The effects of structured speed -dependent treadmill training for restoration of gait in ambulatory hemiplegic patients after stroke

Objective:To compare the effects of structured speed-dependent treadmill training(STT) with Body-weight support treadmill training(BWST) and conventional gait training(CGT) for restoration of gait in ambulatory hemiplegic patients after stroke.Method: Forty-five ambulatory poststroke patients were randomly divided into three groups:STT group (n = 15),BWST group (n = 15) and CGT group (n = 15). Treatment outcomes were assessed on the basis of overground maximum walking speed,step length,walking rate and functional ambulation category scores(FAC).Result: After a 4-week training period,the STT group scored significantly higher than the BWST and CGT groups for maximum walking speed,step length,walking rate and FAC (P0.001). Conclusion:Structured STT in poststroke ambulatory patients resulted in better walking abilities than BWST or CGT.