Comparison of the Effect of Lateral and Backward Walking Training on Walking Function in Patients with Poststroke Hemiplegia

Objectives The purposes of the present study were to compare the effects of backward and lateral walking training and to identify whether additional backward or lateral walking training would be more effective in increasing the walking function of poststroke patients. Design Fifty-one subjects with hemiplegic stroke were randomly allocated to 3 groups, each containing 17 subjects: the control group, the backward walking training group, and the lateral walking training group. The walking abilities of each group were assessed using a 10-m walk test and the GAITRite system for spatiotemporal gait. Results The results show that there were significantly greater posttest increases in gait velocity (F = −12.09, P = 0.02) and stride length (F = −11.50, P = 0.02), decreases in the values of the 10-m walk test (F = −7.10, P = 0.03) (P < 0.05) and double-limb support period (F = 40.15, P = 0.000), and improvements in gait asymmetry (F = 13.88, P = 0.002) (P < 0.01) in subjects in the lateral walking training group compared with those in the other 2 groups. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that asymmetric gait patterns in poststroke patients could be improved by receiving additional lateral walking training therapy rather than backward walking training. To Claim CME Credits Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME Objectives Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) understand the potential benefits of backward walking (BW) and lateral walking (LW) training on improving muscle strength and gait; (2) appreciate the potential value of backward and lateral walking gait training in the treatment of hemiplegic stroke patients; and (3) appropriately incorporate backward and lateral walking gait training into the treatment plan of hemiplegic stroke patients. Level Advanced Accreditation The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.