The effects of lower limb training combined with hyperbaric oxygen on motor function in a paretic lower limb and on ability in the activities of daily living among hemiplegic stroke survivors

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of lower limb training combined with hyperbaric oxygen on motor function in a paretic lower limb and on the ability in the activities of daily living （ADL） of hemiplegic stroke survivors. Methods A total of 297 hemiplegic stroke patients received routine interventions and then were randomly divided into 3 groups. The hyperbaric oxygen group accepted hyperbaric oxygen, the training group accepted lower limb training, and the treatment group accepted both hyperbaric oxygen and lower limb training. Evalnations were carried out pretreatment and 30 d post treatment to assess the function of the paretic lower limb and ADL ability with the Fugl-Meyer assessment （ FMA）, a modified Barthel index （MBI） , Berg＇s balance scale （BBS） and the timed up and go test （TUGT）. Results FMA, MBI, BBS and TUGT scores in all 3 groups improved significantly compared with pretreatment. On the 30th day post treatment, the scores in the treatment group were significantly better than in the other two groups. Conclusions Lower limb training combined with hyperbaric oxygen can significantly improve motor function in the paretic lower limbs of stroke patients and their ADL performance. Key words: Hemiplegia; Lower limb training; Hyperbaric oxygen; Lower limb function; Activities of daily living