Application of computer-assisted gait training (CAGT) program for hemiparetic stroke patients: a preliminary report

Thirteen hemiparetic stroke patients (experimental group) underwent the recently developed CAGT program during the early recovery phase, and their functional gain in walking capacity was compared with 17 other stroke patients (control group) being prescribed the conventional gait training program. Results showed that the recovery process of maximum walking speed after a stroke fitted the hyperbolic function in the experimental group and furthermore, the maximum walking speed that might be attained could be higher in the experimental than the control group. The CAGT program makes it possible to analyze and predict gait capacity, i.e., maximum walking speed, and to increase the functional gain of patients during early intensive physical therapy.