Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hemiplegia, a prevalent stroke-related condition, is often studied for motor dysfunction; however, spasticity remains under-researched. Abnormal muscle tone significantly hinders hemiplegic patients’ walking recovery.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether early suspension-protected training with a personal assistant machine for stroke patients enhances walking ability and prevents muscle spasms.
METHODS: Thirty-two early-stage stroke patients from Shenzhen University General Hospital and the China Rehabilitation Research Center were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=16) and the control group (n=16). Both groups underwent 4 weeks of gait training under the suspension protection system for 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week. The experimental group used the personal assistant machine during training. Three-dimensional gait analysis (using the Cortex motion capture system), Brunnstrom staging, Fugl-Meyer Assessment for lower limb motor function, Fugl-Meyer balance function, and the modified Ashworth Scale were evaluated within 1 week before the intervention and after 4 weeks of intervention.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After the 4-week intervention, all outcome measures showed significant changes in each group. The experimental group had a small but significant increase in the modified Ashworth Scale score (P < 0.05, d=|0.15|), while the control group had a large significant increase (P < 0.05, d=|1.48|). The experimental group demonstrated greater improvements in walking speed (16.5 to 38.44 cm/s, P < 0.05, d=|4.01|), step frequency (46.44 to 64.94 steps/min, P < 0.05, d=|2.32|), stride length (15.50 to 29.81 cm, P < 0.05, d=|3.44|), and peak hip and knee flexion (d=|1.82| to |2.17|). After treatment, the experimental group showed significantly greater improvements than the control group in walking speed (38.44 vs. 26.63 cm/s, P < 0.05, d=|2.75|), stride length, peak hip and knee flexion (d=|1.31| to |1.45|), step frequency (64.94 vs. 59.38 steps/min, P < 0.05, d=|0.85|), and a reduced support phase (bilateral: 24.31% vs. 28.38%, P < 0.05, d=|0.88|; non-paretic: 66.19% vs. 70.13%, P < 0.05, d=|0.94|). For early hemiplegia, personal assistant machine-assisted gait training under the suspension protection system helps establish a correct gait pattern, prevents muscle spasms, and improves motor function. 

Key words: hemiplegia, stroke, suspension protection system, personal assistant machine, intelligent walking aid, early rehabilitation, active training, walking function, , neuroplasticity,  gait analysis,  motor function recovery,  rehabilitation training,  balance ability