The effect of lower limb rehabilitation robot on lower limb -motor function in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The assessment and enhancement of lower limb motor function in hemiplegic patients is of paramount importance. The emergence of lower limb rehabilitation robots offers a promising avenue for improving motor function in these patients, addressing the limitations associated with traditional rehabilitation therapies. However, a consensus regarding their clinical effectiveness remains elusive. Consequently, the objective of this study is to systematically review the rehabilitation efficacy of lower limb rehabilitation robots on motor function in post-stroke hemiplegic patients, thereby providing robust clinical evidence to support their promotion and utilization. METHODS: Eight databases were examined between the start and April 2024. Patients with hemiplegia were included in randomized controlled trials to examine the effects of a lower limb rehabilitation robot on their motor function. Data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and study screening were carried out independently by two reviewers. Stata and Review Manager 5.3 were used for the meta-analysis. Sensitivity analysis was used to determine how reliable the findings were. To examine the origins of heterogeneity, meta-regression and subgroup analysis were employed. RESULTS: This review comprised a total of 41 studies with 3279 participants. In one or more domains, the majority of the studies were rated as having a low or uncertain risk of bias. The study's findings demonstrated that the lower limb walking function, balance function, and ability to do activities of daily living improved more in the group receiving conventional rehabilitation (CR) + robot-assisted therapy (RT) than in the CR group. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), which measures balance function, and the Fugl-Meyer scale (FMA), which measures lower limb motor function, were both better in the RT group than in the CR group. Sensitivity analysis proved that the findings were reliable. The sample size and publication years were found to be somewhat responsible for the heterogeneity, according to meta-regression analysis and subgroup analysis. CONCLUSION: In stroke patients with hemiplegia, the lower limb rehabilitation robot has demonstrated a certain level of clinical success in regaining lower limb function.