The effect of weight-bearing exercise and non-weight-bearing exercise on gait in rats with sciatic nerve crush injury

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to access the effect of weight bearing exercise (treadmill exercise) and non-weight-bearing exercise (swimming exercise) on gait in the recovery process after a sciatic nerve crush injury. [Subjects and Methods] Rats were randomly divided into a swimming group (n=3) with non-weight-bearing exercise after a sciatic nerve crush and a treadmill group (n=3) with weight bearing exercise after a sciatic nerve crush. Dartfish is a program that can analyze and interpret motion through video images. The knee lateral epicondyle, lateral malleolus, and metatarsophalangeal joint of the fifth toe were marked by black dots before recording. [Results] There were significant differences in TOK (knee angle toe off) and ICK (knee angle at initial contact) in the swimming group and in TOK, ICA (ankle angle at initial contact), and ICK in the treadmill group. In comparison between groups, there were significant differences in TOA (ankle angle in toe off) and ICA at the 7th day. [Conclusion] There was no difference between weight bearing and non-weight-bearing exercise in sciatic nerve damage, and both exercises accelerated the recovery process in this study.Key words: Sciatic nerve crush injury, Weight-bearing exercise, Gait     

Effect of exercise on the expression of nerve growth factor in the spinal cord of rats with induced osteoarthritis

[Purpose] We examined the impact of exercise on the expression pattern of nerve growth factor in the spinal cord of rats with induced osteoarthritis of the knee joint. [Subjects and Methods] To produce monosodium iodoacetate-induced arthritis, rats were administered 3 mg/50 µL monosodium iodoacetate through the interarticular space of the right knee. The animals were randomly divided into four groups: rats sacrificed 3 weeks after 0.9% saline solution injection (shame group, n = 10), rats sacrificed 3 weeks after monosodium iodoacetate injection (control group, n = 10), rats with 4 weeks rest from 3 weeks after monosodium iodoacetate injection (no exercise group, n = 10), and rats with 4 weeks treadmill training from 3 weeks after monosodium iodoacetate injection (exercise group, n = 10). Serial coronal sections of the lumbar spine were cut and processed for immunohistochemistry. [Results] The expression of nerve growth factor was significantly increased in the EG compared with the SG, CG, and NEG. [Conclusion] Increased nerve growth factor expression in the spinal cord due to exercise-induced stimulation can be effective in treating chronic pain. Such treatment will contribute not only to improving the joint function of patients with chronic pain but also their quality of life.Key words: Osteoarthritis, Treadmill exercise, Nerve growth factor     

The effects of balance training and ankle training on the gait of elderly people who have fallen

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of balance training and muscle training around the ankle joints on the gait of elderly people who have experienced a fall. [Subjects] Twenty-six elderly people with a risk of falling and a Berg Balance Scale score of 37 to 50 points who had experienced a fall in the last year were randomly and equally assigned to either a balance training group or an ankle training group. The balance training group received training on a hard floor, training while maintaining balance on a cushion ball in a standing position, and training while maintaining balance on an unstable platform in a standing position; the ankle training group received training to strengthen the muscles around the ankle joints and conducted stretch exercise for the muscles around the ankle joints. [Results] There were significant changes in gait velocity, step length, and stride length in the balance training group after the intervention; there were significant changes in gait velocity, cadence, step time, cycle time, step length, and stride length in the ankle training group after the intervention. In a between-group comparison, the gait velocity of the balance training group showed a significant improvement compared with the ankle training group. [Conclusion] Both balance training and ankle joint training are effective in enhancing the gait ability of elderly people with a risk of falling; in particular, balance training is effective in improving the gait velocity of elderly people who have experienced a fall compared with ankle joint training.Key words: Elderly people, Balance training, Ankle training     

Joint kinetics during Tai Chi gait and normal walking gait in young and elderly Tai Chi Chuan practitioners

BACKGROUND: Tai Chi Chuan is becoming a popular exercise among elders. This study measured the inter-segmental forces and moments at the lower extremity joints during a Tai Chi gait as compared to those during normal walking gait, in both apparently healthy young and elderly Tai Chi Chuan practitioners. METHODS: Three-dimensional inter-segmental joint reaction force and moment were computed using the Inverse Dynamic Approach based on the kinematics and ground reaction force measurements in a laboratory setting in six young (two females, mean age 28; SD 6 years) and six elderly (five females, mean age 72; SD 8 years) subjects who had previous training of Yang style Tai Chi Chuan. FINDINGS: The results showed significant gait differences in both age groups, with significantly smaller peak compressive forces, larger peak shear forces in the ankle, knee and hip joints, and larger peak moments in the knee and hip joints during Tai Chi gait as compared to normal gait. Moreover, the peak shear force was oriented more in the medial-lateral direction at the ankle and knee joints, and the peak moment was in the frontal plane at the knee and hip joints. The results also showed significant age differences, with significantly smaller peak shear forces in all three joints in the elderly group than in the young group during Tai Chi gait. INTERPRETATION: Tai Chi gait has an increased shear force and frontal plane torque at lower extremity joints than normal gait. The shear force at all three lower extremity joints during Tai Chi gait is lower in the elderly subjects than young subjects. This data suggest that, in Tai Chi Chuan training, elderly people with degenerative joint diseases in the lower extremity should use caution when practicing Tai Chi Chuan.     

Histopathological Changes in the Periphery of the Sciatic Nerve of Rats after Knee Joint Immobilization

[Purpose] This study was performed to investigate the histological changes that occur in the periphery of the sciatic nerve in rats undergoing knee immobilization. [Subjects and Methods] 29 male 9-week-old Wistar rats were divided randomly into a control group (C group, n = 7) and an immobilized group (I group, n = 22). The animals in the I group had the left knee joint immobilized in maximal flexion with plaster casts for two weeks. After the experimental period, we obtained cross-sections of tissues from the center of the left thigh, and the periphery of the sciatic nerve was observed under an optical microscope after hematoxylin-eosin staining. [Results] In contrast to the rats of C group, the rats in I group showed adherence between the bundle of nerve fibers and perineurium, as well as thickening of the perineurium. These histological changes were statistically significant. [Conclusions] Immobilization of the knee joints of rats resulted in characteristic histological changes in the connective tissue around the sciatic nerve.Key words: Contracture, Sciatic nerve, Perineurium     

Plantarflexor training affects propulsive force generation during gait in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy: a pilot study

[Purpose] The purpose of this preliminary study was to assess the trade-off relationship between the hip and ankle joints after plantarflexor training in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP). [Subjects and Methods] Three boys aged 9, 10, and 13 years with spastic hemiplegic CP participated in the study. Gait analysis was performed using a three-dimensional motion analysis device and a floor reaction force detection device before and after plantarflexor training. Data on gait speed and stride length for both sides were collected. Peak hip and ankle powers in the sagittal plane and ankle-to-hip power ratio (A2/H3 ratio) were calculated. Plantarflexor training comprised heel raises and exercise band resistance at the participant’s home (3 times/week for 12 weeks). [Results] The A2/H3 ratio increased significantly on both sides in two of three subjects after training. Peak A2 power increased significantly on both sides in subject 3 and on the affected side of subject 2. Peak H3 power decreased significantly on the non-affected side of subjects 1 and 2. [Conclusion] This study confirmed that two of three subjects demonstrated a trade-off relationship between the hip and ankle joints during gait after plantarflexor training.     

Quantitative assessment of the effects of 6 months of adapted physical activity on gait in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to quantitatively assess the effect of 6 months of supervised adapted physical activity (APA i.e. physical activity designed for people with special needs) on spatio-temporal and kinematic parameters of gait in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS).

Methods: Twenty-two pwMS with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores ranging from 1.5 to 5.5 were randomly assigned either to the intervention group (APA, n?=?11) or the control group (CG, n?=?11). The former underwent 6 months of APA consisting of 3 weekly 60-min sessions of aerobic and strength training, while CG participants were engaged in no structured PA program. Gait patterns were analyzed before and after the training using three-dimensional gait analysis by calculating spatio-temporal parameters and concise indexes of gait kinematics (Gait Profile Score – GPS and Gait Variable Score – GVS) as well as dynamic Range of Motion (ROM) of hip, knee, and ankle joints.

Results: The training originated significant improvements in stride length, gait speed and cadence in the APA group, while GPS and GVS scores remained practically unchanged. A trend of improvement was also observed as regard the dynamic ROM of hip, knee, and ankle joints. No significant changes were observed in the CG for any of the parameters considered.

Conclusions: The quantitative analysis of gait supplied mixed evidence about the actual impact of 6 months of APA on pwMS. Although some improvements have been observed, the substantial constancy of kinematic patterns of gait suggests that the full transferability of the administered training on the ambulation function may require more specific exercises.

• Implications for rehabilitation

• Adapted Physical Activity (APA) is effective in improving spatio-temporal parameters of gait, but not kinematics, in people with multiple sclerosis.

• Dynamic range of motion during gait is increased after APA.

• The full transferability of APA on the ambulation function may require specific exercises rather than generic lower limbs strength/flexibility training.

     

Virtual dual-task treadmill training using video recording for gait of chronic stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the effects of virtual dual-task treadmill training using a real-world video recording of the gait of individuals with chronic stroke. [Subjects] Forty chronic stroke survivors were randomly divided into two groups of 20 subjects each. [Methods] The experimental group performed virtual dual-task treadmill training using a video recording for 30 minutes per session, three times a week for 4 weeks, whereas the control group performed only treadmill training for 30 minutes per session, three times a week for 4 weeks. A video recording was performed in a large supermarket, and the subjects could walk at their favorable speed on a treadmill. The temporospatial gait variables were measured to examine the training effect. [Results] The experimental and control groups showed statistically significant improvements in the gait variables after training. The enhancement of gait ability was statistically better in the experimental group than in the control group. [Conclusion] Our findings suggest that virtual dual-task treadmill training using a video recording can improve the gait parameters of chronic stroke survivors.Key words: Stroke, Gait, Video recording     

The Effects of Lower Extremity Angle According to Heel-height Changes in Young Ladies in Their 20s during Gait

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of heel-height changes on the low joint angles of the lower extremities of women in their 20s during gait. [Subjects and Methods] Qualisys Track Manager Software ver. 2.8 (Qualisys, Sweden) was used to perform measurements on 14 female university students in their 20s. To measure movements, the subjects were asked to walk while wearing high-heeled shoes and reflective stickers on their hip joints, knee joints, and ankle joints, the changes in joint angles were measured at heel strike, foot flat, and toe off. [Results] Analysis of the amount of change according to heel height changes during gait showed that the angle of the hip joints was reduced with an increase in heel-height. Although the changes were not significant, the angle of the knee joints was reduced during heel strike, foot flat, and midstance, and it was increased during toe off. In contrast, the angle of the ankle joints was increased by a significant amount during heel strike, foot flat, midstance, and toe off. [Conclusions] During gait with high heels, the movements of the lower extremities of women in their 20s were reduced significantly with an increase in heel height. Therefore, it is concluded that the restrictions on gait can only be reduced by wearing low-heeled shoes.Key words: Heel height, Gait, Low extremity     

运动疗法促进坐骨神经损伤小鼠的运动功能恢复

目的:评估运动疗法对坐骨神经损伤小鼠运动功能恢复的促进作用。方法:将60只雄性C57BL/6小鼠随机分为假手术组、坐骨神经损伤组和运动治疗组,每组20只。通过挤压坐骨神经建立坐骨神经损伤小鼠模型。对各组小鼠脚趾形态和坐骨神经功能指数(Sciatic Functional Index,SFI)进行评估。通过免疫荧光染色观察各组小鼠神经纤维的形态及数量。使用透射电子显微镜检查小鼠坐骨神经损伤部位远端的有髓神经纤维数量。使用real-time PCR检测与神经损伤修复相关的基因。结果:与假手术组比较,坐骨神经损伤组小鼠脚趾不能张开,SFI高且下降速度慢,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。与坐骨神经损伤组比较,运动治疗组小鼠脚趾张开功能轻度恢复,SFI下降速度快,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。免疫荧光染色结果显示:坐骨神经损伤组受损部位远端神经纤维数量少,密度低;而运动治疗组受损部位远端神经纤维数量和密度均升高。电镜结果显示:与假手术组比较,坐骨神经损伤组小鼠受损部位远端有髓神经纤维比例降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001);与坐骨神经损伤组比较,运动治疗组小鼠受损部位远端有髓神经纤维比例升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。Real-time PCR结果显示:与假手术组比较,坐骨神经损伤组BDNF,Mpz和Cdh1基因表达均降低(P<0.01或P<0.001),Artn基因表达升高(P<0.001);与坐骨神经损伤组比较,运动治疗组BDNF,Mpz,Cdh1,Gap-43,cJun基因表达水平升高(P<0.01或P<0.001),Artn基因表达降低(P<0.01)。结论:运动疗法对坐骨神经损伤小鼠的运动功能恢复有促进作用。     

Effects of a novel walking training program with postural correction and visual feedback on walking function in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis

[Purpose] This study aimed to elucidate the effects of a novel walking training program with postural correction and visual feedback on walking function in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis. [Subjects] Sixteen subjects were randomly allocated to either the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG), with eight subjects in each. [Methods] EG and CG subjects performed a 30-min treadmill walking training exercise twice daily for 2 weeks. EG subjects also underwent postural correction using elastic bands and received visual feedback during walking. The 10-m walk test was performed, and gait parameters were measured using a gait analysis system. [Results] All parameters showed significant main effects for the group factor and time-by-group interactions. Significant main effects for the time factor were found in the stride length and stance phase ratios. [Conclusion] The novel walking training program with postural correction and visual feedback may improve walking function in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis.Key words: Postural correction, Stroke, Walking function     

Effects of running in place accompanied by abdominal drawing-in on gait characteristics of healthy adults

[Purpose] This study was conducted to investigate the effects of running in place accompanied by abdominal drawing-in on the gait characteristics of healthy adults. [Subjects] The total number of subjects was 30, and 15 were randomly placed in the training group (TG) and 15 in the control group (CG). [Methods] To determine the gait characteristics of TG and CG, step length difference (SLD), stance phase difference (STPD), swing phase difference (SWPD), single support difference (SSD), and step time difference (STD) were evaluated using OptoGait, a gait analysis system. [Results] When the pre-intervention and post-intervention results of TG and CG were compared, statistically significant differences in SLD, SWPD, SSD, and STD of TG were found. [Conclusion] Running in place accompanied by abdominal drawing-in might help reduce the deviation between left and right gait variables during walking.Key words: Running in place, Abdominal drawing-in, Gait characteristics     

Changes of kinematic parameters of lower extremities with gait speed: a 3D motion analysis study

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in hip, knee and ankle kinematic variables of the lower extremities at different gait speeds. [Subjects and Methods] Forty healthy subjects who had no previous history of neurological, musculo-skeletal or other medical conditions that could affect gait were recruited. The subjects were asked to walk 10 m down a walkway at three different gait speeds: normal gait speed, and self-selected fast, and slow speeds. The experimental order was randomly chosen across these gaits. The hip, knee and ankle kinematic data were evaluated using a VICON 3D motion analysis system and force plates. [Results] The flexion peak and external rotation peak of the knee joint significantly increased with the increase of gait speed. The plantarflexion peaks of the ankle joint significantly increased with increase of gait speed. However, none of the kinematic data of the hip joint were significantly dependent on increase of gait speed. [Conclusion] The relationship of the knee and ankle joint can be described as coupling motion which is dependent on gait speed. Our present findings suggest that coupling motion of the knee joint and plantarflexion of the ankle joint significantly increase with increase of gait speed. These results will provide important insight into gait mechanisms for the evaluation of pathological populations.Key words: Gait speed, 3D motion analysis, Lower extremity     

运动训练对坐骨神经损伤小鼠神经形态和功能恢复影响的研究

目的:观察运动训练对坐骨神经损伤小鼠神经形态和功能恢复的影响。方法:雄性昆明小鼠120只,随机分为对照组、假手术组、损伤模型组和损伤后水中运动训练组。采用右侧坐骨神经卡压模型,观察运动训练对小鼠爬网漏脚率、神经传导速度、神经髓鞘计数和神经形态的影响。结果:运动训练组小鼠术后3周爬网漏脚率明显低于损伤模型组(P0.01),术后3、4周神经传导速度也明显快于损伤模型组(P0.01,P0.05),神经髓鞘计数明显高于损伤模型组(P0.01),电镜下损伤神经得到修复,细胞形态基本恢复正常,明显好于损伤模型组。结论:运动训练可促进坐骨神经损伤小鼠的神经修复和功能恢复。     

The effect of a training program combined with augmented afferent feedback from the feet using shoe insoles on gait performance and muscle power in older adults: a randomised controlled trial

Background.?Aged-related loss of afferent feedback of the feet plays an important role in gait performance. Although strength, balance and gait training can significantly improve the muscle power and functional abilities of older individuals, it remains unclear whether training effects can be enhanced by augmenting afferent feedback from the feet adding shoe insoles complementary to conventional training.

Objective.?The current study investigated the effect of physical exercise combined with wearing MedReflex® shoe insoles on the gait performance and muscle power in older adults.

Methods.?Twenty-eight independent living, older adults aged 65–91 years were randomly assigned to either an insole group (IG; n?=?14) or a training group (TG; n?=?14). Further 14 subjects matched to the IG and TG were recruited as a control group (CG; n?=?14) (no exercise). The IG and TG completed the same training program consisting of aerobic exercises, progressive resistance strength training and stretching exercises twice per week for 12 weeks, whereas, the IG wore the insoles during everyday life and during training sessions. Assessments included the Falls Efficacy Scale – International (FES-I), gait analysis and muscle power measurements of the knee and ankle joint at pre- and post-training.

Results.?There were significant time?×?group interactions in walking speed, step length and in several muscle power measurements. The positive effects of gait parameters ranged between 1% and 12% and between 1% and 8% and the trend to improvements of muscle power ranged between 15–79% and 20–79% for the IG and TG, respectively. The IG and TG did not differ significantly in their improvements. The CG showed a trend to deteriorations between 0% and??5% for gait parameters and between??4% and??14% for muscle power. No significant change in FES-I score occurred in neither groups.

Conclusions.?The results of this study provide evidence of significant improvements in gait performance and muscle power after a conventional training program in independent living, older adults. However, there is no additional effect of long-term adaptation of gait caused by wearing insoles concurrent to physical training.     

The effect of a foot gymnastic exercise programme on gait performance in older adults: A randomised controlled trial

Background.?Aged-related loss of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and toe plantarflexor strength play an important role in gait performance. Further, conventional strength, balance and gait training can significantly improve the lower extremity muscle power and functional abilities of older individuals. It remains unclear, however, whether training effects can be enhanced by augmenting ankle ROM and toe plantarflexor strength complementary to training.

Objective.?This study investigated the effect of physical exercise combined with foot gymnastics on the gait performance in older adults.

Methods.?Fifty-six independent living, older adults aged 66–91 years were randomly assigned to either foot gymnastics group (FG; n?=?28) or training group (TG; n?=?28). Further, 14 subjects were integrated as a control group (CG; n?=?14) (no exercise). The FG and TG completed the same training program consisting of aerobic exercises, progressive resistance strength training and stretching exercises twice per week for 12 weeks, whereas the FG performed additional foot gymnastic exercises at the end of the training session and a 10-min foot gymnastics home-program daily. Assessments included the Falls Efficacy Scale – International (FES-I), Expanded Timed Get-up-and-Go test (ETGUG), gait analysis and muscle power measurements of the knee and ankle joint at pre- and post-training.

Results.?No significant change in FES-I score occurred in either group. The FG showed a significant improvement of ankle ROM. There were significant time?×?group interactions in walking speed, step length, in several muscle power measurements and in ETGUG. The positive effects of gait parameters ranged between 1 and 11% and between 2 and 12%, of muscle power between 14 and 34% and 14 and 46% and of ETGUG were 10 and 8% for the FG and TG, respectively. The FG and TG did not differ significantly in their improvements. The CG showed a trend to deteriorations between 0 and??6% for gait parameters, between??4 and??14% for muscle power and 0% for ETGUG.

Conclusions.?The results of this study provide evidence of significant improvements in gait performance, muscle power and ETGUG after a conventional training program in independent living, older adults. However, there is no additional effect on physical performance after foot gymnastic exercises.     

Power at hip,knee and ankle joints are compromised in women with mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis

Background

Analyses of the biomechanical characteristics of gait of women with mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis may identify parameters that could be targeted by physical therapy interventions. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to compare the joint power profiles during gait between a group of elderly women with mild and moderate levels of knee osteoarthritis and a group of age-matched asymptomatic women.

Methods

Thirty-nine women diagnosed with osteoarthritis at the medial compartment of the knee and 39 healthy women with no diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis participated in the study. Joint power profiles of the hip, knee and ankle joints in the sagittal plane during gait were performed using video and force data obtained using Qualisys ProReflex System synchronized with two force plates. Principal component analysis was applied to extract features from the joint power waveforms characterizing their main modes of temporal variation. The extracted features were compared between groups.

Findings

Women with knee osteoarthritis absorbed and generated less energy at the hip and ankle joints, and absorbed less energy at the knee when compared to the asymptomatic group.

Interpretation

The observed power pattern in women with knee osteoarthritis may be related to their reduced gait speed, a suboptimal strategy possibly used to reduce reaction forces at the knee. Clinical studies should investigate whether interventions designed to improve muscular resources, as a means to control the flow of forces at the knee, would optimize power patterns and gait performance in women with knee osteoarthritis.     

Locomotor treadmill training with partial body-weight support before overground gait in adults with acute stroke: a pilot study

McCain KJ, Pollo FE, Baum BS, Coleman SC, Baker S, Smith PS. Locomotor treadmill training with partial body-weight support before overground gait in adults with acute stroke: a pilot study.

Objective

To investigate the impact of locomotor treadmill training with partial body-weight support (BWS) before the initiation of overground gait for adults less than 6 weeks poststroke.

Design

Parallel group, posttest only.

Setting

Inpatient rehabilitation center.

Participants

Adults after first stroke admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation unit: treadmill group (n=7) and comparison group (n=7).

Interventions

Locomotor treadmill training with partial BWS or traditional gait training methods.

Main Outcome Measures

Gait kinematics, symmetry, velocity, and endurance at least 6 months postinsult.

Results

Data from 3-dimensional gait analysis and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) supported improved gait for adults postacute stroke who practiced gait on a treadmill before walking over ground. Gait analysis showed increased knee flexion during swing and absence of knee hyperextension in stance for the treadmill group. In addition, more normal ankle kinematics at initial contact and terminal stance were observed in the treadmill group. Improved gait symmetry in the treadmill group was confirmed by measures of single support time, hip flexion at initial contact, maximum knee flexion, and maximum knee extension during stance. The treadmill group also walked further and faster in the 6MWT than the comparison group.

Conclusions

Application of locomotor treadmill training with partial BWS before overground gait training may be more effective in establishing symmetric and efficient gait in adults postacute stroke than traditional gait training methods in acute rehabilitation.     

反复促通疗法对痉挛型偏瘫脑瘫儿童步行功能的影响

目的:探讨反复促通疗法对痉挛型偏瘫脑性瘫痪(SHCP)儿童步行功能的影响。方法:选取SHCP儿童40例，随机分为2组各20例。对照组每天给予常规康复训练60min,观察组每天给予反复促通疗法训练60min,共4周。训练前后采用10m步行测试(10MWT)评价步行速度，三维步态分析系统评价患侧下肢处于支撑中期和摆动中期时髋、膝、踝关节角度以及处于足跟着地期时踝关节角度。结果:训练后2组自选步行速度(SWS)和最快步行速度(MWS)均较治疗前显著增加(P<0.01),且观察组显著高于对照组(P<0.01)。训练后患侧下肢处于支撑中期时与训练前比较，2组患侧髋关节屈曲角度明显降低(P<0.05),患侧膝关节屈曲角度明显增加(P<0.05),患侧踝关节背屈角度明显增加(P<0.05),且观察组各项改善程度均优于对照组(P<0.05);训练后患侧下肢处于摆动中期时与训练前比较，2组患侧髋、膝关节屈曲角度明显增加(P<0.05),且观察组改善程度均优于对照组(P<0.05);训练后患侧下肢处于摆动中期时观察组患侧踝关节背屈角度较训练前及对照组明显增加...     

Effect of blocked vision treadmill training on knee joint proprioception of patients with chronic stroke

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of treadmill training with the eyes closed and eyes open on the joint position sense of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty patients with chronic stroke participated in this study. Patients performed the timed up and go test and were assigned to one of two treadmill training groups with and without visual deprivation. The treadmill gait training for each group lasted 40 minutes, and sessions were held 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The knee joint proprioception was measured using the Biodex System Pro 3 before and after the intervention. [Results] The knee joint proprioception of the treadmill training with blocked vision group showed more significant improvement after the treadmill training sessions than that of the eyes open group. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that treadmill training with blocked vision may be useful for the proprioceptive sensory rehabilitation of patients with chronic stroke.Key words: Chronic stroke, Knee joint proprioception, Visual deprivation