Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40106023›Full record

SynthesisJournal of neurology2025

Flexible exoskeleton-assisted training enhances lower limb motor function after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Jiawei Liu, Kai Liu, Xuanxuan Ge, Ping Zhou, Tianzhe Bao, Weijun Gong

Abstract readMeta-AnalysisSystematic Review
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Journal of neurology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
5citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

5 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Review
  3. Exoskeletal-Assisted Training in Veterans With Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Study.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translation · 2026
    Article
  4. Article
  5. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Jiawei Liu *The School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China.
Kai Liu *The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, 266000, China.
Xuanxuan GeTaian Central Hospital, Taian, 271099, China.
Ping ZhouThe Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, 266100, China.
Tianzhe BaoThe Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, 266100, China. tianzhe.bao@uhrs.edu.cn.
Weijun GongThe Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Beijing, 100144, China. gwj197104@ccmu.edu.cn.

Funding

Capital's Funds for Health Improvement and Research 2022-1-2251Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation under Grant ZR2023QH252the National Key R&D Program of China 2023YFC3603803the National Key R&D Program of China No. 2023YFC3603800the Research Project of China Disabled Persons' Federation-on assistive technology under Grant 2023CDPFAT-03
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundRecent advances in flexible exoskeleton technology have broadened its application in stroke rehabilitation, particularly for improving motor functions in the affected lower limb. This review examines the impact of flexible exoskeleton-assisted training (FEAT) compared to conventional therapy on balance, motor functions, and gait parameters in post-stroke patients.

methodsWe conducted a meta-analysis using data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) identified through database searches and manual screening, focusing on outcomes such as balance (Berg Balance Scale, BBS), lower limb motor functions (Ten-Meter Walk Test, 10MWT; Six-Minute Walk Test, 6MWT; Functional Ambulation Category, FAC), and gait parameters (walking speed, step length, cadence, and symmetry).

resultsThis meta-analysis included 6 studies with 213 patients. FEAT significantly enhanced BBS scores, and performances on the 10MWT and 6MWT, along with other gait parameters; however, FAC scores did not improve significantly. Subgroup analyses revealed that FEAT with hip assistance significantly improved step length, cadence, and gait symmetry ratio, while ankle assistance improved performance on the 10MWT and 6MWT. FEAT was especially effective in improving step length, cadence, and gait symmetry ratio in patients with a post-stroke duration exceeding three months.

conclusionCompared to the conventional therapy, FEAT markedly improves the balance, walking ability, and gait parameters in stroke rehabilitation. These findings support the value of FEAT in lower extremity rehabilitation post-stroke, suggesting its integration into clinical programs could enhance the therapy effectiveness or efficiency. In addition, the appropriate type of FEAT needs to be selected in the rehabilitation program based on the patient's specific impairment. For example, FEAT with hip assistance may be recommended for stroke patients with severe gait asymmetry, aiding the development of personalized interventions.

Indexed as

Exercise TherapyExoskeleton DeviceLower ExtremityStrokeStroke RehabilitationHumansFlexible exoskeletonLower limbMeta-analysisMotor functionStroke

Identifiers

PMID40106023

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.