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. 2022 Dec 16;19(24):16925.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph192416925.

Effect of Treadmill Training with Visual Biofeedback on Selected Gait Parameters in Subacute Hemiparetic Stroke Patients

Katarzyna Kaźmierczak  1 , Agnieszka Wareńczak-Pawlicka  1 , Margaret Miedzyblocki  1 , Przemysław Lisiński  1
Affiliations

Effect of Treadmill Training with Visual Biofeedback on Selected Gait Parameters in Subacute Hemiparetic Stroke Patients

Katarzyna Kaźmierczak et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Functional limitations after a stroke are unique to each person and often include impaired independent mobility. A reduction in existing gait deficits after a stroke is often one of the main goals of rehabilitation. Gait re-education after stroke is a complex process, which consists of the effects of many therapeutic interventions.

Objective: The study aimed to analyze the effects of using a treadmill with visual feedback in gait re-education in the sub-acute stroke period and assess the impact of biofeedback treadmill training on selected gait parameters, improving static balance and reducing the need for orthopedic aids.

Methods: The study included 92 patients (F: 45, M: 47) aged 63 ± 12 years, with post-ischemic sub-acute (within six months onset) stroke hemiparesis, treated at a neurological rehabilitation ward. All patients participated in a specific rehabilitation program, and in addition, patients in the study group (n = 62) have a further 10 min of treadmill training with visual feedback. Patients in the control group (n = 30) participated in additional conventional gait training under the direct supervision of a physiotherapist. The evaluation of static balance was assessed with the Romberg Test. A Biodex Gait Trainer 3 treadmill with biofeedback function was used to evaluate selected gait parameters (walking speed, step length, % limb loading, and traveled distance). The use of an orthopedic aid (walker or a crutch) was noted.

Results: After four weeks of rehabilitation, step length, walking speed, traveled distance, and static balance were significantly improved for the study and control group (p < 0.05). Treadmill gait training yielded significantly better results than a conventional rehabilitation program. Only the study group observed a corrected walking base (p < 0.001). All participants showed a reduction in the use of walking aids (p = 0.006). There was no asymmetry in the % of limb loading for either group prior to or following rehabilitation.

Conclusions: The treadmill with visual biofeedback as conventional gait training has resulted in a significant improvement in parameters such as step length, walking speed, static balance, and a reduction in the use of locomotion aids. However, the achieved improvement in gait parameters is still not in line with the physiological norm.

Keywords: biofeedback; hemiparetic gait; neurologic locomotion disorder; neurorehabilitation; sub-acute stroke; treadmill training.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Step length before and after therapy.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Walking speed before and after therapy.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Distance before and after therapy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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