Effects of a Balance Exercise Assist Robot on Older Patients with Hip Fracture: A Preliminary Study

• Published in: Journal of medical and biological engineering 2020-12, Vol.40 (6), p.783-789
• Main Authors: Takano, Eiko, Ozaki, Kenichi, Satoh, Kenji, Kawamura, Koki, Maltais, Mathieu, Kondo, Izumi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activities of daily living; Balance; Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering; Cell Biology; Engineering; Fractures; Gait; Hip; Imaging; Muscle strength; Original Article; Radiology; Rehabilitation; Robots; Walking
• ISSN: 1609-0985; 2199-4757
• DOI: 10.1007/s40846-020-00568-x

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine whether exercises using a balance exercise assist robot (BEAR) improved balance function in older patients with a hip fracture whose ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) had almost plateaued. Methods Participants were 27 older patients (3 men, 24 women; mean age 81.0 ± 6.3 years) with a hip fracture whose ability to perform ADL had almost plateaued and who were about to be discharged. All participants performed exercises using the BEAR for 20 min a day, 6 days a week, for 2 weeks before leaving the hospital. We assessed the following at pre- and post-exercise: the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the functional reach test (FRT), the standing test for imbalance and disequilibrium, functional independence measure scores (total and walking ability), preferred gait speed, and muscle strength of the lower extremities. Results Significant differences were observed between pre- and post-exercise for all measures, including TUG (pre: 21.9 ± 17.7 s, post: 17.4 ± 13.6 s, P