Abstract ▼ AI-Helper

Background : Treadmill training has been proposed as a useful adjunct to conventional physical therapy to restore ability to walk after stroke. The purpose of this study to inform clinical practise by evaluating the research evidence for the effectiveness of treadmill training after stroke. Methods ...

Background : Treadmill training has been proposed as a useful adjunct to conventional physical therapy to restore ability to walk after stroke. The purpose of this study to inform clinical practise by evaluating the research evidence for the effectiveness of treadmill training after stroke. Methods : We searched to the effectiveness of any form of intervention for effect of treadmill training by Dankook University electronic library databases of Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Amed and PEDro combined with a hand search of papers published in relevant peer-reviewed journals. Any type of study relevant to the topic published in English during time period from 1980 to 2007 was included. Results : The literature search identified 35 studies. The included studies enrolled a total of 374 subjects. 1. Treadmill retraining without partial body weight support might be more effective than no treatment at improving gait velocity, get up and go time, gait endurance and step length symmetry. 2. Treadmill retraining with partial body weight support might be more effective than no treatment in improving step length symmetry, gait velocity, gait endurance and balance. 3. Treadmill retraining might be more effective with partial body weight support than without it at improving gait velocity and motor improvement as measured by The Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement(STREAM). 4. Treadmill retraining without partial body weight support may be no different from physiotherapy and increase gait velocity to conventional gait therapy. 5. Treadmill retraining with partial body weight support may be no different from physiotherapy for gait velocity, motor recovery and balance. Conclusion The review suggests that although treadmill training of gait, especially with partial body weight support, might Improve gait parameters and functional mobility, unless treadmill training is directed at Improving gait speed it might be no more effective than conventional physical therapy at improving gait parameters.

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