Long-term effect of body weight-supported treadmill training in Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) is of long-term benefit for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation unit for neurologic diseases in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-four patients (Hoehn and Yahr stages 2.5 or 3) who were not demented (Mini-Mental State Examination score, >27). INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to receive either a 45-minute session of BWSTT (up to 20% of body weight supported) or conventional physical therapy (PT) for 3 days a week for 1 month. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures were evaluated at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. Measures included the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), ambulation speed (s/10 m), and number of steps taken for a 10-m walk as a parameter for stride length. RESULTS: Four patients needed modification of medications in the follow-up period. Twenty patients (BWSTT, n=11; PT, n=9) without modified medications were analyzed for functional outcome. Age, duration of PD, gender, and doses of medications were comparable. There was no difference in the baseline UPDRS (BWSTT=33.3; PT=32.6), speed (BWSTT=10.8; PT=11.5), and steps (BWSTT=23.4; PT=22.8). The BWSTT group had significantly greater improvement than the PT group (Mann-Whitney U test, Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparison) in ambulation speed at 1 month (BWSTT=8.5; PT=10.8; P<.005); and in the number of steps at 1 (BWSTT=20.0; PT=22.7; P<.005), 2 (BWSTT=19.5; PT=22.4; P<.005), 3 (BWSTT=20.1; PT=23.1; P<.005), and 4 months (BWSTT=21.0; PT=23.0; P=.006). CONCLUSIONS: BWSTT has a lasting effect specifically on short-step gait in PD.     

减重平板步行训练对学龄脑瘫患儿行走功能的影响

目的探讨减重平板步行训练对学龄脑瘫患儿康复疗效的影响。方法将35例脑瘫患儿分为3组：①减重训练组(即减重平板步行训练结合运动疗法,11例);②非减重训练组(即平板步行训练结合运动疗法,12例);③常规训练组(即常规步行训练,12例)。所有脑瘫患儿入选后分别在训练前和训练8周、12周时进行以下评定：粗大运动功能量表(GMFM)中的站立和行走两项,步行能力(WA),步行效率(WE)和功能性步行分级(FAC)。结果3组脑瘫患儿的各项评定指标在康复训练前无显著性差异(P>0.05)。经过12周的训练后,康复疗效较训练前改善(P<0.05)。GMFM、WA、WE和FAC均显示,减重平板步行训练效果显著(P<0.001)。结论减重平板步行训练可明显改善脑瘫患儿步行能力和步行效率,提高脑瘫患儿粗大运动功能中的站立与行走功能以及功能性步行分级。     

Six weeks of intensive treadmill training improves gait and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of 6 weeks of intensive treadmill training on gait rhythmicity, functional mobility, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). DESIGN: An open-label, before-after pilot study. SETTING: Outpatient movement disorders clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Nine patients with PD who were able to ambulate independently and were not demented. Mean age was 70+/-6.8 years. Patients had mild to moderate PD (Hoehn and Yahr stage range, 1.5-3). INTERVENTIONS: Patients walked on a treadmill for 30 minutes during each training session, 4 training sessions a week, for 6 weeks. Once a week, usual overground walking speed was re-evaluated and the treadmill speed was adjusted accordingly. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), motor part of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), gait speed, stride time variability, swing time variability, and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). RESULTS: A comparison of the measures taken before and after the treadmill intervention indicates general improvement. QOL, as measured by the PDQ-39, was reduced (improved) from 32 to 22 (P<.014). Parkinsonian symptoms, as measured by the UPDRS, decreased (improved) from 29 to 22 (P<.043). Usual gait speed increased from 1.11 to 1.26 m/s (P<.014). Swing time variability was lower (better) in all but one patient, changing from 3.0% to 2.3% (P<.06). Scores on the SPPB also improved (P<.008). Interestingly, many of the improvements persisted even 4 weeks later. CONCLUSIONS: These results show the potential to enhance gait rhythmicity in patients with PD and suggest that a progressive and intensive treadmill training program can be used to minimize impairments in gait, reduce fall risk, and increase QOL in these patients.     

The effects of incremental speed-dependent treadmill training on postural instability and fear of falling in Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVE: To detect the effectiveness of incremental speed-dependent treadmill training on postural instability, dynamic balance and fear of falling in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Ankara Education and Research Hospital, 2nd PM&R Clinic, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Unit. SUBJECTS: Fifty-four patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease in stage 2 or 3 of the Hoehn Yahr staging entered, and 31 patients (21 training, 10 control) had outcome data. INTERVENTIONS: Postural instability of patients with Parkinson's disease was assessed using the motor component of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Berg Balance Test, Dynamic Gait Index and Falls Efficacy Scale. Twenty-one patients with Parkinson's disease participated in an eight-week exercise programme using incremental speed-dependent treadmill training. Before and after the training programme, balance, gait, fear of falling and walking distance and speed on treadmill were assessed in both Parkinson's disease groups. MAIN MEASURES: Walking distance and speed on treadmill, UPDRS, Berg Balance Test, Dynamic Gait Index and Falls Efficacy Scale. RESULTS: Initial total walking distance of the training group on treadmill was 266.45 +/- 82.14 m and this was progressively increased to 726.36 +/- 93.1 m after 16 training session (P < 0.001). Tolerated maximum speed of the training group on treadmill at baseline was 1.9 +/- 0.75 km/h and improved to 2.61 +/- 0.77 km/h (P < 0.001). Berg Balance Test, Dynamic Gait Index and Falls Efficacy Scale scores of the training group were improved significantly after the training programme (P < 0.01). There was no significant improvement in any of the outcome measurements in the control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Specific exercise programmes using incremental speed-dependent treadmill training may improve mobility, reduce postural instability and fear of falling in patients with Parkinson's disease.     

Efficacy of a physical therapy program in patients with Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of a physical therapy (PT) program in groups of people with Parkinson's disease (PD). DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial with a crossover design. SETTING: Two outpatient rehabilitation clinics in Boston and Amsterdam, respectively. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-eight subjects diagnosed with typical, idiopathic PD, Hoehn and Yahr stage II or III, and stable medication use. INTERVENTION: Group A received PT and medication therapy (MT) for the first 6 weeks, followed by MT only for the second 6 weeks. Group B received only MT for the first 6 weeks and PT and MT for the second 6 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Sickness Impact Profile (SIP-68), the mobility portion of the SIP-68, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and comfortable walking speed (CWS) at baseline, 6-week, 12-week, and 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: At 6 weeks, differences between groups were significant for the SIP mobility ( P =.015; effect size [ES]=.55), for CWS ( P =.012; ES=.49), for the activities of daily living (ADL) section of the UPDRS ( P =.014; ES=.45), and for the total UPDRS ( P =.007; ES=.56). The total SIP and the mentation and motor sections of the UPDRS did not differ significantly between groups. Significant differences were found at 3 months compared with baseline for CWS, the UPDRS ADL, and total scores. CONCLUSIONS: People with PD derive benefits in the short term from PT group treatment, in addition to their MT, for quality of life related to mobility, CWS, and ADLs; long-term benefits were found in CWS, UPDRS ADL, and total scores but varied between groups.     

Treadmill training after spinal cord injury: it's not just about the walking

Body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) is being used throughout the world as a method for improving functional ambulation after spinal cord injury (SCI). This therapy, however, is very labor-intensive, and recent evidence suggests that it may not be superior to other more conventional forms of rehabilitation for improving locomotor ability. Recognizing that the value of BWSTT may extend well beyond its potential to improve functional ambulation is important, and the physiological and psychological benefits associated with this whole-body upright exercise may justify its use in both the acute and chronic SCI populations.     

减重步行训练对脑卒中偏瘫患者下肢功能的影响

目的观察减重步行训练(BWSTT)对脑卒中偏瘫患者下肢功能的影响。方法脑卒中偏瘫患者46例,分成治疗组23例及对照组23例,两组患者均给予常规康复训练,治疗组在此基础上增加BWSTT训练。分别于治疗前后进行功能性步行量表(FAC)、Fugl-Meyer运动功能评定(FMA)、Berg平衡量表(BBS)评定。结果治疗前两组患者FAC、FMA、BBS评分均无显著性差异(P>0.05)。治疗后,两组患者FAC、FMA、BBS评分均比治疗前明显提高(P<0.01)。治疗组患者FAC、FMA、BBS评分的改善明显优于对照组(P<0.01)。结论BWSTT训练能改善脑卒中偏瘫患者步行功能及平衡能力。     

Caregiver distress in parkinsonism

This study examined the frequency and degree of caregiver burden in persons with parkinsonism, a group of disorders with four primary symptoms that include tremor, rigidity, postural instability, and bradykinesia. We assessed associations between perceived caregiver burden and physical, cognitive, and functional impairments using well-established tools for persons with parkinsonism. The 49 individuals with parkinsonism ranged in age from 61 to 87 (mean = 75), while their caregivers (N = 49) ranged in age from 48 to 83 (mean = 70). The caregivers were predominantly either wives (82%) or daughters (6%), with other family members, friends, and/or neighbors (12%) making up the rest. The caregivers reported a relatively high ability for coping (mean scores = 4.6/6). Caregiver burden was significantly negatively associated with activities of daily living and motoric difficulties as measured on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Likewise, caregiver burden was negatively associated with caregiver self-reported sleep and coping ability. Results did not demonstrate an association on the UPDRS among mentation, behavior, and mood. We found a significant negative correlation for mentation between the Folstein Mini-Mental Status Examination and caregiver burden measures; however, we did not find this association with the Dementia Rating Scale-2. Patient's self-reported pain and caregiver burden were not associated.     

虚拟现实与同步减重训练对脑卒中患者步态影响的对照研究

目的:评估虚拟现实与同步减重步态训练(VR+BWSTT)对脑卒中患者步态的影响。方法:将12例发病3个月内的脑卒中患者随机分配至实验组(VR+BWSTT)和常规组(常规物理治疗)各6例,另6例正常人作为正常组。训练前后以三维步态分析对以下参数进行对比:步行速度、步长不对称性、单腿支撑时间不对称性、髋关节最大后伸角度、髋关节最大屈曲角度、膝关节最大屈曲角度、支撑相膝关节最大伸展角度、支撑相踝关节最大背伸角度。结果:训练前两组脑卒中患者的性别、年龄、病程、脑卒中性质、偏瘫侧、患侧下肢肌力、肌张力、步行速度、步长不对称性、单腿支撑时间不对称性及患侧下肢各关节角度差异无显著性。脑卒中患者步行速度、髋关节最大后伸角度、膝关节最大屈曲角度低于正常组,步长不对称性、单腿支撑时间不对称性高于正常组(P<0.05)。训练后两组患者的步行速度、单腿支撑时间不对称性均有改善,实验组的步长不对称性、髋关节最大后伸角度有改善(P<0.05)。结论:VR与同步BWSTT可改善亚急性期脑卒中患者的步态,在改善脑卒中的步长不对称性、髋关节最大后伸角度方面较常规物理治疗有优势。     

Does therapeutic facilitation add to locomotor outcome of body weight--supported treadmill training in nonambulatory patients with stroke? A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To assess benefit of the facilitation technique (FT) coupled with body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) in nonambulatory patients with stroke. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-nine patients with nonambulatory patients with stroke were randomly allocated to BWSTT coupled with the FT or mechanical assistance (control). INTERVENTIONS: Swinging and stance of the paretic leg were assisted using the FT or mechanically (control) during BWSTT. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The FIM instrument, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, gait speed, and cadence. RESULTS: Demographic and clinical features of the FT (n=22) and control (n=25) groups on admission were comparable after excluding 2 dropouts. There were no differences in the gains of the main outcome measures between the FT and control groups. Patients with severe impairment in the FT group had greater gains in arm function than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The FT did not add significantly to locomotor outcome of BWSTT in nonambulatory patients with stroke but it did require more therapists' assistance.     

Body Weight–Supported Treadmill Training for Patients With Hip Fracture: A Feasibility Study

Giangregorio LM, Thabane L, deBeer J, Farrauto L, McCartney N, Adachi JD, Papaioannou A. Body weight–supported treadmill training for patients with hip fracture: a feasibility study.ObjectiveTo determine the feasibility of body weight–supported treadmill training (BWSTT) as a strategy for improving independent ambulation among patients who had sustained a hip fracture.DesignNonrandomized controlled trial.SettingInpatient rehabilitation.ParticipantsPatients with a stable hip fracture and at least 50% weight-bearing.InterventionBWSTT in lieu of standard walking exercises throughout stay in rehabilitation.Main Outcomes MeasuresFeasibility outcomes included the number of patients agreeing to participate in treadmill walking, the number who returned for follow-up assessments, compliance, and the number of adverse events. Secondary outcomes included the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, the Timed Up & Go test, a 2-minute walk test, and the Falls Self-Efficacy Scale. Univariate regression was used to assess the group effect on score changes from baseline to discharge and from baseline to follow-up.ResultsAmong 41 potentially eligible patients, 21 (51%) agreed to participate and 14 returned for follow-up assessments. The recruitment goal of 12 patients agreeing to BWSTT was achieved; however, retention by 3-month follow-up was 67%. The average compliance was 3 sessions a week; however, several patients were below average. No adverse events of BWSTT were reported. There were no significant differences between groups with respect to secondary outcomes.ConclusionsBWSTT may be a feasible method for retraining gait among patients with hip fracture. However, future studies evaluating its efficacy need rigorous methods for ensuring compliance and retention.     

Open-label trial regarding the use of acupuncture and yin tui na in Parkinson's disease outpatients: a pilot study on efficacy, tolerability, and quality of life

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the effects of sequential tui na massage, acupuncture, and instrument-delivered qigong for patients with Parkinson disease (PD) over a 6-month period. DESIGN: Patients received weekly treatments, which included tui na massage prior to acupuncture followed by instrument-delivered qigong. Each patient was assessed at baseline and at 6 months. SETTING: The setting was an outpatient research/academic clinic for patients with PD and nonacademic acupuncture clinic. SUBJECTS: Twenty-five (25) patients with idiopathic PD were the subjects. OUTCOME MEASURES: Before and after treatment patients were evaluated with the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hoehn and Yahr Staging (H&Y), Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living (S & E), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) quality of life assessment, and patient global assessments. RESULTS: There were no significant improvements in treatment measures; however, there was a 2.4-point worsening in UPDRS motor scores (24.0 versus 26.4, p = 0.018). There was a 16% improvement in the PDQ- 39 total score (23.2 versus 19.6, p = 0.044) and a 29% improvement in the BDI (9.6 versus 6.8, p = 0.006). Sixteen (16) patients reported moderate to marked improvement. There were no adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture is safe and well tolerated in patients with PD. Most patients reported subjective improvement. The BDI and PDQ-39 total score, measuring depression and quality of life, demonstrated some improvement, but UPDRS motor scores worsened.     

减重平板步行训练对完全性脊髓损伤患者下肢骨骼肌萎缩与步行能力的影响

目的研究减重平板步行训练对完全性脊髓损伤患者下肢骨骼肌萎缩与步行能力的影响。方法20例胸段完全性脊髓损伤患者分为对照组与减重组各10例。所有患者均采用综合康复治疗方法,减重组在身体条件许可的情况下及早接受减重平板步行训练3个月。在训练前后对患者进行大腿周经测量、功能独立性评定(FIM)步行能力评定、10m步行速度、日常生活活动能力(ADL)评定。减重组患者还在减重平板步行训练前后进行下肢大腿中部肌肉MRI检查。结果减重组患者训练后,MRI示下肢肌肉均较训练前相对肥大。减重组步行能力、10m步行速度的恢复优于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗前后减重组与对照组大腿周经、ADL评分无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论减重平板步行训练不仅能够改善脊髓损伤引起的下肢骨骼肌萎缩,而且能够提高脊髓损伤患者的步行能力。     

Fast-track programming and rehabilitation model: a novel approach to postoperative deep brain stimulation patient care

OBJECTIVE: To propose a new model of integrated, multidisciplinary postoperative care of the patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS). DESIGN: Observational cohort study with follow-up at 3 months and 1 year. SETTING: Academic medical center movement disorder clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-three consecutive patients with medically refractory Parkinson's disease underwent bilateral DBS. Patients were then transferred directly to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. INTERVENTION: DBS and inpatient programming and rehabilitation. Simultaneous programming and rehabilitation was carried out by a multidisciplinary team. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The FIM instrument, Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and levodopa dosage. RESULTS: The average rehabilitation stay was 17.3 days, with a mean of 6.2 stimulator adjustments during that time. FIM scores improved from 62.1 (admission) to 98.5 (discharge), an average improvement of 36.4 (58.6%). Average UPDRS scores improved from 52.5 (preoperative off) and 30.1 (preoperative on) to 20.4 (3mo postoperative on-medication, on-stimulation), a 32.2% improvement from the preoperative on score. Levodopa dosages decreased by an average of 48.3% (all P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: We describe our fast-track protocol, which allows for rapid DBS programming and tapering of Parkinson's medications. It also provides for treatment of concomitant medical and psychologic problems and optimized physical performance.     

Effects of task-specific locomotor and strength training in adults who were ambulatory after stroke: results of the STEPS randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A phase II, single-blinded, randomized clinical trial was conducted to determine the effects of combined task-specific and lower-extremity (LE) strength training to improve walking ability after stroke. SUBJECTS: The participants were 80 adults who were ambulatory 4 months to 5 years after a unilateral stroke. METHOD: The exercise interventions consisted of body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT), limb-loaded resistive leg cycling (CYCLE), LE muscle-specific progressive-resistive exercise (LE-EX), and upper-extremity ergometry (UE-EX). After baseline assessments, participants were randomly assigned to a combined exercise program that included an exercise pair. The exercise pairs were: BWSTT/UE-EX, CYCLE/UE-EX, BWSTT/CYCLE, and BWSTT/LE-EX. Exercise sessions were 4 times per week for 6 weeks (total of 24 sessions), with exercise type completed on alternate days. OUTCOMES: were self-selected walking speed, fast walking speed, and 6-minute walk distance measured before and after intervention and at a 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: The BWSTT/UE-EX group had significantly greater walking speed increases compared with the CYCLE/UE-EX group; both groups improved in distance walked. All BWSTT groups increased walking speed and distance whether BWSTT was combined with LE strength training or not. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: After chronic stroke, task-specific training during treadmill walking with body-weight support is more effective in improving walking speed and maintaining these gains at 6 months than resisted leg cycling alone. Consistent with the overtraining literature, LE strength training alternated daily with BWSTT walking did not provide an added benefit to walking outcomes.     

减重步行训练改善脑卒中患者小腿肌肉形态结构的生物力学研究

摘要 目的：观察减重步行训练(BWSTT)后脑卒中患者小腿肌肉形态结构及运动功能的改变,从肌肉层次探讨BWSTT对脑卒中患者下肢运动功能影响的生物力学机制。 方法：将15例亚急性期脑卒中患者随机分为实验组(8例)和对照组(7例),实验组进行BWSTT加常规的物理治疗,对照组仅进行常规的物理治疗,并保证两组训练量相等。连续训练3周,每周5天,每天1次,每次60min。两组患者健侧、患侧在训练前后均进行以下评定：①用B型超声检测不同踝关节角度下胫骨前肌（TA）、腓肠肌内侧头（MG）的形态结构参数,包括羽状角、肌肉厚度及肌纤维长度;②用便携式肌力与关节活动测试仪测量踝关节的肌力和活动度;③下肢采用Fugl-Meyer量表(FMA)评分;④下肢采用改良Ashworth痉挛量表(MAS)评分。 结果：训练后,实验组患侧TA的羽状角、肌肉厚度和MG的肌纤维长度均显著增加（P<0.05）,而对照组小腿肌肉参数在训练前后的差异均无显著性意义(P>0.05);训练后实验组患侧的踝关节肌力显著增加(P<0.05),而对照组踝关节肌力在训练前后的差异无显著性意义(P>0.05);训练后实验组下肢FMA评分显著提高(P<0.05),下肢MAS评分显著降低(P<0.05),而对照组下肢FMA评分和MAS评分在训练前后的差异均无显著性意义。 结论：BWSTT较传统的步态训练方法更能有效改善脑卒中患者下肢FMA评分和MAS评分及踝关节肌力,通过改变患者肌肉肌腱的形态结构可改善患者的运动功能。     

Cardiorespiratory capacity after weight-supported treadmill training in patients with traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The primary goal of body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) has been to improve the temporal and spatial characteristics of unsupported overground walking; however, little attention has been given to cardiorespiratory adaptations. The purpose of this case report is to describe the effects of BWSTT on cardiorespiratory fitness in 2 patients recovering from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). CASE DESCRIPTION: Both patients were involved in motor vehicle accidents and were studied after admission to a postacute residential treatment program. Patient 1 was a 25-year-old man (initial Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score=3) who began observation and treatment 3 months after the injury. Patient 2 was an 18-year-old woman (initial GCS=6) who began observation and treatment 1 year after the injury. OUTCOMES: Each patient received 2 to 3 sessions of BWSTT per week. Aerobic capacity was measured while they ambulated on a treadmill without body-weight support before and after BWSTT. Both patients' submaximal and peak responses improved. For patient 1 and patient 2, total treadmill work performed increased 134% and 53%, respectively. Peak oxygen uptake increased 24% for patient 1 and 16% for patient 2. Estimated cardiac stroke volume (oxygen pulse) increased 32% and 26% for patient 1 and patient 2, respectively. DISCUSSION: The observations made on these 2 patients suggest that BWSTT has the potential to favorably change cardiorespiratory capacity after TBI.     

Community ambulation after stroke: how important and obtainable is it and what measures appear predictive?

OBJECTIVES: To assess how important community ambulation is to stroke survivors and to assess the relation between the level of community ambulation achieved and other aspects of mobility. DESIGN: A multicenter observational survey. SETTING: Community setting in New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifteen stroke survivors living at home were referred from physical therapy (PT) services at 3 regional hospitals at the time of discharge and were assessed within 1 week after returning home. Another 15 people with stroke who did not require further PT when discharged were assessed within 2 weeks after they returned home to provide insight into community ambulation status for those without mobility impairment, as recognized by health professionals. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported levels of community ambulation ascertained by questionnaire, gait velocity (m/min), Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC) score, and Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) score. RESULTS: Mean gait velocity for the participants was 53.9 m/min (95% confidence interval [CI], 52.3-61.1); mean treadmill distance was 165.5 m (95% CI, 141.6-189.5); median RMI score was 14; and median FAC score was 6. Mobility scores for the 15 people who did not require PT were within the normal range. Based on self-reported levels of ambulation, 19 (14.6%) participants were unable to leave the home unsupervised, 22 (16.9%) were walking as far as the letterbox, 10 (7.6%) were limited to walking within their immediate environment, and 79 (60.7%) could access shopping malls and/or places of interest. Participants with different levels of community ambulation showed a significant difference in gait velocity (P<.001). The ability to "get out and about" in the community was considered to be either essential or very important by 97 subjects (74.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Community ambulation is a meaningful outcome after stroke. However, despite good mobility outcomes on standardized measures for this cohort of home-dwelling stroke survivors, nearly one third were not getting out unsupervised in the community. Furthermore, gait velocity may be a measure that discriminates between different categories of community ambulation. These findings may have implications for PT practice for people with mobility problems after stroke.     

Robotic resistance treadmill training improves locomotor function in human spinal cord injury: a pilot study

Wu M, Landry JM, Schmit BD, Hornby TG, Yen S-C. Robotic resistance treadmill training improves locomotor function in human spinal cord injury: a pilot study.ObjectiveTo determine whether cable-driven robotic resistance treadmill training can improve locomotor function in humans with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).DesignRepeated assessment of the same patients with crossover design.SettingResearch units of rehabilitation hospitals in Chicago.ParticipantsPatients with chronic incomplete SCI (N=10) were recruited to participate in this study.InterventionsSubjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. One group received 4 weeks of assistance training followed by 4 weeks of resistance training, while the other group received 4 weeks of resistance training followed by 4 weeks of assistance training. Locomotor training was provided by using a cable-driven robotic locomotor training system, which is highly backdrivable and compliant, allowing patients the freedom to voluntarily move their legs in a natural gait pattern during body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT), while providing controlled assistance/resistance forces to the leg during the swing phase of gait.Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcome measures were evaluated for each participant before training and after 4 and 8 weeks of training. Primary measures were self-selected and fast overground walking velocity and 6-minute walking distance. Secondary measures included clinical assessments of balance, muscle tone, and strength.ResultsA significant improvement in walking speed and balance in humans with SCI was observed after robotic treadmill training using the cable-driven robotic locomotor trainer. There was no significant difference in walking functional gains after resistance versus assistance training, although resistance training was more effective for higher functioning patients.ConclusionsCable-driven robotic resistance training may be used as an adjunct to BWSTT for improving overground walking function in humans with incomplete SCI, particularly for those patients with relatively high function.     

Robotic-assisted, body-weight-supported treadmill training in individuals following motor incomplete spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Performance of therapist-assisted, body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) to enhance walking ability of people with neurological injury is an area of intense research. Its application in the clinical setting, however, is limited by the personnel and labor requirements placed on physical therapists. Recent development of motorized ("robotic") rehabilitative devices that provide assistance during stepping may improve delivery of BWSTT. CASE DESCRIPTION: This case report describes the use of a robotic device to enhance motor recovery and ambulation in 3 people following motor incomplete spinal cord injury. INTERVENTIONS: Changes in motor impairment, functional limitations, and locomotor disability were monitored weekly during robotic-assisted BWSTT and following transition to therapist-assisted BWSTT with the assistance of one therapist. OUTCOMES: Following this training, 2 patients recovered independent over-ground walking and another improved his gait speed and endurance. DISCUSSION: The use of robotic devices may assist physical therapists by providing task-specific practice of stepping in people following neurological injury.