Gait Ability In Stroke Patients Research Articles

The Effects of a Floss Band on Ankle Range of Motion, Balance, and Gait in Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background/Objectives: Stroke patients generally have balance and gait dysfunction due to decreased range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength of the ankle joint. A therapist can apply a floss band to enhance ROM, pain control, jump performance, strength, myofascial release, and recovery from fatigue. This study compared the immediate effects of floss band application on ankle ROM, balance, and gait ability in stroke patients. Methods: This study randomized 40 chronic stroke patients to either the floss (n = 20) or sham (n = 20) band group. The intervention consisted of wrapping the ankle with a band (floss and sham). Balance and gait ability were measured using APDM Mobility Lab system equipment. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and immediately after applying the floss or sham band. Results: There were significant improvements in dorsiflexion (DF), WBLT, static balance, and foot strike in those who used the floss band compared to the sham group (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: The floss band improved ankle DF, balance, and gait, indicating that it is a feasible therapeutic method for improving ankle DF, balance, and gait in chronic stroke patients.

A Study on the Effects of a Self-Administered Eye Exercise Program on the Balance and Gait Ability of Chronic Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study investigates the effects of a self-administered eye exercise (SEE) program on the balance and gait ability of chronic stroke patients hospitalized due to hemiplegia. This study includes 42 patients diagnosed with stroke-related hemiplegia and hospitalized at D Rehabilitation Hospital. The researcher randomly allocated 42 patients into two groups: the experimental group (EG, n = 21, mean age = 58.14 ± 7.69 years, mean BMI = 22.83 ± 2.19 kg/m2) and the control group (CG, n = 21, mean age = 58.57 ± 6.53 years, mean BMI = 22.81 ± 2.36 kg/m2). The SEE program was applied to the EG and the general self-administered exercise (SE) program was applied to the CG. After 4 weeks of intervention, weight distribution of the affected side, the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), step length of the affected side, step length of the unaffected side, gait speed, and cadence were analyzed and compared. In the within-group comparison, both groups showed significant differences in weight distribution (p < 0.05), TUG (p < 0.05), step length of the affected side (p < 0.05), step length of the unaffected side (p < 0.05), gait speed (p < 0.05), and cadence (p < 0.05). In the between-group comparison, a significant difference in the TUG (p < 0.05) was observed. The SEE program had an overall similar effect to the SE program in improving the balance and gait ability of chronic stroke patients, and had a greater effect on dynamic balance ability. Therefore, the SEE program can be proposed as a self-administered exercise program to improve balance and gait ability in stroke patients who are too weak to perform the SE program in a clinical environment or have a high risk of falling.

The effect of a trunk stabilization exercise program using weight loads on balance and gait in stroke patients: A randomized controlled study

The effects of trunk stabilization exercise programs and exercises applying weight loads for stroke patients are well presented. However, there is not enough objective research to prove the effects of trunk stabilization exercise programs using weight loads for stroke patients. In this study, a trunk stabilization exercise program using weight loads was performed to investigate its impact on the balance and gait ability of stroke patients. Thirty patients with stroke were randomly divided into three groups. Experiment group 1 followed a trunk stabilization exercise program using weight loads, experiment group 2 followed a trunk stabilization exercise program, and the control group followed general physiotherapy. Patients' balance ability was assessed using balance measurement equipment BT-4 (postural sway area (PSA), postural sway length (PSL), limit of stability (LOS)), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Time Up and Go test (TUG). Gait speed was measured to examine gait ability. After the intervention, the PSA, PFSL in experimental groups 1 and 2 decreased but that of the control group increased. BBS, TUG, and LOS scores of experimental group 1 were significantly improved compared to experimental group 2 and the control group. Also, gait speed was significantly improved in experimental group 1 compared to experimental group 2 and the control group. This study may be used as a basic material for an effective trunk stabilization exercise method for stroke patients and might be of significance as an intervention method for stroke patients requiring long-term treatment.

Effects of Visual Cue Deprivation Balance Training with Head Control on Balance and Gait Function in Stroke Patients.

Background and Objectives: Visual cue deprivation is the instability of head control is increased. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of visual cue deprivation balance training by applying head control feedback to the balance and gait ability of stroke patients. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 41 patients diagnosed with hemiplegia due to stroke. Subjects were randomly assigned to any of the following groups: the experimental group I, the experimental group II or the control group. The randomization method used a simple randomization method. To evaluate changes in balance function, a LOS (Limit of Stability) and a BBS (Berg Balance Scale) were performed. In addition, to evaluate changes in ST (stride time), SL (stride length), and cadence, a LEGSys were performed. Results: A two-way repeated ANOVA was conducted to analyze the differences between groups. There were significant differences between groups in all variables for the balance function. There were significant differences between groups in all variables for the balance function. There were significant differences between groups in SL and cadence for the gait function. Conclusions: Visual cue deprivation balance training applying head control feedback is effective in improving dynamic balance ability and cadence. It is necessary to constantly maintain the head orientation by feedback and to properly control the head movement.

THE EFFECTS OF TRAINING ON DIFFERENT SURFACES, ON BALANCE AND GAIT PERFORMANCE IN STROKE HEMIPLEGIA

ABSTRACT Although many studies have focused on balance exercises for elderly or stroke patients, no comprehensive studies have investigated the use of training on different surfaces (TDS) with analysis of gait performance in elderly male stroke patients. The active properties of balance and subjective reporting of functional gait ability were used to identify the effects of TDS. Static balance (SB), dynamic balance (DB) and gait analysis was measured in 30 elderly stroke patients. The patients were divided into the TDS group (n=15) and a control group (CG, n=15). Fifteen elderly stroke patients underwent TDS five times a week for 12 weeks. The data was analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Significant differences were observed between the two groups (TDS and Control): SB (p &lt; 0.0001), DB (OSI: p &lt; 0.0001, APSI: p &lt; 0.001, MLSI: p &lt; 0.004) and gait analysis (right: temporal step time: p &lt; 0.0001, temporal cycle time: p &lt; 0.001, temporal double support time: p &lt; 0.0001; left: temporal step time: p &lt; 0.0001, temporal cycle time: p &lt; 0.0001, temporal double support time: p &lt; 0.0001). TDS in elderly male stroke patients suggests that the characteristics of gait performance in these patients may be improved by increasing static balance, dynamic balance and gait velocity. It is hoped that the results of this trial will provide new information on the effects of TDS on balance stability and gait ability in stroke patients, through changes in stability of the lower extremities. Level III, Case-control Study.

Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation with Taping for Stroke Rehabilitation

Background Spasticity is a factor that impairs the independent functional ability of stroke patients, and noninvasive methods such as electrical stimulation or taping have been reported to have antispastic effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) combined with taping on spasticity, muscle strength, and gait ability in stroke patients. Methods From July to October 2020, 46 stroke patients with moderate spasticity in the plantar flexors participated and were randomly assigned to the TENS group (n = 23) and the TENS+taping group (n = 23). All subjects performed a total of 30 sessions of functional training for 30 min/session, 5 days/week, for 6 weeks. For therapeutic exercise, sit-to-standing, indoor walking, and stair walking were performed for 10 min each. In addition, all participants in both groups received TENS stimulation around the peroneal nerve for 30 min before performing functional training. In the TENS+taping group, taping was additionally applied to the feet, ankles, and shin area after TENS, and the taping was replaced once a day. The composite spasticity score and handheld dynamometer measurements were used to assess the intensity of spasticity and muscle strength, respectively. Gait ability was measured using a 10 m walk test. Results The spasticity score and muscle strength were significantly improved in the TENS+taping group compared to those in the TENS group (p < 0.05). A significant improvement in gait speed was observed in the TENS+taping group relative to that in the TENS group (p < 0.05). Conclusions Thus, TENS combined with taping may be useful in improving spasticity, muscle strength, and gait ability in stroke patients. Based on these results, an additional application of taping could be used to enhance the antispastic effect of TENS or other electrical stimulation treatments in the clinic. A long-term follow-up study is needed to determine whether the spasticity relieving effect persists after taping is removed.

A systematic review of the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging in predicting the gait ability of stroke patients

The usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting gait ability in stroke patients remains unclear. Therefore, MRI evaluations have not yet been standardized in stroke rehabilitation. We performed a systematic review to consolidate evidence regarding the use of MRIs in predicting gait ability of stroke patients. The Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and SCOPUS databases were comprehensively searched. We included all literature published from each source’s earliest date to August 2020. We included 19 studies: 8 were classified as structure- or function-based MRI studies and 11 as neural tract integrity-based MRI studies. Most structure- or function-based MRI studies indicated that damage to motor-related areas (primary motor cortex, corona radiata, internal capsule, and basal ganglia) or insula was related to poor gait recovery. In neural tract integrity-based MRI studies, integrity of the corticospinal tract was related to gait ability. Some studies reported predictive value of the corticoreticular pathway. All included studies had some concerns, at least one, based on the Cochrane risk of bias instrument. This review suggests that MRIs are useful in predicting gait ability of stroke patients. However, we cannot make definitive conclusion regarding the predictive value, due to the lack of quantitative evaluations.

Effect of Posterior Pelvic Tilt Taping on Pelvic Inclination, Muscle Strength, and Gait Ability in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Objective: Pelvic alignment asymmetry in stroke patients negatively affects postural control ability. This study aimed to investigate the effect of posterior pelvic tilt taping on pelvic inclination, muscle strength, and gait ability in stroke patients. Methods: Forty stroke patients were recruited and randomly divided into the following two groups: the posterior pelvic tilt taping (PPTT) group (n = 20) and the control group (n = 20). All participants underwent sitting-to-standing, indoor walking, and stair walking training (30 min per day, 5 days per week, for 6 weeks). The PPTT group applied posterior pelvic tilt taping during the training period, while the control group did not receive a tape intervention. Pelvic inclination was measured using a palpation meter (PALM). A hand-held dynamometer and the 10-meter walk test were used to measure muscle strength and gait ability. Results: Significantly greater improvements in the pelvic anterior tilt were observed in the PPTT group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Muscle strength in the PPTT group was significantly increased compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Significantly greater improvements in gait speed were observed in the PPTT group than the control group. Conclusions: According to our results, posterior pelvic tilt taping may be used to improve the anterior pelvic inclination, muscle strength, and gait ability in stroke patients.

The Effects of Whole Body Vibration Exercise on Balance and Gait Ability in Stroke Patients: A meta-analysis

The Effects of Whole Body Vibration Exercise on Balance and Gait Ability in Stroke Patients: A meta-analysis

Effect of trunk stabilization exercise on abdominal muscle thickness, balance and gait abilities of patients with hemiplegic stroke: A randomized controlled trial.

Trunk stability has been identified as an important prerequisite of functional movement. To investigate the effectiveness of core muscle contraction training on abdominal muscle thickness, balance, and gait ability in stroke patients. Thirty patients with stroke were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and a control group. All groups received conventional therapeutic exercise program for six weeks. The experimental groups additionally trained trunk stability exercise with abdominal hollowing or bracing maneuvers within training time. Primary outcome measures were evaluated abdominal muscle thickness using the sonography. Secondary outcome measures were evaluated by the Functional Reach Test (FRT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG). Compared with the control group, the effect of trunk stability training for the experimental groups on the abdominal muscles thickness change was observed (p < 0.05). The values in balance and gait measures, BBS, FRT, 10MWT, and TUG, showed significant improvement after the intervention periods (p < 0.05), although no significant differences were found in scores of gait and balance scales among groups. Trunk stability training with selective abdominal muscles activation has beneficial effects on abdominal muscles, balance, and mobility in stroke patients. Our findings might provide support for introducing stroke rehabilitation.

Changes of Motor Function according to Attention Differences in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Pilot Study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of electroencephalography (EEG) activity on balance and gait while physiotherapy in stroke patients.METHODS: General physiotherapy was applied to 18 stroke patients for 30 minutes per session, 5 times a week, for a total 4 weeks. EEG measured for one week while intervention. Based on the attention score, group was classified into high and low attention groups. We used functional reaching test to measure dynamic balance and GAITRite to measure spatiotemporal variables during gait.RESULTS: In the high attention group, the sensorimotor rhythm wave was high and the dynamic balance was significantly increased (p&lt;.05). There were significant differences in stance time, single support time, and double support time among temporal variables (p&lt;.05). There were significant differences in step length, stride length, swing % of cycle, stance % of cycle, single support % of cycle, and double support % of cycle among the spatial gait variables (p&lt;.05).CONCLUSIONS: The high attention during physiotherapy helps improvement of balance and gait ability in stroke patients, therefore, it may be considered in intervention.

Effects of Cognitive Task Training on Dynamic Balance and Gait of Patients with Stroke: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Study.

BackgroundThe decreased postural control ability of stroke patients affects their ability to balance in various postures such as sitting and standing. This study aimed to determine whether cognitive task training for stroke patients is effective in improving walking and balancing abilities.Material/MethodsSeventeen stroke patients (10 males, 7 females) were randomized by ballot to be assigned to the cognitive task group (CBT) or the general task group (GBT). For the cognitive task training, a dual task of balance and cognition using traffic signals, a familiar form to the subjects, was applied as a program. In both groups the interventions were performed for 30 min a day, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks. The timed up and go test (TUG), the Berg balance scale (BBS), and gait ability evaluation were performed to compare the therapeutic effects.ResultsAfter the intervention, the BBS showed significant differences in both groups (p<0.05). The cognitive task training group had significant improvement in all outcome scores after the intervention (p<0.05). The TUG score of the CBT group significantly decreased to 6.17 s (p<0.05), but that of the GBT showed no statistically significant change.ConclusionsCognitive task training could be used in clinical rehabilitation as a more effective intervention method to improve balance and gait ability of stroke patients.

Effects of Diagonal Pattern Self-Exercise on Trunk Control, Balance, and Gait Ability in Chronic Stroke Patients

Background: Weakness of the trunk muscles decreases the trunk control ability of stroke patients, which is significantly related to balance and gait. Objectives: To compare the impact of diagonal pattern self-exercise on an unstable surface and a stable surface for trunk rehabilitation on trunk control, balance, and gait ability in stroke patients. Design: Nonequivalent control group design. Methods: Twenty four participants were randomized into the experimental group (diagonal pattern self-exercise while sitting on an unstable surface, n=12) and the control group (diagonal pattern self-exercise while sitting on a stable surface, n=12). All interventions were conducted for 30 minutes, three times a week for four weeks, and the trunk impairment scale (TIS), berg balance scale (BBS), functional gait assessment (FGA), and G-walk were measured. Results: All groups indicated significant increases in all variables (TIS, BBS, FGA, cadence, speed, stride length) after four weeks. The TIS, BBS, FGA, cadence, gait speed, and stride length group-by-time were significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: We found that, in stroke patients, diagonal pattern self-exercise on an unstable surface is a more effective method for improving trunk control, balance, and gait ability than diagonal pattern self-exercise on a stable surface.

Effects of Integrating Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation into Treadmill Gait Training Applying Functional Electrical Stimulation on Spasticity, Balance and Gait Ability in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of Integrating Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation into Treadmill Gait Training Applying Functional Electrical Stimulation on Spasticity, Balance and Gait Ability in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of Knowledge of Result Versus Knowledge of Performance on Treadmill Training on gait ability in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Purpose: This study compared the walking ability of chronic stroke patients following either treadmill training with knowledge of the re sult (KR group) or treadmill training with knowledge of the performance (KP group). Methods: Nineteen patients with chronic stroke were recruited from a rehabilitation hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: a KR group (10 patients) and a KP group (9 patients). They received 30 minutes of neuro-developmental therapy and treadmill training 30 minutes, five times a week for three weeks. The gait parameters were measured before and after training using the Optogait system. Results: After the training periods, the KR group showed significant improvement in gait speed, cadence, step length of the unaffected limb, stance time of the affected limb, and functional gait assessment compared to the KP group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that treadmill training with KR was more effective in improving the gait speed and cadence, step length of the unaffected limb, stance time of the affected limb, and functional gait ability than the treadmill training with KP. Therefore, to im prove the walking ability of stroke patients, it is necessary to consider treadmill training with KR. If it can be combined with conventional neurological physiotherapy, it would be an effective rehabilitation for stroke patients.

Smartphone-based visual feedback trunk control training for gait ability in stroke patients: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.

The gait ability of stroke patients is highly related with trunk control. Studies that addressed the effects of trunk control training using visual feedback on gait parameters of stroke patients are lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of smartphone-based visual feedback trunk control training for improvement of trunk control and spatio-temporal gait parameter in stroke patients. Twenty-four stroke patients participated in this study. Participants were randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups. Both groups completed conventional rehabilitation over 4 weeks. The experimental group additionally received smartphone-based visual feedback trunk control training for 4 weeks. The primary outcome of this study was evaluated by trunk impairment scale and spatio-temporal gait parameters. The trunk impairment scale in the experimental group was significantly improved compared to the control group (P< 0.05). The spatio-temporal gait parameters are significantly more different in the experimental group than in the control group (P< 0.05). Additional smartphone-based visual feedback trunk control training may improve trunk control and spatio-temporal gait parameter in chronic stroke patients.

Recumbent cycling with integrated volitional control electrical stimulation improves gait speed during the recovery stage in stroke patients.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of recumbent cycling with integrated volitional control electrical stimulation (IVES) on gait ability in stroke patients. Six stroke patients (all male; average age, 55.7±8.3 years) participated. Recumbent cycling (R-cycling) was performed with and without IVES in the power assist (IVES-P) mode. The targeted muscle for electrostimulation was the tibialis anterior. Patients performed 10 min of IVES-P mode plus R-cycling (program A) or R-cycling alone (program B), once per day, 5 times per week. Patients completed two sets of each program, alternating between programs each week. Gait speed and the number of steps numbers on a 10-m walking test was assessed before and after each interventional session. Program A improved gait speed, but not the number of steps, to a greater extent than that in program B. Specifically, the combined intervention significantly improved gait speed in the first set, but not the second set of the intervention. R-cycling with IVES-P mode improved gait speed during the recovery stage in stroke patients to a greater extent than that achieved with R-cycling alone. Thus, this combined therapy has potential as a standardized treatment in the field of rehabilitation medicine.

Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation Gait Training with Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on Balance and Gait Ability of Stroke Patients

Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation Gait Training with Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on Balance and Gait Ability of Stroke Patients

Effect of Scapular Stabilization Exercise during Standing on Upper Limb Function and Gait Ability of Stroke Patients.

Background:The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of scapular stabilization exercise during standing on a paretic side on upper limb function and gait ability of stroke patients.Methods:This study was a hospital-based, randomized controlled trial with a blinded assessor. A total of 17 patients with hemiplegic diagnosis after stroke were divided into two groups (9 patients in a study group and 8 patients in a control group). The study group received physical therapy and scapular stabilization exercise on a paretic side. Participants were subjected to initial evaluation before the treatment. Subjects were subsequently re-evaluated 4 and 8 weeks later to compare the changes. Measurements of hand function and gait ability were performed.Results:Based on multivariate analysis of variance for repeated-measures, there was a significant time effect for Timed Up and Go test (TUG) (F = 13.816, P = 0.000), Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) (F = 18.613, P = 0.000), and manual function test (MFT) (F = 16.777, P = 0.000). The group × time interaction effect was also significant for FGA (F = 4.966, P = 0.024) and MFT (F = 6.946, P = 0.003), but not for TUG test (F = 3.343, P = 0.069).Conclusion:Results of the present study indicated that scapular stabilization exercise during standing on a paretic side for 8 weeks had an effect on hand function and gait ability of hemiplegic patients after stroke. Further studies are needed to find the most proper exercise for stroke patients who have gait disability and upper limb dysfunction.

The Effects of Two Types of Trunk Stability Exercise on the Gait Factors of Stroke Patients

The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of two trunk stability exercise types on the gait factors of stroke patients. We randomly divided 24 old elderly patients with hemiplegia, who were hospitalized due to stroke, into a two groups, each with its own six-week exercise program: one that used of a dynamic trunk stability exercise using with physio-balls(n=12) and a group of one that used a static trunk stability exercise using on mats(n=12). After measuring the participants gait ability a sin a pre-test, we again measured their ability again as in a posttest after two-for both types of six-week exercise programs for each group. The analysis of the data analysis showed that both ball and mat exercise programs significantly improved the participants’ gait velocity and stride length; cadence, however, was significantly changed only by the ball exercise program. In conclusion, both types of trunk stability exercise may be useful in improving the gait ability of stroke patients, and, in particular, the former can be used as an exercise method that effectively significantly affects more various other gait factors.