[Purpose] We developed a new arm sling with an elastic bandage which we hearafter refer
to as “the elastic arm sling”. This study investigated the immediate effects of the
elastic arm sling on the gait patterns of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirteen
stroke patients were enrolled in this study after providing their informed consent. They
walked on a GAITRite mat twice, with a 5-min rest between the trials. [Results]
Significant improvements were seen in cadence and walking velocity during walking while
wearing the elastic arm sling. Furthermore, patients who used the elastic arm sling showed
significant increases in step lengths of the affected and unaffected limbs. The stride
lengths of the affected and unaffected sides while wearing the elastic arm sling and those
without the elastic arm sling also significantly differed. [Conclusion] These results
demonstrate that the elastic arm sling is a useful tool for the gait training of stroke
patients, especially cadence, walking velocity, and the step and stride lengths of both
limbs. Therefore, therapists should use the elastic arm sling as a gait-training assistive
device for stroke patients.
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