The effect of elastic band assisted gait training to improve the gait kinematics in stroke survivors - a randomized control trial

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disabilities, the restoration of walking plays a prime role in his rehabilitation. The reduction in gait performance may prevent the resumption of activities of daily living. Aim of the study:To compare the effectiveness of elastic band assisted gait training over the task-oriented circuit interval gait training in stroke survivors.Methodology: A total of 50 male stroke survivors with functional ambulatory category score ≥4, mini mental state 24-30, normal cardio-pulmonary status and age between 30-60 years were recruited and randomly distributed in two groups. Group 1 received conventional exercises (task-oriented approach in the form of circuit interval gait training) and Group 2 received elastic band assisted gait training with task-oriented approach in the form of circuit interval gait training.Outcome measures: Stride length (both side), cadence, walking speed and gait profile score (both side). Measurements were taken with gait laboratory before and at the end of 6 weeks of treatment, for 45 minutes divided into nine 5-minute blocks separated by 5-minute rest periods 5 days/week. Results:Overall result of this study showed that experiment group had significantly improved in terms of speed, cadence, stride length of paretic limb, gait profile score of non paretic limb from pre to post test measurements, but no significant improvement in conventional group. Gait profile score of paretic limbs had significantly improved. Both the groups had significantly improved in terms of stride length of non paretic limb from pre to post-test measurements; however, the experiment group showed more improvement than the conventional group. Conclusion:Elastic band assisted gait training over the task-oriented circuit interval gait training is found to be effective for the hemiplegic gait.