Robot-assisted gait training (Lokomat) improves walking function and activity in people with spinal cord injury: a systematic review.

The review included only 10 trials and 502 participants, and publication bias could not be assessed because each outcome had fewer than 9 studies. The trials had low or good methodological quality; the mean PEDro score was 5.7, many did not conceal allocation or use intention-to-treat analysis, and participants and therapists were not blinded. Study designs, eligibility criteria, randomization processes, timing of treatment, and intervention frequency and intensity varied widely. All participants had incomplete SCI and were at least 16 years old, so the results may not apply to people with complete SCI or to children. All trials used the Lokomat, so the findings do not show effects of other robotic gait-training devices. Some chronic benefits were compared with no intervention, so the review does not show that the Lokomat is better than active gait training in chronic SCI.

The funding and conflicts section names Korea National Rehabilitation Center as funder; no other declarations are provided in the supplied text.

Do not conclude that the Lokomat is better than all usual gait therapy for every person with spinal cord injury. The acute walking speed difference versus overground training was not significant, and the chronic speed and balance gains were versus no intervention.