The Efficacy of Gait Training Using a Body Weight Support Treadmill and Visual Biofeedback in Patients with Subacute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background This study was designed to determine whether or not gait training based on the use of treadmill with visual biofeedback and body weight support (BWS) would produce better effects in patients with subacute stroke compared to BWS treadmill training with no visual biofeedback. Materials and Methods 30 patients with subacute stroke were randomly assigned to do body weight supported treadmill training with visual biofeedback (BB group) or BWS treadmill training without visual biofeedback. Their gait was assessed with a 3D system (spatiotemporal gait parameters and symmetry index) and by means of 2-minute walk test (2 MWT), 10-metre walk test (10 MWT), and Timed Up & Go test. Subjects in both groups participated in 15 treadmill training sessions (30 minutes each). Results The participants from both groups achieved a statistically significant improvement in spatiotemporal gait parameters, walking speed, endurance, and mobility. The average change in the BB group after the end of the programme did not differ significantly compared to the change in the control group. The change in the symmetry index value of stance phase in the BB group was 0.03 (0.02) and in the control group was 0.02 (0.02). The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.902). The statistically significantly higher improvement in the BB group was found in the range of walking speed (p = 0.003) and endurance (p = 0.012), but the difference between groups was of low clinical significance. Conclusions The findings do not confirm that BWS treadmill training with the function of visual biofeedback leads to significantly greater improvement in gait compared to BWS treadmill training with no visual biofeedback at an early stage after stroke. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: ACTRN12616001283460.

Reliability and validity of the long-distance corridor walk among stroke survivors

“…The distance covered by the stroke survivors in the current study (mean 103 m (SD 35.1)) was approximately double that reported in studies (mean 43.47 m (SD 7.47); mean 51.2 m (SD 38.2)) of people in the subacute stage of a stroke (i.e. mean duration since stroke ranged from 9 to 21.6 days) (33,34). The recovery stage accounts for the difference, because the stroke survivors in the current study were better adapted to the environment functionally with their gait than people in the subacute stage of a stroke, and thus walk better (33).…”

“…mean duration since stroke ranged from 9 to 21.6 days) (33,34). The recovery stage accounts for the difference, because the stroke survivors in the current study were better adapted to the environment functionally with their gait than people in the subacute stage of a stroke, and thus walk better (33). No previous study has investigated the step count and time for the first 20 m of the 2MW by stroke survivors.…”

Feasibility of Augmenting Ankle Exoskeleton Walking Performance With Step Length Biofeedback in Individuals With Cerebral Palsy

“…This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. For more information, see https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Incorporating biofeedback with body-weight-supported or tethered robot-assisted (i.e., Lokomat) gait training has been found to facilitate anticipated favorable rehabilitation benefits in people with stroke [19], [20], spinal cord injury [21], and in children with CP [22]. However, we are not aware of any study that has integrated biofeedback with wearable (i.e., untethered) powered assistive devices to promote training outcomes.…”

Effects of Body Weight Support‐Tai Chi Footwork Training on Balance Control and Walking Function in Stroke Survivors with Hemiplegia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Exercise intervention is an integral part of the rehabilitation for motor impairments caused by stroke and has been shown to improve the walking function, balance control, and functional independence [ 6 – 8 ]. However, most exercise interventions, such as resistance-based exercises [ 6 ], body weight support treadmill training [ 9 ], virtual reality [ 10 ], and passive robots [ 11 ], require safety monitoring and are equipment-dependent. Therefore, the study and development of alternative forms of exercise that could improve motor function of stroke survivors are necessary.…”