PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of training involving compelled weight shift on the paretic lower limb on gait parameters and plantar pressure distribution in patients with stroke. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-five stroke patients participated in the study and were randomly divided into: group with a 5-mm lift on the non-paretic side for constrained weight shift training (5 constrained weight shift training) (n = 15); group with a 10-mm lift on the non-paretic side for constrained weight shift training (10 constrained weight shift training) (n = 15); or the control group (n = 15). Both, the 5 constrained weight shift training and 10 constrained weight shift training groups underwent constrained weight shift training 5 times per week for 4 weeks, whereas the control group performed ergometer exercises for lower limb muscle strengthening. RESULTS: The 10 constrained weight shift training group showed a significant increase in the contact surface and impulse of the hindfoot compared to the control group, and the step length and walking speed were significantly longer and faster. CONCLUSION: We found that constrained weight shift training on the paretic lower limb is an effective treatment method for improving normal gait pattern in stroke patients.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help

• PubMed Central
• DOI
• PubMed
• PDF locator
• publisher