Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of RAGT in improving lower extremity dyskinesia and motor function-related indicators, including the 10-meter walk test (10MWT), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the motor subscale of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS III), in patients with PD.

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) can result in lower extremity dyskinesia, gait disturbances, and falls. Rehabilitation robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) may help to improve gait and reduce lower extremity dyskinesia in patients with PD. However, the efficacy of RAGT in improving motor function and balance performance in patients with PD is not yet fully understood.

Method: A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, up to December 2022 to identify studies investigating the effect of RAGT on motor function in patients with PD. Random-effects models were used to estimate standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for continuous outcomes. The meta-analysis was performed using R version 4.0.3 using metafor and meta packages.

Results: A total of 13 studies with 541 participants (270 in the RAGT group and 271 in the control group) were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled analysis showed that RAGT significantly improved lower extremity dyskinesia in patients with PD. Specifically, the 10MWT (SMD = 0.45; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.89; p < 0.05, I2=62%), 6MWT (SMD = 2.46; 95% CI 0.64 to 4.27; p < 0.01, I2=96%), TUG (SMD = -0.45; 95% CI -0.79 to -0.11; p = 0.01, I2=57%), BBS (SMD = 1.11; 95% CI 0.66 to 1.56; p < 0.01, I2=74%), and UPDRS III (SMD = -1.33; 95% CI -2.07 to -0.59; p < 0.01, I2=89%) all showed significant improvement after RAGT.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that RAGT is an effective rehabilitation intervention for improving lower extremity dyskinesia and other motor function-related indicators in patients with PD. RAGT may be a promising intervention for the rehabilitation of patients with PD. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm these results and to assess the long-term effects of RAGT.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/rehabilitation-robot-assisted-gait-training-for-parkinsons-disease-a-systematic-review-and-meta-analysis-of-its-effects-on-lower-extremity-dyskinesia-and-motor-function/