Robot-assisted Gait Training in Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

SUMMARY Bradykinesia is one of the three cardinal features of Parkinson’s disease (PD). It causes gait and balance disorders, leading to progressive disability. Different approaches have been proposed in order to improve gait performance in PD and new findings suggest that intensive rehabilitation gait training may have a crucial role. The literature concerning robot-assisted gait training rehabilitation in PD is reviewed and discussed, taking into account the multifaceted mechanisms that may support gait improvements. Although further research in this field is recommended, current evidence supports the potential role of robot-assisted gait training rehabilitation in reducing both short and long-lasting disability.