The computerized active arm training produced a superior improvement in upper limb motor control and power compared with ES in severely affected stroke patients. This is probably attributable to the greater number of repetitions and the bilateral approach.
Neither anodal nor cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation enhanced the effect of bilateral arm training in this exploratory trial of patients with cortical involvement and severe weakness. Unilateral hand training and upregulation of the nonlesioned hemisphere might also be tried in this population.
The use of the arm studio to intensify upper limb rehabilitation after stroke is promising, and a controlled study is warranted.
«Learning to walk by walking» – the mantra of Prof. Dr. S. Hesse, a pionieer in gait therapy is still valid and scientifically proven with the Gait Trainer GT I. The Gait Trainer GT 11 is based on the principle of the GT I and now taken to the next level with a convenient user interface, a comfortable and easy-to-use electric lifter and offers a modern, yet cost effective gait training based on the end-effector principle which is proven to have a superior impact compared to robotic exoskeleton devices.
Intensive locomotor training plus physiotherapy resulted in a significantly better gait ability and daily living competence in subacute stroke patients compared with physiotherapy alone.
Repetitive locomotor training with an electromechanical gait trainer may improve gait velocity, endurance, spatiotemporal, and kinematic gait parameters in patients with cerebral palsy.
The newly developed gait trainer was at least as effective as treadmill therapy with partial body weight support while requiring less input from the therapist. Further studies are warranted.
