Effect of Treadmill Interventions on Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Adults With Neurological Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

<h3>Objective(s)</h3> The objective is to quantify the changes in gait after treadmill interventions in adults with neurological disorders. <h3>Data Sources</h3> A keyword search was performed in four databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science (01/2000-12/2020). We performed the search algorithm including all possible combinations of keywords. Full text articles were searched further using forward/backward search. <h3>Study Selection</h3> Studies were thoroughly screened on the following inclusion criteria: Study design: Randomized Controlled trial (RCT); older adults aged >55 with a neurological disorder; treadmill intervention; spatiotemporal gait characteristics; Language: English. <h3>Data Extraction</h3> A standardized data extraction form was used to collect the following methodological outcome variables from each of the included studies: author, year, population, age, sample size, spatiotemporal gait parameters such as cadence, step length, step width. <h3>Data Synthesis</h3> We included 18 out of 30 studies in meta-analysis on adults with neurological disorders. All analysis used effect sizes and standard error; p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant (denoted by *). Overall, effect of treadmill intervention on cadence (z=6.24*) and step length (z=2.25*) in adults with stroke was significant. We also found significant effect of treadmill intervention on paretic step length (z=2.34*) and stride length (z=6.09*). For active control group including adults with PD, we found overground physical therapy training showing largest effect on step width (z=-3.75*). Similarly, for treadmill intervention, we found the largest significant effect on step length (z=2.31*). <h3>Conclusions</h3> Treadmill training with sensory stimulation and body weight support treadmill training has been shown to have largest effect on step length in adults with neurological disorder such as PD and Stroke. We also found that overground physical therapy to be effective in adults with PD. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> There is nothing to disclose.