Feasibility of robot-based perturbed-balance training during treadmill walking in a high-functioning chronic stroke subject: a case-control study.
Zlatko Matjačić, Matjaž Zadravec, Andrej Olenšek
PMID 29642921WHAT IT FOUND
One high-functioning stroke survivor completed thirty robot sideways-push sessions while walking.
After training he could be assessed at 90 N sideways pushes, and his walking and balance tests improved.
Key findings
01The participant completed thirty training sessions over a ten-week period, with forces of 50-100 N lasting 150 ms delivered during treadmill walking.
02After training, the participant was assessed at 90 N, and his response to left-side 90 N perturbations used stepping with the right leg then the left leg.
03Before training, his clinical values were six-minute walk 295 m, 10-meter walk 8.1 s, Timed Up and Go 12.3 s, Four Square Step 12.8 s, and Functional Ambulation Category 5/5; after training they were 360 m, 7.6 s, 10.6 s, 11.1 s, and 5/5.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
Only one stroke survivor was trained, so the findings describe one person's response and cannot show what most patients will do. The healthy participant was included only for comparison of postural responses. Only one walking speed and two perturbation amplitudes were assessed, and the authors say more speeds and timings need testing. The authors note that natural recovery cannot be completely ruled out, although they think it unlikely. Training occurred on a treadmill, and the authors note treadmill walking may differ from overground walking.
Declared interests
The supplied text names funders Javna Agencija za Raziskovalno Dejavnost RS and FP7 ICT. No author conflict statements are included in the supplied text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that robot perturbation training improves balance for stroke survivors. This was one high-functioning chronic stroke survivor and one healthy control, so the changes describe what happened to one person, not a tested treatment effect.