Robot Assisted Gait Training in a Patient with Ataxia

Background: Ataxia is a neurological sign characterized by motor coordination during gait/voluntary limb movements impairment. Ataxic gait leads to disability and worsening of quality of life; physiotherapy intervention is recommended to improve motor function. Recent studies showed benefits due to repetitive robotized assisted gait training using a static exoskeleton in patients affected by acquired ataxias. The aim of the study was to perform a preliminary evaluation of the short-term effects of overground UAN.GO(®)-assisted gait training in an adult patient with ataxia but with no clear genetic pattern. Methods: This case report study was conducted on a single male adult patient, who presented ataxic spastic gait, posterior chain tightness, pes cavus, and unstable standing position. The patient underwent two preliminary sessions to take part in the study. Treatment protocol planned 10 sessions and each one lasted 80 min, 60 of which were spent in gait training using the mobile overground exoskeleton UAN.GO(®). At T1 (start of the study) and T10 (final evaluation) assessments using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia, Berg Balance Scale, 6-Minute Walking Test, and Likert Scale were administered. Space-time parameters of gait cycle were also evaluated: left and right step length, stance and swing percentages. Results: improvements on the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia, Berg Balance Scale, and in the distance travelled at 6-Minute Walking Test emerged. The patient gave a positive opinion towards the treatment, showed by Likert Scale results. Kinematic gait analysis showed more physiological step length, stance and swing percentages, joint angles. The patient completed the training program with an excellent compliance. Discussion: Since these encouraging outcomes were obtained, it is possible to consider robot-assisted gait training performed with UAN.GO(®) as a therapeutic option to improve motor and functional performance in patients with ataxic gait.