Effect of partial body weight support treadmill training in chronic stroke patients

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effect of Partial Body Weight Support Treadmill Training (PBWSTT) technique and floor walking training, on floor walking velocities and functional balance in chronic stroke patients.

Design: An observer blinded, randomized controlled trial.

Material and method: Forty-eight chronic stroke patients were randomized into either the experimental group that received PB WSTT (n=24) or the control group that received floor walking training (n=24). Both groups received 25 minutes of daily walking training 5 days per weeks, totally 4 weeks. Treatment outcomes were assessed on floor walking velocities and functional balance by Berg Balance Scale

Results: There was no statistically significant difference between both groups after a 4-week training period with regard to floor walking velocities and functional balance at p < 0.05. Patients in both groups had statistically significant improvement in these variables after a 4-week training period when compared to before training at p < 0.05.

Conclusion: The efficacy of PBWSTT in chronic stroke patients was not statistically different to the efficacy of floor walking training in floor walking velocities and functional balance.