International Journal of Neurorehabilitation

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.

Introduction: Tactile Replacement (SS) is the use of a single tangible method to provide natural data that are typically gathered by another sense while still protecting important aspects of the first sense.

Objective: In order to evaluate the viability of SS enhanced preparation for further developing equilibrium, stride, and practical execution in neurological patient populations, this orderly writing survey and meta-examination summarizes and combines existing evidence and information.

Method: Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct were used to conduct a methodical writing search. In order to make use of a SS preparation intervention, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included.

Results: There were nine incorporated RCTs. The equilibrium structure of Shumway-Cook and Woollcott was used to organize the measurement of results and the preparation of ideal models: Dynamic consistent state, proactive equilibrium, and the static consistent state. The capacity of stroke survivors to help bodyweight autonomously on paretic side lower appendage and Dynamic Consistent State equilibrium were found to have the biggest measurable and clinical impacts, while self-evaluation and useful limit results were also found to have significant impacts of SS preparation for all three results. Non-critical maintenance effects were also discovered by meta-analyses.

Conclusion: In working on Static consistent state, Dynamic consistent state, and Proactive equilibrium measures, as well as proportions of selfevaluation and useful limit in neurological patient populations, this survey demonstrates that SS preparation has a global beneficial effect. Even though no mediation met preparing measurements recommendations, maintenance of effects was not significant at follow-up evaluations. The best kind of preparing ideal models must be determined by taking into account specific patient populations, sensor types, and preparing modalities in future research.