Gait Training Strategy Focusing on Perceptual Learning for Improved Gait Capacity in Stroke Survivors

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Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the force of lower extremities, the change in walking ability on the ground by ap plying a walking training program based on perceptual learning to improve gait capacity of chronic stroke patients. Method: This study included Twenty-four patients with chronic stroke. Using a perceptual-based gait training, the experimental group trained twice a day for 30 minutes each time, 5 times a week, for a total of 8 weeks. The control group underwent ground gait training that excluded the element of a perceptual training for 30 minutes, 5 times a week for 8 weeks. Results: In the two groups, the maximum forefoot pressure after intervention was significantly different in both the LEPGT and GGT (p<0.05). The maximum midfoot pressure was significantly different in LEPGT (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in the maxi mum heel pressure after intervention between the two groups (p<0.05). As a result of comparing the change in step length and stride length after intervention in the two groups, there was a significant difference between the two groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Both gait training programs was found that gait training based on perceptual learning and ground gait training were the training for improving the functional gait of stroke patient. Perceptual learning gait training utilizing intensive perceptual awareness was the training for improving gait capacity within the period than ground gait training.