The effects of coordinative locomotor training on coordination and gait in chronic stroke patients: a randomized controlled pilot trial

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of coordinative locomotor training (CLT) on coordination and gait in chronic stroke patients. Thirteen stroke patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: The experimental group (EG, n=7) and control group (CG, n=6). After balanced random assignment, interventions were provided to all patients in twelve 30-min sessions during a 4-week period (3 sessions a week). The EG group underwent CLT after performing the sprinter and skater patterns in four postures. The CG group was provided with conventional neurodevelopment treatment. The primary outcomes were measured using the gait assessment and intervention tool (GAIT) as well as G-WALK. The secondary outcomes were measured using a 10-m walk test (10 MWT) and Timed Up and Go Test. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean values between the two groups. Within both groups there were significant differences in GAIT and 10MWT. There were significant differences in gait speed and stride length in the experimental group, but not in the control group. CLT showed a more positive improvement in gait and coordination after stroke than conventional rehabilitation exercise.

Feasibility and Usability of a Robot-Assisted Complex Upper and Lower Limb Rehabilitation System in Patients with Stroke: A Pilot Study

“…This coordination is mediated by the supraspinal inter-neuronal circuit to regulate the out-of-phase movement of the upper limb synchronized with stride frequency [ 21 ]. Although gait without upper limb movement is possible in healthy adults, it requires greater muscle activation, indicating that arm swing plays a crucial role in gait safety and postural body control [ 22 ]. There is debate on whether stroke affects the interlimb coordination pattern.…”

“…In studies that considered interlimb coordination, Kim and Lim [ 22 ] proposed coordinative locomotor training mimicking the skater and sprinter patterns. There was significantly greater gait speed and stride length improvement in the treatment group than in the conventional treatment group in hemiplegic gait after stroke [ 22 ].…”

“…In studies that considered interlimb coordination, Kim and Lim [ 22 ] proposed coordinative locomotor training mimicking the skater and sprinter patterns. There was significantly greater gait speed and stride length improvement in the treatment group than in the conventional treatment group in hemiplegic gait after stroke [ 22 ]. Stephenson et al [ 23 ] reported that treadmill training with horizontal handrail sliding enables reciprocal upper and lower limb movements to improve gait speed and coordination in stroke patients.…”

Feasibility and Usability Study of a Robot-Assisted Complex Upper and Lower Limb Rehabilitation System in Patients with Stroke

“…It is mediated by the supraspinal interneuronal circuit to regulate the out-of-phase movement of the upper limb synchronized with stride frequency [20]. Although gait without upper limb movement is possible in healthy adults, it requires greater muscle activation, indicating that arm swing plays a crucial role in gait safety and postural body control [21]. Whether stroke affects the interlimb coordination pattern is a controversial topic.…”

“…Considering interlimb coordination, a coordinative locomotor training mimicking the skater and sprinter patterns was proposed; it showed a more significant improvement in gait speed and stride length than the conventional treatment group in hemiplegic gait after stroke [21]. Treadmill training with horizontal handrail sliding enables reciprocal upper and lower limb movements to improve gait speed and coordination in stroke subjects.…”