Effect of partial body weight support treadmill training in chronic stroke patients.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effect of Partial Body Weight Support Treadmill Training (PBWSTT) technique and floor walking training, on floor walking velocities and functional balance in chronic stroke patients.


METHODS
An observer blinded, randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Forty-eight chronic stroke patients were randomized into either the experimental group that received PB WSTT (n=24) or the control group that received floor walking training (n=24). Both groups received 25 minutes of daily walking training 5 days per weeks, totally 4 weeks. Treatment outcomes were assessed on floor walking velocities and functional balance by Berg Balance Scale


RESULTS
There was no statistically significant difference between both groups after a 4-week training period with regard to floor walking velocities and functional balance at p < 0.05. Patients in both groups had statistically significant improvement in these variables after a 4-week training period when compared to before training at p < 0.05.


CONCLUSIONS
The efficacy of PBWSTT in chronic stroke patients was not statistically different to the efficacy of floor walking training in floor walking velocities and functional balance.
Suputtitada
Areerat
A
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Jarern-Somsri Building, Floor 1, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Rama IV Road, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. sareerat@hotmail.com
Yooktanan
Pongsak
P
Rarerng-Ying
Thakonwan
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016138:Walking