A New Robot-Assisted Therapy for Stroke Survivors: Effects of Long-Term Stretching Exercises on Ankle Range of Motion, Balance and Gait

Our study has demonstrated that stroke survivors received ankle stretching exercises with the MAS for 4 weeks improved ankle range of motion, balance, and gait ability. These improvements remained relatively constant through the retention period (i.e., 1 month after the completion of the exercises). The findings have two important clinical implications: 1) stroke survivors could use the MAS in clinical or home environments, and 2) physical therapists could prescribe or adapt the MAS exercise sessions as needed.