Robot-Assisted Gait Training In Early-Subacute Stroke, version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effect of robot-assisted gait training on cardiovascular health and activity levels within early-subacute stroke patients
IRAS ID
323742
Contact name
James Faulkner
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is cut off. Many people struggle to walk after having a stroke. Regaining the ability to walk is a key aim for many stroke survivors and rehabilitation practitioners as it allows improved independence and better health. This study will assess a rehabilitation method called robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) with stroke patients. RAGT uses a robotic device to assist the patient in taking steps. The RAGT device being investigated in this study is called the Lokomat. This device uses a treadmill, a harness, and a robotic suit to help the user to take steps. In particular, the study will see whether this form of training can improve the health of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular health) of people with stroke. Also, the study will assess whether RAGT helps stroke patients to be more physically active in the initial stages after they have a stroke. Physical activity and cardiovascular health are linked. Physical inactivity, which is common post-stroke, can lead to worsening cardiovascular health, and increase the risk of another stroke, hence why these are both principal research questions of the study.
Patients at one of two NHS inpatient stroke units will be invited to participate in the research – one which uses the Lokomat as standard care and one which does not. The decision to participate (or not) will not result in a change in their care plan, but if they do decide to participate, the research team will collect some additional data to help answer the questions this study is attempting to answer. All the measurements taken will be safe, non-intrusive and pain free. The results of patients using the Lokomat at one stroke unit will be compared to patients in the other inpatient stroke unit not using the device.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SC/0224
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jul 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion