Efficacy of Wearable Exoskeletons in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: A Study on Functional Recovery, Mobility, and Quality of Life Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, resulting in impaired mobility and diminished quality of life. Conventional rehabilitation often fails to provide sufficient task-specific intensity for optimal functional recovery. Wearable exoskeletons have emerged as a promising technology to enhance post-stroke rehabilitation by providing repetitive, symmetrical, and feedback-driven gait training that may stimulate neuroplasticity and accelerate recovery. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of wearable exoskeleton–assisted rehabilitation compared with conventional therapy in improving functional recovery, mobility, and quality of life among post-stroke patients. Methods: A controlled cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 30 post-stroke patients aged 45–75 years who completed a 12-week rehabilitation program. Participants were allocated to either wearable exoskeleton–assisted rehabilitation or conventional physiotherapy. Functional independence (Functional Independence Measure), mobility (Timed Up and Go test), gait symmetry, and quality of life (Stroke Impact Scale) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using paired and independent-sample t-tests, and effect sizes were calculated. Results: Participants in the exoskeleton group exhibited significantly greater improvements in functional independence (+20.8 vs +10.4 points; p < 0.001), mobility (−12.1 vs −6.1 seconds; p = 0.002), and quality of life (+25.3 vs +14.2 points; p < 0.001) compared with conventional therapy. Correlation analysis showed strong associations between functional gains and quality-of-life improvements (r = 0.68; p < 0.001). No adverse events occurred during training. Conclusion: Wearable exoskeleton–assisted rehabilitation significantly enhances functional recovery, mobility, and psychosocial well-being in post-stroke patients compared with conventional therapy. Integration of such technology into multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs may accelerate recovery and improve long-term quality of life outcomes.