Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training with Parestand system as walking therapy of patients early after stroke: a pilot study

Beata Stach, Marcin Błaszcz, Aleksandra Bober, Mariola E. Wodzińska, Joanna Zyznawska

B. Stach, M. Błaszcz, A. Bober, M. E. Wodzińska, J. Zyznawska – Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training with Parestand system as walking therapy of patients early after stroke: a pilot study. FP 2016;16(2);54-63

Abstract

Background. Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training (BWSTT) is high intensive and task-specific gait therapy for stroke patients. Effectiveness of BWSTT is repeatedly proven, however superiority of that training over overground walking is often contested. It is rarely practised and investigated method in Poland.
Patients and Methods. 20 patients in the early post-stroke rehabilitation phase able to walk. All patient participated in traditional physiotherapy based on Bobath and PNF concepts. Experimental group (10 people) additionally received Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training. Control group (10 people) additionally received overground walking. Baseline and postintervention assessments included Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up & Go, 10 m Time Walking Test and 6 Minute Walk Test.
Results. Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in all outcome measures (P<0,05). Group BWSTT increased distance by 108,4±75,7 m and control grouop by 57±51,3 m in 6 Minute Walk Test. Difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p=0,28). Group BWSTT shortened time in Timed Up & Go by 9±1,4 seconds and control group by 2,7±1,1 seconds. Difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p=0,63). Group BWSTT improved by 7,0±3,7 points, and control group by 6,6±4,4 points in Berg Balance Scale. Difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p=0,88). Group BWSTT increased gait velocity by 0,25±0,13 m/s, and control group by 0,28±0,13 m/s. Difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p=0,96).
Conclusions. Either Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training or overground walking could improve balance, reduce risk of falls, increase endurance and velocity of gait in walking subacute stroke patients. BWSTT could have tendency to more effective increasing gait endurance.

Key words:
stroke, hemiparesis, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, gait

Pobierz/Download/下載/Cкачиваете 免費下載(僅限英文版)