Article

The aim of the current study was to examine the effect of body weight
support treadmill training (BWSTT) with power-assisted functional electrical
stimulation on functional movement and gait in stroke patients. DESIGN: Thirty
stroke patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 15)
or the control group (n = 15). All subjects participated in the same standard
rehabilitation program. In addition, the experimental group participated in BWSTT
with power-assisted functional electrical stimulation for 30 mins per day, five
times a week, for 4 wks, and those in the control group participated in BWSTT for
30 minutes per day, five times a week, for 4 wks. Functional movement was
assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, the Timed Up and Go test, and the Stroke
Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement. Gait ability was assessed using an
electrical walkway system. RESULTS: Significant differences in the time factor
for functional movement and gait (P < 0.05) were observed in the experimental and
control groups. For the group x time interaction, significant improvements were
observed in the functional movement (Berg Balance Scale [10.93 vs. 6.00], Timed
Up and Go test [-9.25 vs. -5.25 secs], and Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of
Movement scores [14.07 vs. 9.80]) and gait (velocity [40.07 vs. 18.64 cm/sec],
cadence [30.57 vs. 17.75 steps per minute], paretic side step length [19.36 vs.
8.46 cm], and stride length [30.57 vs. 12.71 cm]) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The
findings of the current study demonstrated the efficacy of BWSTT with
power-assisted functional electrical stimulation on the functional movement and
gait ability in stroke patients. Therefore, the authors suggest that
power-assisted functional electrical stimulation may be an effective method for
the improvement of functional movement and gait ability of stroke patients when
added to BWSTT.

Langue : ANGLAIS