Effectiveness of community-based ambulation training for walking function of post-stroke hemiparesis: a randomized controlled pilot trial

Abstract

The findings demonstrate that community-based ambulation training can be helpful in improving walking ability of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis and may be used as a practical adjunct to routine rehabilitation therapy.

Community Walking Training Program Improves Walking Function and Social Participation in Chronic Stroke Patients

“…In the community walking training, environmental dimensions are an important factor determining the level of community walking (Shumway-Cook et al 2002Park et al 2011). Thus, we believe that active participation and voluntary movement during various real community environmental situations improved walking function.…”

“…For instance, Park et al (2011) demonstrated that four weeks of community-based ambulation training consisting of various community situations helped improve walking ability of stroke patients. In addition, Stuart et al (2009) reported that community-based physical therapy involving environmental options was effective for improving ambulation in stroke patients.…”

“…For accurate assessment and safety, an evaluator followed the subject (Taylor et al 2006). The community gait assessment was performed in a new place to exclude the learning effect of training (Park et al 2011). …”

“…However, most studies on stroke rehabilitation have been conducted in clinical or hospital settings, where it is difficult to reflect home environmental conditions and a complex external environment (Park et al 2011).…”

“…Recently, community-based ambulation training has been used as a therapeutic method to enhance walking ability in stroke patients (Stuart et al 2009;Park et al 2011). Community walking is defined as a complicated and challenging activity requiring the ability to walk at a given speed for a minimum requisite distance and to adapt to changes in various environments (Shumway-Cook et al 2002).…”