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Exercise intensity of robot-assisted walking versus overground walking in nonambulatory stroke patients. Michiel P. M. van Nunen, MSc; Karin H. L. Gerrits, PhD; Arnold de Haan, PhD; Thomas W. J. Janssen, PhD. Aim
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Exercise intensity of robot-assisted walking versus overground walking in nonambulatory stroke patients Michiel P. M. van Nunen, MSc; Karin H. L. Gerrits, PhD; Arnold de Haan, PhD; Thomas W. J. Janssen, PhD
Aim • Investigate whether exercise intensity during Lokomat therapy elicits a training effect. • Determine how assistance while walking with Lokomat affects this exercise intensity. • Relevance • Robot-assisted treadmill exercise (using Lokomat device) could increase duration of walking therapy relative to conventional overground walking.
Methods • 20 Participants: • 10 patients with stroke walked on Lokomat and in hallway. • 10 nondisabled subjects walked on Lokomat at various settings and on treadmill at various speeds. • Oxygen and heart rate were monitored.
Results • Patients with stroke: • Exercise intensity during Lokomat walking: • Didn’t reach recommended 30% heart rate reserve (HRR) for aerobic training. • Lower than during overground walking. • Nondisabled subjects: • Different Lokomat settings had only small effects on exercise intensity. (a) Oxygen consumption (VO2). (b) HRR.
Conclusion • Exercise intensity during Lokomat walking is light and below American College of Sports Medicine-recommended values to improve aerobic fitness.