Comprehensive Summary
A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the effects of robot-assisted rehabilitation (RAR) on the functional outcomes of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Twenty-two randomized controlled trials with a total of 819 publications were analyzed, using databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to April 2025. In each of these studies, different types of robotic devices were used including Lokomat, G-EO System, and Walk bot-S which, often combined with conventional training methods such as treadmills for a 4–12-week intervention. The outcomes assessed included walking distance, balance, motor symptoms, gait speed and step length. Their key findings suggested that RAR was significantly beneficial to each of these factors for patients with PD. To show this, they calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD), observing improvements in walking distance (SMD=1.304), balance (SMD = 0.986), and motor symptoms (SMD = -0.924). These results highlight the potential for clinical interventions. However, high heterogeneity for several of the outcomes, indicating that there are variabilities between studies. This emphasizes the need for standardized protocols to ensure long-term effectiveness of these therapies
Outcomes and Implications
Robot-assisted rehabilitation (RAR) is clinically significant as it provides a non-pharmaceutical treatment option for individuals with Parkinson's disease. It can complement traditional drug therapies without additional side effects, and has the potential to reduce fall risk, promote more independence and enhance the quality of life of patients by improving gait, balance and mobility. Furthermore, these treatments can also support neuroplasticity through repetitive and high-intensity training, potentially slowing the decline of Parkinson's disease. Additionally, early intervention with RAR can reduce the reliance on invasive interventions such as surgery, ultimately decreasing long-term healthcare costs. However, barriers to access still exist, including the high cost of such therapies and equipment, the need for specialized and highly trained staff and limitations in insurance coverage. Therefore, it is important to develop a more cost-effective solution. Future research should create a standardized method for treatment, including guidelines for intensity, duration and frequency. Additionally, long-term studies with follow-ups should be conducted to assess the sustainability and lasting effects of such therapies.