.

Results After intervention, SWS, MWS and 6MWD improved in both groups (|Z| > 2.910, P < 0.01), and were better in the the observation group than in the control group (|Z| > 2.069, P < 0.05); PCI significantly decreased in both groups (|Z| > 4.458, P < 0.001), and was lower in the observation group than in the control group (Z = -2.435, P < 0.05); the gait line length asymmetry ratio, single support line asymmetry ratio and stance phase asymmetry ratio improved in both groups (Z = 3.398, |t| > 2.211, P < 0.05), and were better in the observation group than in the control group (Z = 2.802, |t| > 2.107, P< 0.05).

Conclusion Lokomat robotic-assisted gait training can effectively improve walking speed and endurance in children with hemiplegia, reduce energy expenditure, enhance walking efficiency, and promote gait symmetry, thereby facilitating symmetrical gait patterns.

Key words: hemiplegia, children, robotic-assisted gait training, lower limb, motor function

CLC Number: