title: Wearable tubing assistive walking device immediately enhances gait parameters in subjects with stroke: A randomized controlled study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Stroke patients develop compensatory movements due to limitations of ankle dorsiflexion and knee flexion. To solve the limitations, there are many adjustable walking assistive devices such as robotic devices, ankle-foot orthoses, and functional electric stimulation in rehabilitation session. However, these assistive devices have some disadvantages, including expense and discomforts. Therefore, the development of a new assistive device for stroke patients is needed to assist ankle dorsiflexion and knee flexion.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study investigated the effects of a wearable tubing assistive walking device (WTAWD) on gait parameters (gait speed, cadence, and step length and stride length on affected and less affected sides) in patients with stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  Gait parameters were measured using the GAITRite system. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine gait differences under three conditions (WTAWD, barefoot, and conventional elastic band orthosis).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Gait speed, cadence, and step length and stride length on both affected and less affected sides were significantly greater with WTAWD, compared to barefoot and conventional elastic band orthosis conditions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  WTAWD could be effective for patients with stroke.
authors.affiliation: Applied Kinesiology and Ergonomic Technology Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of South Korea.
authors.forename: Seung-Mi
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Applied Kinesiology and Ergonomic Technology Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of South Korea.
authors.forename: Heon-Seock
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Cynn
authors.affiliation: Applied Kinesiology and Ergonomic Technology Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of South Korea.
authors.forename: Chung-Hwi
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Yi
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Cheongju University, Cheongju, Republic of South Korea.
authors.forename: Tae-Lim
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Yoon
authors.affiliation: Applied Kinesiology and Ergonomic Technology Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of South Korea.
authors.forename: Ji-Hyun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Elastic band orthosis; gait; stroke