[Effect of exoskeleton robot on lower limb function in the early rehabilitation stage of patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of exoskeleton-assisted training on lower limb functional recovery in the early rehabilitation phase following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: Between February 2024 and August 2024, 20 patients who were 2 to 3 weeks after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) were selected, including 13 males and 7 females, with ages ranging from 18 to 45 years old (28.5±6.2) years old. These patients were divided into a conventional rehabilitation group and an exoskeleton-assisted group, with 10 patients in each group. The conventional rehabilitation group consisted of 6 males and 4 females, with a mean age of (24.60±1.78) years old, and received routine rehabilitation training. The exoskeleton-assisted group included 7 males and 3 females, with a mean age of (25.20±1.93) years old;on the basis of conventional rehabilitation, exoskeleton robot assistance was applied during gait training for this group. Both groups underwent a 4-week intervention program, five days per week. Lower limb function was assessed pre-intervention and at 4 weeks post-intervention using the Lysholm knee score, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, knee flexion range of motion (ROM), and center of pressure (COP) displacement area. RESULTS: