Effects of Treadmill Walking with Visual Feedback on Gait Outcomes in People Post-Stroke

Abstract

Compromised gait is prevalent in people post-stroke. Gait training is one of the major components in stroke rehabilitation. Treadmill walking is often used for gait training in people post-stroke. Limited studies have examined the effects of a visual feedback system in combination with treadmill-based gait training. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of treadmill walking with real-time visual feedback on gait outcomes in people post-stroke. METHODS: A randomized control study was used with 24 participants (age 58.7+/-11.2 years old) who were a minimum of six months post-stroke. Both groups performed 30 minutes of treadmill walking, three times a week, for eight weeks. The control group performed the training with no visual feedback (NVF). Only the treatment group received real-time visual feedback (VF). Data collection was performed before and after the eight weeks. The kinematic and spatiotemporal variables were recorded and analyzed using a motion analysis system (VICON Bonita System). Data process and analysis was performed using VICON Polygon software. RESULTS: Mixed model ANOVA showed significant group interactions in gait symmetry index of cadence, stance-swing ratio, and hip joint kinematics (all p values <.05). VF group showed greater improvements in the variables as compared to control. Within group analysis showed that VF group significantly increased gait symmetry index of cadence, stride length, stance-swing ratio and joint kinematic symmetry in the knee and hip(all p values <.05). In addition control group showed significant improvements in cadence symmetry and hip joint kinematic symmetry (all p values <.05). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that gait training with visual feedback can be more effective in improving gait symmetry than conventional treadmill walking.