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(Application of structured speed-dependent treadmill training in hemiplegic patients after stroke) [Chinese - simplified characters]
Weng C-S, Bi S, Tian Z, Yu Z-Z, Xu J, Bi S-Q, Li M, Wang J
Zhongguo Linchuang Kangfu [Chinese Journal of Clinical Rehabilitation] 2004 Dec 5;8(34):7617-7619
clinical trial
6/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: Yes; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

AIM: To compare the effects of structured speed-dependent treadmill training (STT) with conventional gait training (CGT) on the restoration of motor function of the lower limbs, balance, activities of daily life (ADL), walking ability and gait speed in hemiplegic patients after stroke. METHODS: Fifty hemiplegic patients after stroke hospitalized in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, General Hospital of Chinese PLA during September 2002 to August 2004, were randomly divided into STT group (n = 25) and CGT group (n = 25). All the patients could walk over 16 m independently or under monitoring, and their walking speed was over 10 m per minute; while those had complications that restricted the activity were excluded. The patients in the STT group were treated with STT, while those in the CGT group were treated mainly with neural facilitation, 20 minutes per time, once a day, 5 times per week for successive 4 weeks. 11 the patients also received other trainings. The motor function of the lower limbs was assessed with Fungl-Meyer assessment (FMA), and both groups were evaluated with the Berg balance scale, and functional ambulation category (FAC) and ambulation item of functional independence measurement (FIM) before and after treatment respectively. RESULTS: Forty-five patients had completed the study and 5 were lost. After the 4-week training, the balance, walking function, functional independence and walking speed were all obviously ameliorated as compared with before treatment in both group (p < 0.001), while those in the STT group (n = 23) were ameliorated more significantly than those in the CGT group (n = 22) (effect sizes, ES 0.69 to 0.89), but there was no significant difference in the improvement of the motor function of lower limbs between the two groups (ES 0.35). No heart symptoms and other side effects were observed in all the patients (including the 5 lost ones) of both group involved in the study. CONCLUSION: Structured STT in poststroke ambulatory patients is more effective, and it is a new, reliable and feasible intervention for the training of dysfunction in hemiplegic patients after stroke.

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