Backward Walking Training Impacts Positive Effect on Improving Walking Capacity after Stroke: A Meta-Analysis.

Min Wang,Hongwei Wen

doi:10.3390/ijerph19063370

Abstract

Objective: The meta-analysis aimed to investigate the potential effect of backward walking training (BWT) on walking function improvement among stroke patients. Data sources: Eligible studies were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Methods: Heterogeneity among enrolled studies was assessed. Weighted mean difference (WMD) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to pool the outcomes. Results: Seven articles were included. BWT significantly improved motor functions of stroke patients including 10-meter walk test (WMD (95% CI) = 0.11 (0.01, 0.21) meters/second; p = 0.03); cadence (WMD (95% CI) = 4.00 (0.99, 7.02) step/minute; p < 0.01); Berg balance scale (WMD (95% CI) = 4.38 (2.60, 6.15); p < 0.01); paretic step length (WMD (95% CI) = 5.32 (1.97, 8.67) cm; p < 0.01); and stride length (WMD (95% CI) = 6.61 (0.70, 12.51) cm; p = 0.03) as compared with control group. Conclusion: Our study revealed that BWT had a positive influence on walking function improvement among patients after stroke.

Highlights

Walking function limitation and motor control impairments are the most common problems among subjects after stroke [1], which leads to reduced quality of life
Backward walking training (BWT) has been focused on among stroke patients, which is recognized as a potential tool to improve mobility function after stroke through enhancing balance and self-efficacy [9–11]
Our data showed that backward walking training (BWT) significantly improved motor functions of stroke patients, including 10-meter walk test (10MWT)

Summary

Introduction

Walking function limitation and motor control impairments are the most common problems among subjects after stroke [1], which leads to reduced quality of life. Independent walking ability of stroke patients would be more likely reestablished if stroke patients could sooner attain the ability to ambulate [3,4]. It would be a major goal for stroke patients to improve this modifiable risk factor. Multiple therapeutic approaches have been developed to improve walking function among stroke survivors, such as lower-extremity strengthening [5] and virtual reality exercises [6]. Backward walking training (BWT) has been focused on among stroke patients, which is recognized as a potential tool to improve mobility function after stroke through enhancing balance and self-efficacy [9–11]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion