Stepping Training Using Feedback in Stroke

Effects of Stepping Training With and Without the Use of Visually Weight-taking Machine (VWTM) on Walking and Balance Ability in Patients With Stroke

• Are there differences in immediate effects of stepping training with and without the use of visually weight-taking machine (VWTM) on variables relating to well-controlled walking and walking symmetry in ambulatory patients with stroke?
• Are there differences of 4-week stepping training with and without the use of VWTM on variables relating to well-controlled walking and walking symmetry in ambulatory patients with stroke?

• To compare immediate effects of stepping training with or without the use of VWTM on variables relating to well-controlled walking and walking symmetry in ambulatory patients with stroke.
• To compare effects of 4-week stepping training with or without the use of VWTM on variables relating to well-controlled walking and walking symmetry in patients with stroke.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects are independent ambulatory patients with first stroke episode with the age at least 45-74 years old,
• subacute (post-stroke time < 6 months) or chronic (post-stroke time ≥ 6 months) stroke
• Independent walking at least 10 meters with or without a walking device
• Able to follow verbal command used in this study

Exclusion Criteria:

• The subjects who have other medical conditions that might affect participation in the study such as uncontrolled underlying diseases (i.e. hypertension, heart disease, thyroid, etc.), deformity in the lower extremities, pain more than 5 out of 10 on a visual analog scale, legally blind or had a history of visual deficits that were unable to be corrected by glasses or contact lens, have a color blindness and inability to communicate or follow the commands used in this study