Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2025
Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty
Published on: October 6, 2016
Effects of Assisted Walking Exercise in Chronic Dependent Ambulatory Stroke Survivors: A Mini-Review
Derong Yang1, Mustapha Mangdow1, Sarah M Eickmeyer2
1Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, and Athletic Training, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, United States.
Background:
Assisted walking exercise programs are widely recommended in rehabilitation guidelines for stroke survivors. However, most evidence supporting these programs primarily focuses on ambulatory stroke survivors or those dependent ambulatory in acute and subacute stages. There is a notable gap in the application of walking exercise programs for chronic dependent ambulatory stroke survivors despite potential benefits in reducing sedentary behavior and improving rehabilitation outcomes. Thus, this literature review aims to summarize the existing evidence on the feasibility and efficacy of assisted walking exercise programs for chronic stroke survivors who are dependent ambulators.
Methods:
Six major databases were searched for clinical trials related to assisted walking exercise and chronic dependent ambulatory stroke.
Results:
Seven studies (evidence with low- to moderate-quality) involving 91 chronic dependent ambulatory stroke subjects are included in this review.
Conclusions:
These studies indicated that assisted walking exercise is feasible to perform by chronic dependent ambulatory stroke survivors and can induce continued motor recovery and functional improvement. However, the mixed and limited evidence from existing research underscores the need for future high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized designs and outcome measures to establish evidence-based walking programs for this population.
