Besides neurological impairments, stroke causes above all immobility that may lead to secondary diseases. In addition to conventional physio- and ergotherapeutic intervention which is normally experienced by stroke victims, this study examined the effects and benefits of a home-based training with a MOTOmed movement trainer. STUDY DESIGN: Out of 31 patients, an experimental group consisting of 16 patients (age 63.1 +/- 8.1 years) was supplied with a MOTOmed viva2 movement trainer. They were adviced to train twice a day for 4 months in addition to their conventional therapy. The intensity of each training session corresponded to stage 13 on the Borg-Scale (a little strenuous). Primarily, the influence on gait was proved measuring gait velocity and the distance walked in the 2- and 6-Minutes-Walking Test. In addition, motoric assessments were used (Tinetti-Test, Berg-Balance-Scale, Timed Up and Go-Test). MOTOmed Data was collected by a chipcard placed in the cockpit of the apparatus. The patients of the control group (n = 15, age 65.8 +/- 10.7 years) received conventional physio- and ergotherapeutic interventions. RESULTS: The results of this study showed an improvement in walking distance (2- and 6-Minute-Walking test; p = 0.015, p = 0.003), comfortable gait speed (p = 0.024) and better results concerning Timed Up and Go Test (p = 0.016). Furthermore, patients were able to steer their training by using the Borg-Scale so that they achieved an average power increase of 6.3 W (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Using the MOTOmed movement trainer is a helpful addition to conventional therapy and supports an active participation in the rehabilitation process of stroke patients.

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