Balance Improvement and Fall Risk Reduction in Stroke Survivors After Treatment With a Wearable Home-Use Gait Device: Single-Arm Longitudinal Study With 1-Year Follow-Up
Single-arm longitudinal study found long-term functional balance improvement in stroke survivors, suggesting reduced fall risk with gait device treatment.
Key Points
Participants showed significant balance improvements over 12 months after using a gait device, enhancing mobility and safety.
Results indicated a 5.9-point increase on the Berg Balance Scale and a 4.9-second decrease on the Timed Up and Go test, validating the treatment's effectiveness.
This observational analysis involved 18 chronic stroke patients receiving a wearable gait device during home ambulation sessions under therapist supervision.
Findings suggest that the gait device may enhance long-term functional balance for stroke survivors, indicating a potential method for fall risk reduction.