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Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation

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Open Access 01-12-2009 | Research

Pilot study of Lokomat versus manual-assisted treadmill training for locomotor recovery post-stroke

Authors: Kelly P Westlake, Carolynn Patten

Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation | Issue 1/2009

Abstract

Background

While manually-assisted body-weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) has revealed improved locomotor function in persons with post-stroke hemiparesis, outcomes are inconsistent and it is very labor intensive. Thus an alternate treatment approach is desirable. Objectives of this pilot study were to: 1) compare the efficacy of body-weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) combined with the Lokomat robotic gait orthosis versus manually-assisted BWSTT for locomotor training post-stroke, and 2) assess effects of fast versus slow treadmill training speed.

Methods

Sixteen volunteers with chronic hemiparetic gait (0.62 ± 0.30 m/s) post-stroke were randomly allocated to Lokomat (n = 8) or manual-BWSTT (n = 8) 3×/wk for 4 weeks. Groups were also stratified by fast (mean 0.92 ± 0.15 m/s) or slow (0.58 ± 0.12 m/s) training speeds. The primary outcomes were self-selected overground walking speed and paretic step length ratio. Secondary outcomes included: fast overground walking speed, 6-minute walk test, and a battery of clinical measures.

Results

No significant differences in primary outcomes were revealed between Lokomat and manual groups as a result of training. However, within the Lokomat group, self-selected walk speed, paretic step length ratio, and four of the six secondary measures improved (p = 0.04–0.05, effect sizes = 0.19–0.60). Within the manual group, only balance scores improved (p = 0.02, effect size = 0.57). Group differences between fast and slow training groups were not revealed (p ≥ 0.28).

Conclusion

Results suggest that Lokomat training may have advantages over manual-BWSTT following a modest intervention dose in chronic hemiparetic persons and further, that our training speeds produce similar gait improvements. Suggestions for a larger randomized controlled trial with optimal study parameters are provided.

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Title: Pilot study of Lokomat versus manual-assisted treadmill training for locomotor recovery post-stroke
Authors: Kelly P Westlake
Carolynn Patten
Publication date: 01-12-2009
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1743-0003
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-0003-6-18

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Pilot study of Lokomat versus manual-assisted treadmill training for locomotor recovery post-stroke

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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