Effect of backward walking and side walking training on walking speed and endurance in patients with stroke: An experimental randomized controlled study

Abstract

Background: There is a direct relationship exists between hemiplegic walking speed and functional limitations, both in household and community ambulation. Walking after stroke is characterized by slow gait speed, poor endurance, and change in the quality and adaptability of walking patterns. Side stability, symmetrical weight-bearing, and backward motor control ability are required to improve walking function. Objective: To investigate whether a combination of backward and side walking training is effective in improving walking speed and walking endurance in patients with poststroke hemiparesis. Study Design: An experimental randomized controlled study design. Methods: A total of 56 patients with poststroke hemiparesis fulfilling inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. Patients in the experimental group received 30 min of backward and side walking training of 15 min each. The patients in the control group received conventional occupational therapy for 30 min. Walking speed was assessed by walking endurance was evaluated by 10-m walk test (MWT) (and walking endurance was evaluated by 6MWT. Follow-up assessment was performed after 6 weeks of intervention. Results: In the within-group comparisons, both experimental and control groups showed significant differences postintervention (P < 0.05). In the between-group comparison, patients in the experimental group showed more improvement than the control group for walking speed (P = 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.86 to 9.73) and walking endurance (P = 0.004, 95% CI: 8.32 to 9.47) after 6-weeks of intervention. Conclusions: This study concluded that combined backward and side walking training has a better effect on walking speed and endurance than conventional therapy.