Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether repeat exposure to force perturbations during
treadmill training can induce long-term retention of improved step length and
overall improvements in locomotor function in persons with spinal cord injury.
DESIGN: Fourteen patients with spinal cord injury were recruited and randomly
assigned to swing resistance or swing assistance training groups. A controlled
swing resistance or assistance force, for resistance or assistance training
groups, respectively, was applied to both legs through a cable-driven robotic
system during treadmill training. Each participant trained 3 times per week for 6
weeks. Step length, walking speed, 6-minute walking distance, and other clinical
assessments were evaluated before and after 6 weeks of training and 8 weeks after
the end of training. RESULTS:
A significant increase in step length was observed
after 6 weeks of resistance training (P = 0.04). Step length tended to increase
after assistance treadmill training, but the change was not significant (P =
0.18). The changes in step length and functional gains had no significant
difference between 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat exposure to swing resistance
during treadmill training may induce a prolonged retention of increased step
length, although it remains unclear whether swing resistance versus assistance is
more effective in inducing increased step length.

Langue : ANGLAIS