New Training Method of Walking Ability for Hemiplegic Patients after Stroke

Abstract

Aiming at improving gait performance of hemiplegic patients after stroke, we have been performing newly-developed training method, called “calf triceps muscle suppression method”. In the present study, the effectiveness of this method was compared with that of continuous expansion method, in regard to changes in maximum walking speed and step length. Thirteen hemiplegic patients who could walk independently in the hospital partipated in the study. They were instucted to walk 10 m at maximum speed, and thier maximum walking speed and step length were obtained from the required time and steps. After the training of calf triceps muscle suppression method, all the subjects showed improvements in maximum walking speed and step length, with a significant difference between before and after training (p<0.01). However, they indicated no such improvements after the training of continous expansion method. This may be because the newly-developed method induces coordinated movements among lower extremity joints at the standing phase, thereby resulting in smooth forward transfer of center of gravity.