The effects of a progressive resistance training program on walking ability in patients after stroke: a pilot study

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a progressive resistance training (PRT) program on the walking ability of chronic stroke patients with hemiparesis following chronic stroke. [Subjects and Methods] The participants of this study were fifteen hemiplegic patients. The main outcomes measured for this study were the peak torque of the knee extensor; the gait ability as measured by electric gait analysis of walking speed, walking cycle, affected side stance phase, affected side stride length, symmetry index of stance phase, and symmetry index of stride length; and 10-m walking speed; and the Berg balance scale test. [Results] Walking speed and affected side stride length significantly increased after the PRT program, and 10-m walking time significantly decreased after RPT in stroke patients. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the progressive resistance training program may, in part, improve the stride of the affected side leg of stroke patients after stroke and also positively impact walking speed.Key words: Progressive resistance training program, Walking ability, Stroke     

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     

Effects of brain-computer interface-based functional electrical stimulation on balance and gait function in patients with stroke: preliminary results

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of brain-computer interface (BCI)-based functional electrical stimulation (FES) on balance and gait function in patients with stroke. [Subjects] Subjects were randomly allocated to a BCI-FES group (n=5) and a FES group (n=5). [Methods] The BCI-FES group received ankle dorsiflexion training with FES according to a BCI-based program for 30 minutes per day for 5 days. The FES group received ankle dorsiflexion training with FES for the same duration. [Results] Following the intervention, the BCI-FES group showed significant differences in Timed Up and Go test value, cadence, and step length on the affected side. The FES group showed no significant differences after the intervention. However, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups after the intervention. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that BCI-based FES training is a more effective exercise for balance and gait function than FES training alone in patients with stroke.Key words: Brain-computer interface, Functional electrical stimulation, Gait     

Treadmill Sideways Gait Training with Visual Blocking for Patients with Brain Lesions

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to verify the effect of sideways treadmill training with and without visual blocking on the balance and gait function of patients with brain lesions. [Subjects] Twenty-four stroke and traumatic brain injury subjects participated in this study. They were divided into two groups: an experimental group (12 subjects) and a control group (12 subjects). [Methods] Each group executed a treadmill training session for 20 minutes, three times a week, for 6 weeks. The sideways gait training on the treadmill was performed with visual blocking by the experimental group and with normal vision by the control group. A Biodex Gait Trainer 2 was used to assess the gait function. It was used to measure walking speed, walking distance, step length, and stance time on each foot. The Five-Times-Sit-To-Stand test (FTSST) and Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were used as balance measures. [Results] The sideways gait training with visual blocking group showed significantly improved walking speed, walking distance, step length, and stance time on each foot after training; FTSST and TUG times also significantly improved after training in the experimental group. Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significant increases in stance time on each foot. [Conclusion] Sideways gait training on a treadmill with visual blocking performed by patients with brain lesions significantly improved their balance and gait function.Key words: Brain lesions, Treadmill training, Visual block     

Effects of Hippotherapy on Recovery of Gait and Balance Ability in Patients with Stroke

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the the effects of hippotherapy on gait and balance ability in patients with stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty stroke patients were randomly divided into a hippotherapy group and a treadmill group and they conducted exercise for eight weeks. [Results] Berg Balance Scale score, gait velocity, and step length asymmetry ratio were significantly improved in the group receiving hippotherapy training. However, in the group receiving treadmill training, only step length asymmetry ratio was significantly improved. In the comparison between the hippotherapy group and treadmill group, there was no significant difference in Berg Balance Scale score, but a significant difference was found in gait velocity and step length asymmetry ratio. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicated that hippotherapy is a helpful treatment for stroke patients.Key words: Stroke, Balance, Hippotherapy     

Immediate effects of ankle eversion taping on gait ability of chronic stroke patients

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to assess the immediate effects of applying ankle eversion taping using kinesiology tape in patients with foot drop after stroke.DesignRandomized cross-over trial.MethodIn this study, fifteen subjects with stroke underwent three interventions in a random order. Subjects were randomly initially assigned to an ankle balance taping, placebo taping, and no taping each group. The ankle eversion taping was used for mechanical correction. Ankle eversion taping is involved in ankle dorsiflexion and eversion. The placebo taping began from both malleolus and was applied up to the middle point of the lower limb. Gait ability was assessed by the GAITRite System. The measured gait variables are gait velocity, step length, stride length, H-H base support, and cadence. All of the measurements were performed immediately after intervention.ResultsOur results showed gait function in chronic stroke patients was improved after ankle eversion taping. Velocity, step length, stride length and cadence under the ankle eversion taping conditions significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to the placebo and no taping conditions. Ankle eversion taping significantly reduced (p < 0.05) H-H base support compared to the no taping condition.ConclusionsWe conclude that the application of ankle eversion taping that uses kinesiology tape instantly increased the gait ability of chronic stroke patients with foot drop. However, more research is necessary to identify the long-term effects of the ankle eversion taping.     

An Ankle Proprioceptive Control Program Improves Balance,Gait Ability of Chronic Stroke Patients

[Purpose] Balance and gait ability determine to a large degree the level of independence of daily living which is an important goal of rehabilitation. This study was conducted in order to examine the effectiveness of an ankle proprioceptive control program on ankle muscle strength, balance, and gait of chronic stroke patients. [Methods] Thirteen chronic stroke patients more than six months post-stroke were recruited. All subjects received ankle proprioceptive control training for 30 minutes per session, two days per week, over a period of six weeks. Outcome measures were ankle strength (BTE-Primus), the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and spatiotemporal parameters measured by a GAITRite instrument. [Results] Significant improvements in ankle dorsiflexor strength, TUG, gait speed and cadence, step length, and stride length were observed on the paretic side. [Conclusion] The results of this study provide evidence in support of incorporation of an ankle proprioceptive control program for effective improvement of both balance and gait ability of chronic stroke patients. The findings of this study suggest the feasibility and suitability of an ankle proprioceptive control program for chronic stroke patients.Key words: Stroke, Proprioception, Ankle     

The Effects of Foot Orthosis on the Gait Ability of College Students in Their 20s with Flat Feet

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of foot orthosis on the gait ability of college students in their 20s with flat feet. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 20 college students who had been diagnosed with flat feet. The subjects’ step time, step length, stride time, stride length, and gait velocity were measured using the VICON Motion System (Vicon, Oxford, UK) prior to and while wearing foot orthoses. The resulting data were analyzed using SPSS v. 12.0. [Results] The subject’s step time and stride time significantly decreased for both feet after they began using foot orthosis, and stride length and gait velocity significantly increased in both feet orthosis; however, step length did not significantly increase on either side. [Conclusions] College students with flat feet saw an improvement in elements of their gait while using the foot orthosis. The results of this study verified that students with flat feet might walk more efficiently if they received active gait training via long-term use of foot orthosis.Key words: Flat feet, VICON, Gait performance     

The Effect of Ankle Joint Muscle Strengthening Training and Static Muscle Stretching Training on Stroke Patients’ C.O.P Sway Amplitude

[Purpose] This study implement ankle joint dorsiflexion training for ankle muscle the weakness that impairs stroke patients’ gait performance, to examine the effect of the training on stroke patients’ plantar pressure and gait ability. [Subjects and Methods] In this study, 36 stroke patients diagnosed with stroke due to cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage performed the training. Static muscle stretching was performed four times a week for 20 minutes at a time for 6 weeks by the training group. Ankle dorsiflexor training was performed four times a week, two sets per time in the case of females and three sets per time in the case of males for 6 weeks, by another group. Center of pressure sway amplitude was measured using the F-scan system during gait. All subjects were assessed with the same measurements at a pre-study examination and reassessed at eight weeks. Data were analyzed statistically using the paired t-test and one-way ANOVA. [Results] Among the between ankle dorsiflexor training group, static muscle stretching group, and control group, the difference before and after the training were proven to be statistically significant. [Conclusion] Compared to other training groups, the ankle muscle strength training group showed statistically significant increases of forward thrust at stroke patients’ toe-off which positively affected stroke patients’ ability to perform gait.Key words: Plantar pressure, Stroke, Muscle stretching     

The Effect of Treadmill-based Incremental Leg Weight Loading Training on the Balance of Stroke Patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of treadmill-based gait training using incremental weight loading on the ankle of the affected side on hemiplegic stroke patients’ balance. [Subjects] In this study, 30 hemiplegic stroke patients were randomly divided into an incremental weight load group (IWLG, n=15) and a no-load group (NLG, n=15). [Methods] The IWLG performed gait training on treadmills for four weeks wearing a sandbag weighing 3% of the body weight on the affected side ankle, followed by wearing a sandbag weighing 5% of the body weight from the 5th week. The NLG performed similar training without sandbags. [Results] Both the IWLG and the NLG showed significant improvements in balance ability. The IWLG showed a larger decrease in the area and length of movement of the center of pressure in static standing positions after the experiment although the difference was not significant. [Conclusion] We recommend, utilizing the treadmill-based gait training using incremental weight loading on the affected side ankle as a clinical intervention for improving hemiplegic stroke patients’ balance ability.Key words: Stroke, Incremental weight load, Treadmill     

Effects of gait training with horizontal impeding force on gait and balance of stroke patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of treadmill training with a horizontal impeding force applied to the center of upper body mass on the gait and balance of post-stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-four subjects with hemiplegia less than 3 months after stroke onset were randomly assigned to 2 groups: an applied horizontal impeding force on treadmill training (experimental) group (n = 12), and a control group (n = 12). Both groups walked on a treadmill at a comfortable or moderate speed for 20 minutes per day, 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks after a pre-test. The experimental group also had a horizontal impeding force applied to the center of their upper body mass. [Results] All groups demonstrated significant improvement after 8 weeks compared to baseline measurements. In intra-group comparisons, the subjects’ gait ability (CGS, MGS, cadence, and step length) and balance ability (TUG, BBS, and FRT) significantly improved. In inter-group comparisons, the experimental group’s improvement was significantly better in CGS MGS, cadence, step length, TUG, and BBS, but not in FRT. [Conclusion] Treadmill training was identified as an effective training method that improved gait and balance ability. A horizontal impeding force applied during treadmill training was more effective than treadmill walking training alone at improving the gait and dynamic balance of patients with stroke.Key words: Treadmill gait, Horizontal impeding force, Upper body     

Ankle dorsiflexion training with a newly developed Hybrid Assistive Limb for a patient with foot drop caused by common peroneal nerve palsy: a case report

[Purpose] An ankle disorder (foot drop) caused by common peroneal nerve palsy or cerebrovascular accident (stroke) interferes with patients’ ability to walk and hinders in activities of daily living. A new robotic ankle, the Hybrid Assistive Limb, has been developed for the treatment of foot drop caused by common peroneal nerve palsy or sequelae of stroke. The purpose in this study was to report and examine the efficacy and feasibility of a case who was treated with voluntary ankle dorsiflexion training with the ankle Hybrid Assistive Limb. [Participant and Method] A 60-year-old man with foot drop due to peroneal nerve palsy that occurred without a contributory cause was treated via ankle dorsiflexion training with the use of a new robotic ankle, the “Ankle Hybrid Assistive Limb”. [Results] Following total ankle rehabilitation training with the Ankle Hybrid Assistive Limb, improvements in ankle dorsiflexor strength, gait, and sensory function of the lower leg and foot were observed. [Conclusion] The newly developed ankle Hybrid Assistive Limb could be an effective training tool for foot drop caused by common peroneal nerve palsy.     

Alterations of spinal range of motion while sitting in hemiplegic patients with or without gait available

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine alterations of spinal range of motion while sitting, in hemiplegic patients with or without gait available. [Subjects] There was a gait group (GG) of 6 subjects, and a non-gait group (NGG) of 6 subjects, both with hemiplegia after a stroke. [Methods] The subjects in both groups were given an intervention focusing on ankle dorsi-flexion of the affected foot only once for 30 minutes. The Spinal Mouse was used to gain data of the spinal range of motion before and after the intervention and 30 minutes later for follow-up test. [Results] Only in the gait group, lumbar spinal range of motion showed a significant difference when using flexion extension. Sacral hip and inclination were both increased gradually when upright flexion and flexion extension were used. [Conclusion] Facilitating foot for ankle dorsi-flexion is effective on spinal range of motion especially sacrohip, lumbar spine and inclination only for the subjects in the gait group. The results suggested that ankle dorsi-flexion exercise influences spinal range of motion in a sitting position.     

The effects of symmetric center of pressure displacement training with feedback on the gait of stroke patients

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of COP displacement training using visual feedback had on the gait of patients with hemiplegia due to stroke. [Subjects and Methods] This study was conducted with 20 patients with hemiplegia due to stroke. The training consisted of five training sets repeated 10 times and the activity was conducted for 15 minutes each session, three times per week for six weeks immediately after completion of central nervous system developmental treatment. [Results] A comparison of the results of before and after the experiment found that the COP displacement training group showed significant improvements in step length, stride length, gait velocity, and the functional reach test, while the control group showed significant improvement only in the functional reach test. In the intergroup comparison, the COP displacement training group showed significant improvements in paretic side step length, paretic side stride length, gait velocity, and the functional reach test compared to the control group. [Conclusion] In conclusion, according to the results of this study, visual feedback training for COP displacement is more effective at enhancing the gait and balance of hemiplegic patients due to stroke than only performing feedback training for even weight distribution.Key words: Stroke, Center of pressure, Feedback     

Effect of application of transcranial direct current stimulation during task-related training on gait ability of patients with stroke

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to determine the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during task-related training (TRT) on the gait ability of patients with chronic stroke. [Subjects and Methods] The participants were 24 patients who were diagnosed with hemiplegia due to stroke. Three groups were created: subjects who performed TRT for general exercise therapy (TRT), subjects who received sham tDCS during TRT for general exercise therapy (TST), and subjects who received tDCS during TRT for general exercise therapy (TT). [Results] The stance phase symmetry profile, the swing phase symmetry profile, and gait velocity all decreased significantly in the TT group compared with the TRT group. However, there was no significant difference in the step length symmetry profile among the groups. [Conclusion] A application of tDCS, that affects the excitatory regulation in the cortical motor area, is an effective rehabilitation method for gait improvement.Key words: Gait, Hemiplegia, Transcranial direct current stimulation     

Study on the Usefulness of Sit to Stand Training in Self-directed Treatment of Stroke Patients

[Purpose] This study sought to determine the usefulness of sit to stand training in self-directed treatment of stroke patients. It examined the effect that sit to stand training has on balance and functional movement depending on the form of support surfaces. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty stroke patients were randomly sampled and divided into an unstable support surface group (15) and stable support surface group (15). In order to identify the effect depending on the form of support surfaces, 15 minutes of support surface training plus + 15 minutes of free gait training was performed. [Results] The results of the unstable support surface training showed that the corresponding sample t-test results were significant for the 7-item 3-point Berg balance scale, timed Up and Go test, and 6-minute walking test. The independent samples t-test, showed that there were significant outcomes in step length on the affected side, and step length on the unaffected side. [Conclusion] In conclusion, the sit to stand training on stable support surfaces was not as effective as the training using unstable support surfaces, but it is a simple and stable exercise with less risk of falls during training. It can also be performed alone by the patient in order to increase endurance and dynamic balance ability. Therefore, it is considered a useful exercise that can be performed alone by the patient outside the treatment room.Key words: Stroke, Self-directed treatment, Sit to stand     

Relationships of Stroke Patients’ Gait Parameters with Fear of Falling

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation of gait parameters with fear of falling in stroke survivors. [Subjects] In total, 12 patients with stroke participated. [Methods] The subjects performed on a Biodex Gait Trainer 2 for 5 min to evaluate characteristic gait parameters. The kinematic gait parameters measured were gait speed, step cycle, step length, and time on each foot (step symmetry). All the subjects also completed a fall anxiety survey. [Results] Correlations between gait parameters and fear of falling scores were calculated. There was a moderate degree of correlation between fear of falling scores and the step cycle item of gait parameters. [Conclusions] According to our results, the step cycle gait parameter may be related to increased fall anxiety.Key words: Fall anxiety, Gait parameter, Stroke     

三维步态在脑卒中足下垂患者下肢节段协调性分析的应用

目的:运用三维步态分析系统分析脑卒中偏瘫足下垂患者的下肢关节协调性.方法:选取脑卒中偏瘫足下垂患者15例作为观察组,配对设计选取15例健康者作为对照组一和对照组二.采集2组受试者行走过程中的时空参数和运动学参数,通过绘制仰角曲线图和步态环图进行协调性分析.结果:观察组偏瘫侧与非偏瘫侧比较,步频、支撑期百分比,髋、膝关节...     

The effects of action observation gait training on the static balance and walking ability of stroke patients

[Purpose] The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of action observation training on the static balance and walking ability of patients who had suffered a stroke. [Subjects] Forty patients with hemiplegia resulting from a stroke were divided into an action observation gait training group (AOGT group, n=20) and a general gait training group (GGT group, n=20). [Methods] The AOGT group watched a training video on flatland gait, slope gait, and stair gait. The GGT group watched a video on nature. Both groups watched their respective video for 10 minutes and then had gait training for 20 minutes per day, five times per week, for eight weeks. [Results] The static balance and gait ability of both groups significantly improved. Although there were significant differences between the groups, the AOTG group showed greater improvements in sway speed, limit of stability, and gait ability. [Conclusion] We recommend action observation training over general gait training for patients with hemiplegia. Action observational training had a positive effect on static balance and gait ability in stroke patients’ static balance and gait ability. Further research is needed to generalize the results of this study.Key words: Hemiplegia, Action observation training, Gait     

The Effect of Various Dual Task Training Methods with Gait on the Balance and Gait of Patients with Chronic Stroke

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of various dual task gait training methods (motor dual task gait training, cognitive dual task gait training, and motor and cognitive dual task gait training) on the balance and gait abilities of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-three outpatients performed dual task gait training for 30 minutes per day, three times a week, for eight weeks from June to August, 2012. Balance ability was measured pre-and posttest using the stability test index, the weight distribution index, the functional reach test, the timed up and go test, and the four square step test. Gait ability was measured by the 10 m walk test and a 6 min walk test before and after the training. The paired t-test was used to compare measurements before and after training within each group, and ANOVA was used to compare measurements before and after training among the groups. [Results] Comparisons within each group indicated significant differences in all variables between before and after the training in all three groups. Comparison between the groups showed that the greatest improvements were seen in all tests, except for the timed up and go test, following motor and cognitive dual task gait training. [Conclusion] In a real walking environment, the motor and cognitive dual task gait training was more effective at improving the balance and gait abilities of chronic stroke patients than either the motor dual task gait training or the cognitive dual task gait training alone.Key words: Stroke, Dual task, Balancing