Effects of treadmill training with optic flow on balance and gait in individuals following stroke: randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the effects of treadmill training with optic flow on the functional recovery of balance and gait in stroke patients.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled experimental study.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty patients following stroke were divided randomly into the treadmill with optic flow group (n = 10), treadmill group (n = 10) and control group (n = 10).

INTERVENTIONS: The subjects in the experimental group wore a head-mounted display to receive speed-modulated optic flow during treadmill training for 30 minutes, while those in the treadmill group and control group received treadmill training and regular therapy for the same time, three times a week for four weeks.

MAIN MEASURES: The data were collected using timed up-and-go test, functional reach test, 10-m walk test, and six-minute walk test before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The timed up-and-go test in the treadmill with optic flow group (5.55 ± 2.04) improved significantly greater than the treadmill (1.50 ± 0.93) and control (0.40 ± 0.84) groups. The functional reach test in the treadmill with optic flow group (2.78 ± 1.44) was significantly higher than the control group (0.20 ± 0.16) only. The gait velocity in the treadmill with optic flow group (0.21 ± 0.06) showed a significant decrease compared to the treadmill (0.03 ± 0.02) and control (0.01 ± 0.02) groups. Finally, the six-minute walk test in the treadmill with optic flow group (24.49 ± 11.00) showed significant improvement compared to the treadmill training (4.65 ± 3.25) and control (1.79 ± 3.08) groups.

CONCLUSION

Treadmill using optic flow speed modulation improves the balance and gait significantly in patients with stroke who are able to participate in physical gait training.