Effects of selectively assisting impaired subtasks of walking in chronic stroke survivors

Abstract Background Recently developed controllers for robot-assisted gait training allow for the adjustment of assistance for specific subtasks (i.e. specific joints and intervals of the gait cycle that are related to common impairments after stroke). However, not much is known about possible interactions between subtasks and a better understanding of this can help to optimize (manual or automatic) assistance tuning in the future. In this study, we assessed the effect of separately assisting three commonly impaired subtasks after stroke: foot clearance (FC, knee flexion/extension during swing), stability during stance (SS, knee flexion/extension during stance) and weight shift (WS, lateral pelvis movement). For each of the assisted subtasks, we determined the influence on the performance of the respective subtask, and possible effects on other subtasks of walking and spatiotemporal gait parameters. Methods The robotic assistance for the FC, SS and WS subtasks was assessed in nine mildly impaired chronic stroke survivors while walking in the LOPES II gait trainer. Seven trials were performed for each participant in a randomized order: six trials in which either 20% or 80% of assistance was provided for each of the selected subtasks, and one baseline trial where the participant did not receive subtask-specific assistance. The influence of the assistance on performances (errors compared to reference trajectories) for the assisted subtasks and other subtasks of walking as well as spatiotemporal parameters (step length, width and height, swing and stance time) was analyzed. Results Performances for the impaired subtasks (FC, SS and WS) improved significantly when assistance was applied for the respective subtask. Although WS performance improved when assisting this subtask, participants were not shifting their weight well towards the paretic leg. On a group level, not many effects on other subtasks and spatiotemporal parameters were found. Still, performance for the leading limb angle subtask improved significantly resulting in a larger step length when applying FC assistance. Conclusion FC and SS assistance leads to clear improvements in performance for the respective subtask, while our WS assistance needs further improvement. As effects of the assistance were mainly confined to the assisted subtasks, tuning of FC, SS and WS can be done simultaneously. Our findings suggest that there may be no need for specific, time-intensive tuning protocols (e.g. tuning subtasks after each other) in mildly impaired stroke survivors.

Download Full-text

The Effects of Ankle Joint Mobilization on Dorsiflexion Range and Gait Parameters in Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Journal of Stroke Medicine ◽

10.1177/2516608520982874 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 251660852098287

Author(s):

Hariharasudhan Ravichandran ◽

Balamurugan Janakiraman

Keyword(s):

Ankle Joint ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Step Length ◽

Chronic Stroke ◽

Gait Velocity ◽

Stroke Survivors ◽

Timed Up And Go ◽

Unaffected Side ◽

Joint Mobilization ◽

Gait Parameters

Background: Ankle dorsiflexion movement restriction is a common presentation in most of the chronic stroke survivors. Spasticity and connective tissue changes around ankle, limits dorsiflexion, and interferes with balance and gait performances. Improving functional range of dorsiflexion is essential in post-stroke rehabilitation. Objectives: This meta-analysis analyzed the effects of ankle mobilization techniques in improving dorsiflexion range and gait parameters among chronic stroke survivors. Method: Articles published up to July 2020 were searched in CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, PsyINFO, and OpenGrey. English version of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of ankle joint mobilization among chronic stroke subjects, with dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and gait parameters as outcome, were included. Characteristics of participants, interventions, outcome measure, and measures of variability were extracted. Methodological quality of included trials was assessed using PEDro scale and Cochrane Collaboration tool for the risk of bias. Pooled standardized mean difference was calculated using random effects model for dorsiflexion ROM, gait velocity, step length, cadence, and timed up and go (TUG). Results: Eight RCTs including 226 stroke patients, with mean methodological score of 6 out of 10 in PEDro, were eligible for this meta-analysis. Ankle joint mobilization demonstrated statistically significant improvement on passive dorsiflexion ROM, gait velocity, step length (affected side), and cadence outcomes. Nonsignificance was found in step length (unaffected side) and in TUG. Conclusion: The ankle mobilization techniques are effective in improving passive dorsiflexion ROM, gait velocity, and cadence in chronic stroke survivors. However, the retention effect of ankle mobilization among stroke subjects is not known.

Download Full-text

Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of Gait Training Assisted by Multichannel Functional Electrical Stimulation in Early Stroke Rehabilitation: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair ◽

10.1177/1545968320981942 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 35 (2) ◽

pp. 131-144

Author(s):

Maijke van Bloemendaal ◽

Sicco A. Bus ◽

Frans Nollet ◽

Alexander C. H. Geurts ◽

Anita Beelen

Keyword(s):

Electrical Stimulation ◽

Functional Electrical Stimulation ◽

Step Length ◽

Gait Training ◽

Control Group ◽

Significant Group ◽

Gait Symmetry ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Walking Capacity ◽

Experimental Group

Background. Many stroke survivors suffer from leg muscle paresis, resulting in asymmetrical gait patterns, negatively affecting balance control and energy cost. Interventions targeting asymmetry early after stroke may enhance recovery of walking. Objective. To determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of up to 10 weeks of gait training assisted by multichannel functional electrical stimulation (MFES gait training) applied to the peroneal nerve and knee flexor or extensor muscle on the recovery of gait symmetry and walking capacity in patients starting in the subacute phase after stroke. Methods. Forty inpatient participants (≤31 days after stroke) were randomized to MFES gait training (experimental group) or conventional gait training (control group). Gait training was delivered in 30-minute sessions each workday. Feasibility was determined by adherence (≥75% sessions) and satisfaction with gait training (score ≥7 out of 10). Primary outcome for efficacy was step length symmetry. Secondary outcomes included other spatiotemporal gait parameters and walking capacity (Functional Gait Assessment and 10-Meter Walk Test). Linear mixed models estimated treatment effect postintervention and at 3-month follow-up. Results. Thirty-seven participants completed the study protocol (19 experimental group participants). Feasibility was confirmed by good adherence (90% of the participants) and participant satisfaction (median score 8). Both groups improved on all outcomes over time. No significant group differences in recovery were found for any outcome. Conclusions. MFES gait training is feasible early after stroke, but MFES efficacy for improving step length symmetry, other spatiotemporal gait parameters, or walking capacity could not be demonstrated. Trial Registration. Netherlands Trial Register (NTR4762).

Download Full-text

A Comparative Study of Conventional Physiotherapy versus Robot-Assisted Gait Training Associated to Physiotherapy in Individuals with Ataxia after Stroke

Behavioural Neurology ◽

10.1155/2018/2892065 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Marcia Belas dos Santos ◽

Clarissa Barros de Oliveira ◽

Arly dos Santos ◽

Cristhiane Garabello Pires ◽

Viviana Dylewski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Activities Of Daily Living ◽

Daily Living ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Gait Training ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Chronic Stroke ◽

Wilcoxon Test ◽

Stroke Survivors ◽

Registration Number ◽

One Year

Objectives. To assess the influence of RAGT on balance, coordination, and functional independence in activities of daily living of chronic stroke survivors with ataxia at least one year of injury.Methods. It was a randomized controlled trial.The patients were allocated to either therapist-assisted gait training (TAGT) or robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT). Both groups received 3 weekly sessions of physiotherapy with an estimated duration of 60 minutes each and prescribed home exercises. The following outcome measures were evaluated prior to and after the completion of the 5-month protocol treatment: BBS, TUG test, FIM, and SARA. For intragroup comparisons, the Wilcoxon test was used, and the Mann–Whitney test was used for between-group comparison.Results. Nineteen stroke survivors with ataxia sequel after one year of injury were recruited. Both groups showed statistically significant improvement (P<0.05) in balance, functional independencein, and general ataxia symptoms. There were no statistically significant differences (P<0.05) for between-group comparisons both at baseline and after completion of the protocol.Conclusions. Chronic stroke patients with ataxia had significant improvements in balance and independence in activities of daily living after RAGT along with conventional therapy and home exercises. This trial was registered with trial registration number39862414.6.0000.5505.

Download Full-text

Gait Training Methods and ChangesiIn Gait Parameters in Parkinson`s Disease (Literature Review)

Reabilitacijos mokslai slauga kineziterapija ergoterapija ◽

10.33607/rmske.v2i7.857 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (7) ◽

Author(s):

Aušra Stuopelytė ◽

Rasa Šakalienė

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Step Length ◽

Gait Training ◽

Auditory Stimulation ◽

Training Methods ◽

Dual Tasking ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation ◽

Walking Velocity

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic progressive neurological disorder that can impact function to a variable degree. Changes in gait parameters are the most common signs of Parkinson’s disease. Patients with Parkinson’s disease walk with a reduced step length, step time, walking velocity and walking cadence, increased stride cycle time, coefficient of variation of the step amplitude and step time and increased risk to fall. So, various gait training methods are applied. The effect of rhythmic auditory stimulation on gait in Parkinson’s disease patients is analysed. We can use various kinds of music, metronome, scansion and clapping as a rhythmic auditory stimulation.One of gait training methods in Parkinson’s disease patients is treadmill training. There are attempts to combine treadmill training with transcranial magnetic stimulation and virtual reality. We can use Nordic walking method and because walking technique requires straight posture, trunk rotation, bigger step and heel stride. More often robot–assisted gait training is used in patients with Parkinson’s disease gait training. The effect of dual–tasking and walking with music methods for gait and balance training in patients with Parkinson’s disease is also analysed. This method requires participants to perform primary and secondary tasks at the same time. The secondary task can be cognitive or motor. Dual–tasking is widely analysed because opinions about applying this method are very controversial. Walking with music method is more often analysed in scientific literature. This method could not be compared to rhythmic auditory stimulation method because the latter requires precise walking to rhythm and walking with music method is oriented to emotional component (music is chosen according patients’ music taste). As these methods are applied, we can see an increase in chosen walking and maximal walking velocities, step length and time, distance covered, and decrease in the coefficient of variation of the step time and turning time.Keywords: Gait impairments, walking velocity, rhythmic auditory stimulation.

Download Full-text

Use of Visual and Proprioceptive Feedback to Improve Gait Speed and Spatiotemporal Symmetry Following Chronic Stroke: A Case Series

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20110206 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 92 (5) ◽

pp. 748-756 ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

Michael D. Lewek ◽

Jeff Feasel ◽

Erin Wentz ◽

Frederick P. Brooks ◽

Mary C. Whitton

Keyword(s):

Gait Speed ◽

Case Series ◽

Step Length ◽

Gait Training ◽

Chronic Stroke ◽

Proprioceptive Feedback ◽

Immersive Virtual Environment ◽

Time Symmetry ◽

Stance Time

Background and Purpose Persistent deficits in gait speed and spatiotemporal symmetry are prevalent following stroke and can limit the achievement of community mobility goals. Rehabilitation can improve gait speed, but has shown limited ability to improve spatiotemporal symmetry. The incorporation of combined visual and proprioceptive feedback regarding spatiotemporal symmetry has the potential to be effective at improving gait. Case Description A 60-year-old man (18 months poststroke) and a 53-year-old woman (21 months poststroke) each participated in gait training to improve gait speed and spatiotemporal symmetry. Each patient performed 18 sessions (6 weeks) of combined treadmill-based gait training followed by overground practice. To assist with relearning spatiotemporal symmetry, treadmill-based training for both patients was augmented with continuous, real-time visual and proprioceptive feedback from an immersive virtual environment and a dual belt treadmill, respectively. Outcomes Both patients improved gait speed (patient 1: 0.35 m/s improvement; patient 2: 0.26 m/s improvement) and spatiotemporal symmetry. Patient 1, who trained with step-length symmetry feedback, improved his step-length symmetry ratio, but not his stance-time symmetry ratio. Patient 2, who trained with stance-time symmetry feedback, improved her stance-time symmetry ratio. She had no step-length asymmetry before training. Discussion Both patients made improvements in gait speed and spatiotemporal symmetry that exceeded those reported in the literature. Further work is needed to ascertain the role of combined visual and proprioceptive feedback for improving gait speed and spatiotemporal symmetry after chronic stroke.

Download Full-text

Effects of Robot-Assisted Therapy on Gait Parameters in Pediatric Patients With Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2021.724009 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Faustyna Manikowska ◽

Sabina Brazevic ◽

Anna Krzyżańska ◽

Marek Jóźwiak

Keyword(s):

Cerebral Palsy ◽

Gait Training ◽

Spastic Cerebral Palsy ◽

Gait Symmetry ◽

Double Support ◽

Patient Profile ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Gait Deviation Index ◽

Spatiotemporal Parameters

Background: Gait dysfunction is a crucial factor that restricts independence and quality of life in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Gait training based on robotic-assisted therapy (RAT) is widely used, but information about effectiveness and ideal patient profile is not sufficient. Aim of this study was to assess the effect of RAT on gait parameters in spastic children with CP, and to determine whether changes in gait parameters are different among patients on different ambulatory levels.Method: A total of 26 children with bilateral spastic CP were divided into two groups based on their functional ability: non-assisted ambulator (NAS) or assisted ambulator (AS); and underwent a RAT program (30 training sessions of RAT during 10 weeks). Gait analysis was performed: before the therapy (t1), right after (t2), and 6 weeks later (t3).Results: No significant changes in spatiotemporal parameters or gait deviation index at t2 or t3. Double support symmetry significantly improved (t1 vs. t3, p = 0.03) for the whole group (NAS + AS). Walking speed symmetry significantly improved (t2 vs. t3, p = 0.02) for group AS.Conclusion: RAT based on our protocol did not change spatiotemporal parameters and kinematics of walking except limited improvement in some aspects of gait symmetry. We did not find differences in changes in selected objective gait parameters among children with CP in different ambulatory levels.

Download Full-text