Jornal Internacional de Neurorreabilitação

Therapy with a Free-Standing Robotic Exoskeleton in People with Advanced Multiple Sclerosis: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Nicola Postol, Jessica Grissell, Caitlyn McHugh, Andrew Bivard, Neil Spratt and Jodie Marquez

Background: Evidence for the use of lower limb robotic exoskeletons for people with advanced multiple sclerosis is in its early stages, and to date there have been no published studies into the use of free-standing exoskeletons in this population.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the feasibility of a course of therapy in a free-standing robotic exoskeleton with people with advanced multiple sclerosis.

Methods: Following a 12 week wait list control period participants with advanced multiple sclerosis (Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale score of ≥6.0) completed 12 weeks of twice weekly therapy in a free-standing robotic exoskeleton. A battery of assessments was performed at participant enrolment including motor function, balance, strength, independence and health-related quality of life, commencement and conclusion of the intervention phase, and at 12 weeks follow-up.

Results: Ten participants were eligible to participate in the study, with eight completing the full duration of the study; two dropped out due to an exacerbation of their condition, unrelated to the intervention. A lack of symptom stability in the control phase made interpretation of outcomes difficult. Participants who completed the intervention demonstrated high acceptance and tolerance of the intervention. No adverse events occurred. Health-related quality of life improved within six weeks of commencing the intervention and was sustained. No other outcomes showed any consistent changes.

Conclusion: Therapy with a free-standing robotic exoskeleton is acceptable to people with advanced multiple sclerosis and can improve healthrelated quality of life, however clinical feasibility of this intervention is limited at this time.