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Training for walking through an opening improves collision avoidance behavior in subacute patients with stroke: a
Daisuke Muroi1,2, Yutaro Saito3, Aki Koyake3
1Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Care Sciences, Chiba Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Chiba, Japan.
Disability and Rehabilitation
|February 23, 2023
Summary
Training for walking through openings (T-WTO) improved collision avoidance in stroke survivors. This specialized gait training enhances safety and efficiency when navigating narrow spaces, reducing fall risk.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Biomechanics
- Gait Analysis
Background:
- Stroke survivors often experience hemiparetic gait, leading to frequent collisions, particularly in confined environments.
- Impaired obstacle avoidance and balance contribute to a higher risk of falls in individuals post-stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of training for walking through an opening (T-WTO), specifically entering from the paretic side, in improving collision avoidance and reducing falls.
- To assess the long-term effects of T-WTO on gait and balance in stroke patients after six months.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 38 adults with moderate-to-mild hemiparetic gait post-stroke.
- The T-WTO group (n=20) received specialized training involving walking through varied openings with paretic side rotation; the control group (n=18) received regular rehabilitation.
- Assessments included obstacle avoidance, walking tests, balance scales, confidence measures, and fall incidence.
Main Results:
- The T-WTO group demonstrated significant improvements in collision rate and time to passage during obstacle avoidance tasks compared to the control group.
- No significant improvements were observed in other assessed outcomes, such as walking speed or balance scores.
Conclusions:
- T-WTO training enhances the efficiency and safety of gait for subacute stroke patients, particularly in managing narrow spaces.
- This targeted training approach shows potential for improving patient outcomes and reducing fall incidence by addressing paretic side navigation challenges.
