Utilization of mid-tech & high-tech gait assistive technology for gait retaining of patients with chronic stroke : a scoping review / Jhulia A. Buenaventura, Colleen Regina G. Cariaso, Eunisse Joy C. Matas, Abigail B. Munsayac, Corrine Lizbeth S. Omaña, Jessica Emmanuelle R. Rongavilla and Salvador D. Tuaño Jr.

Includes appendices and bibliographical references.

Abstract: Chronic stroke affects lower limb function and gait performance. Locomotor training that requires manual assistance from physical therapists requires greater manpower. To solve this issue, robots that assist and support gait motion have been developed. The purpose of technology-assisted gait retaining devices is to control movement, and design exercises that promote neuroplasticity by doing task-specific activities, and enhance motor abilities by performing high-intensity repetitive movements. However, the extent of the most commonly used assistive technology for gait retaining in patients with chronic in Southeast Asian countries has not yet been clarified. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of utilized mid tech and high tech assistive technology in improving the gait problem of patients with chronic stroke in developing Southeast Asian countries. The study utilized a scoping review type of research which was conducted using the outlined methods of the Joanna Briggs Institute (2020), which has nine sequential stages adapted by Peters, et al., 2015. The strategy used for evidence searching includes finding published and unpublished studies from the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane, PEDro, Google Scholar, UCentral and ProQuest 5000. PRISMA-ScR was also also used to note for screened and eligible studies for this scoping review. The search resulted in two Randomized Controlled Test studies from Thailand and no studies yielded from other Southeast Asian countries discussing the use of High-Tech Assistive Technologies for gait retaining in chronic stroke. The use of high-tech assistive technologies, specifically the I-Walk devices, produces significant improvement in motor impairments produced by chronic disability. Majority of the accessible studies were also from the Central Asia, East Asia, Europe and American regions which shows that there is a significant lack of available studies found in Southeast Asian countries which tackles the utilization of Mid-Tech and High-Tech assistive technology.

Thesis - School of Physical Therapy