Effects of underwater treadmill walking training on the peak torque of the knee in hemiplegic patients.
[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of underwater treadmill walking training on the peak torque of the knee in hemiplegic patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-two subjects, who were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n=16) and a control group (n=16), performed underwater treadmill walking training and overground treadmill walking training, respectively, for 30 minutes/session, 3 sessions/week, for 6 weeks. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to assess the peak torque. [Results] The subjects in the experimental group showed an increase in the peak knee extension torque compared to the control group. [Conclusion] The results suggested that underwater treadmill walking training has a greater effect on peak knee extension torque at velocities of 60°/sec and 120°/sec than overground treadmill walking training.
Department of Physical Therapy, Degenerated Arthritis Center, Chungnam National University Hospital, Republic of Korea.
Dong-Geol
DG
Lee
Department of Physical Therapy, Seoul Orthopedic Medicine, Republic of Korea.
Seong-Kwan
SK
Jeong
Department of Physical Therapy, Woosong University, Republic of Korea.
Young-Dong
YD
Kim
Knee joint; Stroke; Underwater treadmill