The Feasibility of non-motorized Treadmill Training on Lower Extremity Muscle Strength, Balance, and Gait in Patients with Stroke: A Pilot Study.

Abstract

BackgroundNon-motorized treadmills have been used for health improvement in healthy individuals and for enhancing physical fitness in athletes. However, there is a lack of research focusing on their use with patients with stroke.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the impact of non-motorized treadmill training on lower limb strength, balance, and gait in patients with stroke, and compare it with flat ground walking training.MethodsThe participants included 22 patients with stroke, divided into two groups: non-motorized treadmill training group (n = 11) and flat ground walking training group (n = 11). All participants underwent 20 training sessions, 30 min each, five times a week for four weeks. Outcome measures included the digital dynamometer, Medical Research Council scale (MRC), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Four Square Step Test (FSST), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and GAITRite.ResultsThe non-motorized treadmill training group showed significant improvements compared to the flat ground walking group in hip abductor and extensor muscle strength, knee flexor and extensor muscle strength, MRC, BBS, FSST, 6MW and gait parameters (p < 0.05).ConclusionsNon-motorized treadmill training may be considered an effective gait rehabilitation method in clinical settings for patients experiencing stroke with reduced lower limb strength, balance, and walking ability.