The Effect of Partial Weight Support with Ground Walking Training on Temporal and Spatial Gait in Patients with Chronic Stroke

Background. There have been many studies on partial weight support walking training. However, most studies have been performed in treadmill settings, not in actual walking environments. Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the effect of partial weight support ground walking training on the temporal and spatial gait parameters of chronic stroke patients. Methods. This study was designed as a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. The experimental group applied only 70% of its weight using partial weight support equipment. The experimental group underwent the 30 m ground track for 12 minutes, rested for 3 minutes, and then repeated twice in the same way to apply a total of 30 minutes of partial weight-supported ground walking training. In order to measure the temporal and spatial parameters of gait for walking training in stroke patients, a pre-and post-test was performed using GAIT RITE. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare gait variables. Results. There was a significant improvement in walking speed in the experimental group compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference between cadence and cycle time (P < 0.05). Step length, stride length, and swing rate were significantly improved in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Partial weight support walking training positively affects gait in chronic stroke patients. Thus, it is thought that partial weight support gait training can be used as an effective intervention method to improve gait in chronic stroke patients.