Article

Turning is a challenging task for stroke patients. Programs that
effectively target turning, however, have not been established. This
study examined the effects of a novel turning-based treadmill training on turning
performance, gait symmetry, balance, and muscle strength in patients with chronic
stroke. METHODS: Thirty participants were randomly assigned to the experimental
group that received 30 minutes of turning-based treadmill training or to the
control group that received 30 minutes of regular treadmill training, followed by
a 10-minute general exercise program for 12 sessions over 4 weeks. Primary
outcomes (overground turning speed and temporal-spatial characteristics of
straight walking) and secondary outcomes (balance and muscle strength) were
assessed at baseline, after training, and at 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: Fifteen
participants per group were 54.2 +/- 9.6 years old, poststroke 2.6 +/- 1.9 years,
and walked overground at 0.59 +/- 0.28 m/s. Sixteen had an ischemic and 14 a
hemorrhagic stroke. There were significant interaction effects between groups and
time on turning speed regardless of turning direction, straight-walking
performance (speed and temporal symmetry), strength of hip muscles and ankle
dorsiflexors, and balance control (Berg Balance Scale, weight shifting in the
forward direction and vestibular function). Compared with the control group, the
experimental group showed greater improvements in these measures following
training. These improvements persisted at the 1-month follow-up evaluation.
CONCLUSIONS: Turning-based treadmill training may be a feasible and effective
strategy to improve turning ability, gait symmetry, muscle strength, and balance
control for individuals with chronic stroke.

Langue : ANGLAIS