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Treadmill training and body weight support for walking after stroke
A M Moseley1, A Stark, I D Cameron
1Rehabilitation Studies Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, PO Box 6, Ryde, NSW, Australia.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|August 15, 2003
Summary
Treadmill training with body weight support shows no significant overall improvement in walking speed or dependency after stroke. However, it may offer benefits for individuals who can already walk independently.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Treadmill training with body weight support is a rehabilitation method for post-stroke walking recovery.
- Systematic review is needed to evaluate its cost, effectiveness, and acceptance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of treadmill training and/or body weight support for improving walking after stroke.
- Primary outcomes included walking speed and dependency.
Main Methods:
- Searched multiple databases (Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro) and handsearched for relevant trials.
- Included randomized, quasi-randomized, controlled, and cross-over trials.
- Analyzed data using fixed or random effects models, with weighted mean differences and relative risks.
Main Results:
- Eleven trials with 458 participants were analyzed.
- No statistically significant differences were found for walking speed or dependency compared to other interventions.
- A trend suggested effectiveness for independent walkers, with one trial showing benefit.
Conclusions:
- Treadmill training with body weight support did not demonstrate a statistically significant overall effect on post-stroke walking.
- Potential benefits were observed for independent walkers, though findings require further robust investigation.