Lokomat Training to Improve Gait in Multiple Sclerosis and Freezing of Gait in Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Gait dysfunction is an area of considerable disability for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). The use of robot-assisted gait training is a potential technology-based intervention to treat gait impairment. Twenty-five people with MS and PD were enrolled in separate clinical studies and treated with up to 16 sessions of robot-assisted gait training. Outcomes collected included quantitative temporal-spatial gait data, as well as patient self- reported quality of life. Our findings show that robot-assisted gait training can result in positive improvements in gait and quality of life in the MS population and reduce freezing of gait in the PD population.