Effect of Partial Body Weight Support Treadmill Training in Chronic Stroke Patients
Areerat Suputtitada MD*, Pongsak Yooktanan MD**, Thakonwan Rarerng-Ying PT, MSc***
Affiliation : * Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University ** Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University *** Sport Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
Objective : To compare the effect of Partial Body Weight Support Treadmill Training (PBWSTT) technique and floor
walking training, on floor walking velocities and functional balance in chronic stroke patients.
Design : An observer blinded, randomized controlled trial.
Materials and Methods : Forty-eight chronic stroke patients were randomized into either the experimental group that
received PBWSTT (n=24) or the control group that received floor walking training (n=24). Both groups received 25 minutes
of daily walking training 5 days per weeks, totally 4 weeks. Treatment outcomes were assessed on floor walking velocities
and functional balance by Berg Balance Scale
Results : There was no statistically significant difference between both groups after a 4-week training period with regard
to floor walking velocities and functional balance at p < 0.05. Patients in both groups had statistically significant improvement
in these variables after a 4-week training period when compared to before training at p < 0.05.
Conclusion : The efficacy of PBWSTT in chronic stroke patients was not statistically different to the efficacy of floor walking
training in floor walking velocities and functional balance.
Keywords : Partial Body Weight Support Treadmill Training (PBWSTT), Chronic stroke patients
