Gait rehabilitation using a footpad-type locomotion interface has been reported as effective in improving gait ability in chronic stroke patients. However, the effect on subacute stroke patients is unknown.
OBJECTIVE:
To compare the effect of gait rehabilitation using a footpad-type locomotion interface (Gait Training with Locomotion Interface group; GTLI group) with conventional gait rehabilitation (control group) in subacute stroke patients.
METHODS:
Twenty-one stroke patients (GTLI group: n = 13, control group: n = 8) participated in the study. All participants received gait rehabilitation using the footpad-type locomotion interface or conventional gait rehabilitation for 20 minutes x 20 sessions. Outcome measures were functional ambulation Category (FAC), gait speed, gait endurance and lower muscle strength. Measures were taken at baseline and 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks.
RESULT:
The GTLI group significantly improved gait speed and gait endurance compared with the control group. However, FAC and lower limb muscle strength were not significantly different.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results suggest that gait rehabilitation using the footpad-type locomotion interface can improve gait ability better than conventional gait rehabilitation.
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