Effectiveness of robotic assisted walking therapy: The role of age and sex

Robotic-assisted walking training has spread in recent years with positive results regarding its efficacy. However there are few information regarding the target people for a more effective robotic rehabilitation. The present study is aimed to investigate if possible demographic factors can influence robotic-assisted walking training. The study was performed in a neurorehabilitation setting. A total of 74 patients were randomized in roboticassisted gait training abbreviated conventional therapy (RAGT) and floor-assisted gait training abbreviated conventional therapy intervention (FAGT). Outcome measure was the walking ability measured by Functional Ambulation Classifications (FAC). Results show that in RAGT group walking recovery was more effective for female than males (p=0.0048) and for patients over 65 years (≥65 yrs, p=0.040). This combined gender/age effect was not observed in FAGT group. Among demographic factors gender and age are critical for selecting stroke patients with higher chance of gait robotic gait therapy efficacy.