Effect of active over-ground body weight-support walking system on balance and gait ability in stroke: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Restoring gait is essential for stroke rehabilitation to support patients’ return to independent living.

Objective

To examine the effects of gait training using an active over-ground body weight-support walking system (GT-AOGBWSWS) on balance and gait in stroke patients.

Methods

In this RCT, 26 chronic stroke patients were randomized to either the GT-AOGBWSWS (n = 13) or conventional gait training (CGT) (n = 13) groups. Both groups underwent gait training—GT-AOGBWSWS with Andago^® and CGT—alongside a standard rehabilitation program, totaling 105 minutes daily, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG), and gait was assessed using the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) and 10-meter walk test (10MWT).

Results

Both groups showed significant post-intervention improvements in balance and gait (p<0.05), though the GT-AOGBWSWS group had significantly greater improvements in BBS (18.82% vs 6.8%), TUG (13.61% vs 5.27%), DGI (15.18% vs 7.61%), and 10MWT (19.55% vs 3.71%) compared to the CGT group.

Conclusions

GT-AOGBWSWS shows promise for enhancing balance and gait in stroke patients. These findings highlight the potential of active over-ground body weight-supported walking systems as an effective intervention for stroke rehabilitation. Future large-scale RCTs are warranted to further validate these results and to explore the mechanisms and patient characteristics that optimize treatment outcomes.