Locomotor Training with Body W of Different Training Parameters

Background and Purpose There is growing evidence that body weight support (BWS) gait training appears to be an effective intervention for enhancing locomotor recovery after stroke. The most effective training methods for implementing this intervention have not yet been determined. Using a single subject research design, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of different training parameters using BWS gait training. Methods The client was a 64-year-old female 5 weeks post right CVA. A multiple treatment single subject (A1-B-A2-C) design was used. The two A phases consisted of BWS treadmill training at slow, self-selected speeds, the B phase consisted of BWS overground training, and the C phase consisted of BWS treadmill training at fast speeds. Outcome measures consisted of gait velocity, gait endurance, motor control, and client reported functional walking ability. Data were analyzed using visual analysis of trend and level and the 2 standard deviation band method. Results Gait velocity, gait endurance, and self-reported walking ability improved throughout the intervention period. The client demonstrated significantly greater improvement in gait velocity and gait endurance while training with BWS overground and at faster treadmill speeds. Discussion/Conclusion BWS overground gait training and BWS treadmill training at speeds equivalent to normal walking speeds were more effective in improving gait velocity and gait endurance than BWS treadmill training at slow, self selected speeds.