Effects of gait training on sand on improving the walking ability of patients with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

[Purpose] This study examines how difference in sandy ground between firm ground influences the effects of gait training in patients with chronic stroke. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 28 patients with chronic stroke were evenly divided into experimental and control groups. Initial evaluation of the subjects was conducted by Timed Up & Go (TUG) and 6-Minute Walking Test (6MWT). Each patient in both groups received daily, 30-minute gait training on sandy ground and firm ground, five times each week, for a total of six weeks, after which reevaluation was conducted. [Results] In TUG, both groups showed significant improvement after the intervention. In 6MWT, only the experimental group achieved significantly increased distance after the intervention. However, there was no between-group difference. Improvement in dynamic balancing ability depends on repeated gait training rather than differences in the ground environment. However, gait endurance showed a difference depending on the types of ground, regardless of repeated gait training. [Conclusion] This can be attributed to the fact that gait training on sand requires use of more diverse muscles. Hence, we can confirm the potential of sand as a new material for training ground when attempting to improve walking ability, particularly gait endurance, among patients with chronic stroke.

Effect of Walking on Sand with Dietary Intervention in OverweightType 2 DiabetesMellitusPatients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…There is little research available that uses sand as an interface to treat various neuromuscular disabilities or general systemic disorder. One of the studies on stroke [ 18 ] and multiple sclerosis [ 19 ] uses sand as a pathway to train walking. Both researches have reported improvement in gait parameters.…”

Running Motion Assistance Using a Soft Gait-Assistive Suit and Its Experimental Validation

“…For instance, the SKILLRUN [10] electric treadmill developed by Technogym can improve the kicking force of the leg by controlling the rotational resistance of the running belt. As an example of rehabilitation, Kim et al studied the effect of gait training on a sand field for patients with chronic stroke and found that sand gait training could improve their gait endurance effectively compared to gait training on a firm ground [11]. Many existing gait training methods either reduce or increase the load of the trainees.…”

Biomimetic shoes use in a child with epidermolysis bullosa: Case report

“…The biomimetism is the design of nature inspired products [6]. Walking in natural terrains provides a diverse experience that affects the mechanics and energy of locomotion and generates constant adjustments to maintain stability [7][8][9][10]. Considering the benefits of walking in natural environments the aim of this case report is observe the effect of a Biomimetic designed Shoes (BS) over the gait of a child with epidermolysis bullosa at the gait development phase.…”