The Andago for overground gait training in patients with gait disorders after stroke - results from a usability study

Abstract

Background: Mobility training is an important goal of rehabilitation. The Andago is a recently developed device allowing body weight supported overground mobility training. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usability of the prototype Andago V2.0 and its acceptance by patients and therapists. Methods: The trial was designed as an exploratory study without control group. Patients were recruited from inpatients training on the Lokomat. The Andago was first tested in a training session to familiarize the participants with the device. The following therapy session included a course predefined by our infrastructure. Therapists/ patients rated handling, usability and satisfaction. Results: Fifteen patients were eligible and gave informed consent. Two patients were excluded due to protocol violation. Patient characteristics: age 58, NIHSS 8.3, FAC 1.3 (all mean), male 8, days since stroke onset 65 (median). All sessions were performed safely. No Adverse Events (AE) or Adverse Device Effects (ADE) occurred. Patients reported feeling safe. Therapists had to steer accurately, e.g., while passing through doors or turning. Hemianopia and/or neglect frequently led to interruptions of the Andago sessions. Conclusions: Most of the patients appreciated the device. This study shows, that Andago can be used safely under therapeutic supervision for overground gait training in stroke patients presenting moderate to severe gait disorders. Trial registration: The study was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT02735460) and in the Swiss National Clinical Trials Portal. *Correspondence to: Detlef Marks, Rehaklinik Zihlschlacht Hauptstr. 2-4 CH-8588 Zihlschlacht, Switzerland, Tel: +41-71-424-3751; E-mail: d.marks@ rehaklinik-zihlschlacht.ch