The effect of Thera-Band resistance strength training on motor function of lower limbs and gait after stroke

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of progressive strength training with TheraBand on lower limb motor function and gait after stroke. Methods Forty-eight hemiplegic stroke survivors were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, each of 24. The patients of both groups were provided with the routine rehabilitation training, while the treatment group additionally trained the muscles of the paretic side progressively using Thera-Band elastic belts. Before and after 8 weeks of treatment, both groups were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer movement assessment (FMA), the Berg balance scale (BBS), and the walking and stair negotiation components of the functional independence measure (FIM). GaitWatch gait analysis was also performed. Results After the treatment, significant improvement was observed with both groups′ average FMA scores, BBS ratings, FIM scores, stride frequency, stride length and walking speed, but the treatment group showed significantly greater improvement than the control group, on average. Conclusion Using Thera-Band elastic belts to provide resistance can supplement routine rehabilitation training in improving motor function and walking ability after a stroke. Key words: Strength training; Stroke; Motor function; Gait analysis; Thera-Band