The Effects of Task-Oriented Training Using Wearable Hip Exoskeleton on Functional Performance in Chronic Stroke Patients : A Single-Subject Experimental Design

Wearable hip exoskeletons have been developed and applied to improve walking function in individuals with walking disabilities. For stroke patients, gait function ability is crucial for their quality of life. However, research on the effects of training with wearable hip exoskeletons in stroke patients is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of task-oriented training using wearable hip exoskeletons(Bot Fit, Samsung Electronics Co, Korea) on walking, balance ability, muscle thickness and strength in chronic stroke patients. The study employed a single-subject experimental research design (ABA'). Four chronic stroke patients participated, and the experimental process was divided into three phases: (1) baseline phase (8 sessions), (2) intervention phase (12 sessions), and (3) return-to-baseline phase (8 sessions). Outcome measures included the timed up and go, 10 meter walking test, and berg balance scale to assess functional performance. And muscle thickness was measured using sonography while strength was evaluated using a dynamometer. Each session involved 30 minutes of task-oriented training, with the wearable hip exoskeletons intervention applied during the intervention phase. The results showed significant improvements in timed up and go, 10 meter walking test, and berg balance scale scores during the intervention phase, and these gains were maintained in the return-to-baseline phase. Although no significant changes were observed in muscle strength and thickness, they were maintained without decline. The findings suggest that task-oriented training using a wearable hip exoskeletons may effectively improve balance and gait abilities while maintaining muscle strength and thickness in chronic stroke patients. Future studies should focus on further enhancing and sustaining these effects and exploring the long-term benefits and potential applications of wearable hip exoskeletons-assisted training in a larger population of chronic stroke patients.