Internally Versus Externally Guided Body Weight-Supported Treadmill Training (BWSTT) for Locomotor Recovery Post-stroke

Internally v. Externally Guided BWSTT for Locomotor Recovery Post-stroke

The overriding goal of this proposal is to identify the critical physiological and biomechanical effects of BWSTT for promoting improved locomotor function in persons with post-stroke hemiparesis.

In this pilot study, we tested two forms of locomotor training for gait rehabilitation in persons post-stroke: traditional locomotor training (partial body-weight support and manual assistance of therapists) vs. robotic-assisted locomotor training (partial body-weight support and robotic guidance with the Lokomat). We enrolled 16 persons with chronic (>6 months) hemiparesis post-stroke who were randomized to traditional/manual or robotic locomotor training. All individuals received 12 sessions (thrice weekly for four weeks) of training. Each session involved 30 minutes of stepping.

The complete study results are published.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident
• Single event
• Unilateral hemiplegia
• Locomotor disability
• Ability to walk independently 25' on level ground (may use an assistive device [cane or walker]; may NOT use a brace)
• Cognitive ability to follow 3-step commands

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable or uncontrolled blood pressure
• Uncontrolled seizures
• Severe cognitive impairment