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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
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A Rehabilitation Program of Exoskeleton-assisted Body Weight-Supported Treadmill Training with Non-immersive Virtual Reality for Stroke Patients
Published on: May 16, 2025
Gait training after stroke: a pilot study combining a gravity-balanced orthosis, functional electrical stimulation,
Vijaya Krishnamoorthy1, Wei-Li Hsu, Trisha M Kesar
1Physical Therapy Department, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA.
Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy : JNPT
|March 7, 2009
Summary
This study shows a novel gait retraining program improved walking speed and reduced fall risk in a stroke survivor. These gains in mobility were largely maintained one month after the intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Biomechanics
- Motor Learning
Background:
- Investigates a novel gait retraining protocol for post-stroke hemiparesis.
- Combines a gravity-balanced orthosis, treadmill training, and functional electrical stimulation.
- Incorporates motor learning principles for enhanced recovery.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old male participant with chronic stroke (3+ years post-event) underwent 5 weeks of intervention.
- The protocol involved gradual reduction of orthotic support and visual feedback.
- Intervention included treadmill walking and functional electrical stimulation.
Findings:
- Significant improvements in Timed Up and Go test performance and overground walking speed.
- Increased gait symmetry and stride length on the affected side.
- Enhanced hip and knee joint excursions were observed post-intervention.
Implications:
- This combined approach may offer advantages for improving gait in chronic stroke survivors.
- Further research is needed to evaluate specific components and timing (subacute vs. chronic) of this training.
- Suggests potential for optimizing neurorehabilitation strategies for stroke recovery.
