Effect of track body weight support walking training on lower limb motor function in stroke patients: based on ICF Core Set for Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of track body weight support walking training on lower limb motor function in stroke patients using International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Sets for Stroke. MethodsFrom April to October, 2021, 15 stroke patients from Wudang Mountain Hospital received track body weight support walking training everyday for 30 minutes, five times a week for four weeks. Before and after treatment, they were evaluated with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremities (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 6-minute Walking Test (6MWT), ICF Core Set for Stroke (gait), and three-dimensional gait analysis. ResultsAfter treatment, the ICF gait function qualifier, FMA-LE score, BBS score, the distance of 6MWT, gait speed, gait symmetry and and the maximum motion angle of hip and knee increased (|t| > 4.141, P < 0.01). ConclusionTrack body weight support walking training could improve the lower limb motor function and gait of stroke patients.

A pelvic support weight rehabilitation system tracing the human center of mass height / 生物医学工程学杂志

The body weight support rehabilitation training system has now become an important treatment method for the rehabilitation of lower limb motor dysfunction. In this paper, a pelvic brace body weight support rehabilitation system is proposed, which follows the center of mass height (CoMH) of the human body. It aims to address the problems that the existing pelvic brace body weight support rehabilitation system with constant impedance provides a fixed motion trajectory for the pelvic mechanism during the rehabilitation training and that the patients have low participation in rehabilitation training. The system collectes human lower limb motion information through inertial measurement unit and predicts CoMH through artificial neural network to realize the tracking control of pelvic brace height. The proposed CoMH model was tested through rehabilitation training of hemiplegic patients. The results showed that the range of motion of the hip and knee joints on the affected side of the patient was improved by 25.0% and 31.4%, respectively, and the ratio of swing phase to support phase on the affected side was closer to that of the gait phase on the healthy side, as opposed to the traditional body weight support rehabilitation training model with fixed motion trajectory of pelvic brace. The motion trajectory of the pelvic brace in CoMH mode depends on the current state of the trainer so as to realize the walking training guided by active movement on the healthy side of hemiplegia patients. The strategy of dynamically adjustment of body weight support is more helpful to improve the efficiency of walking rehabilitation training.

Efeitos da prática do suporte de peso corporal em crianças com paralisia cerebral: uma série de casos / Effects of the practice of the body weight support in children with cerebral paralysis: a series of cases

Introdução: A paralisia cerebral (PC) é a causa mais comum de incapacidade motora na infância. Essa lesão cerebral pode resultar em comprometimentos neuromotores variados que, geralmente, estão associados à gravidade da sequela e a idade da criança. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência do Suporte de Peso Corporal (SPC) sobre a função motora e flexibilidade de crianças com paralisia cerebral. Método: Participaram do estudo sete crianças que não apresentavam o padrão de marcha, GMFCS nível IV e V, onde foi realizada a identificação do desempenho da função motora grossa por meio da Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), da flexibilidade por meio do teste Flexiteste,e do número de passos e distância percorrida antes e após um ano de tratamento com SPC em esteira ergométrica. Tendo assistência de dois terapeutas que auxiliavam em pontos chaves de joelho e tornozelo simulando o padrão de marcha da criança. As sessões foram realizadas uma vez por semana, durante 30 minutos. Resultado: O GMFM apresentou aumento das pontuações obtidas antes e após o tratamento, onde os itens deitar e rolar teve aumento de 14,09%, sentar teve aumento de 10,43%, engatinhar e ajoelhar teve, aumento de 7,27%, e por fim, o item em pé teve aumento de 8,10%. A variável flexibilidade apresentou diferença antes e após o tratamento, obtendo como flexibilidade inicial pequena e final médio negativa, com aumento de 7,85 pontos. Já o número de passos teve aumento de 175 passos e a distância percorrida de 132 metros Conclusão: The proposed SPC therapy in children with cerebral palsy proved to be efficient and could enhance motor performance, flexibility, number of steps and distance traveled. [AU]

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of motor disability in childhood. This brain injury can result in varied neuromotor compromises that are usually associated with the severity of the sequela and the child's age. Objective: To evaluate the influence of the Body Weight Support (SPC) on the motor function and flexibility of children with cerebral palsy. Methods: Seven children who did not present gait pattern, GMFCS level IV and V, participated in the study, where the identification of the gross motor function performance was performed through the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), flexibility using the Flexitest test , and the number of steps and distance traveled before and after one year of SPC treadmill treatment. With assistance from two therapists assisting in key knee and ankle points simulating the child's gait pattern. The sessions were held once a week for 30 minutes. Results: The GMFM showed an increase of the scores obtained before and after the treatment, where the items of throwing and rolling had an increase of 14.09%, sitting had an increase of 10.43%, crawling and kneeling had an increase of 7.27% and finally, the standing item increased by 8.10%. The flexibility variable showed difference before and after treatment, obtaining as initial small flexibility and medium negative end, with increase of 7.85 points. However, the number of steps increased by 175 steps and the distance covered by 132 meters. Conclusion: The proposed physiotherapeutic treatment (SPC) presented to these patients with cerebral palsy was efficient and could increase motor performance, flexibility, number of steps and distance traveled. [AU]

Efeito da prática do suporte de peso corporal na função motora de crianças / Effect of the practice of body weight support in the motor function of children

Objetivo. Avaliar a influência do Suporte de Peso Corporal (SPC) sobre a função motora de crianças não deambulantes. Método. Participaram do estudo oito crianças que não apresentavam o padrão de marcha. Foi realizada a identificação do desempenho da função motora grossa por meio da Gross Motor Function Classification Measure (GMFM) e da flexibilidade por meio do Teste Flexiteste, antes e após 10 sessões e um período de retenção durante 3 meses de tratamento com SPC em esteira ergométrica. Tendo assistência de dois terapeutas que auxiliavam em pontos chaves de joelho e tornozelo simulando o padrão de marcha da criança. As sessões foram realizadas uma vez por semana, durante 30 minutos, por um período de 3 meses e o mesmo de retenção. Resultado. O GMFM apresentou aumento das pontuações obtidas pré/pós-tratamento e retenção nos itens deitar/rolar e sentar, já o item engatinhar/ajoelhar mostrou diferença significativa apenas no período pré/pós-tratamento. A variável flexibilidade apresentou diferença significativa entre o pré e pós-tratamento e no pós-tratamento com o período de retenção. Conclusão. O tratamento com SPC em esteira ergométrica pode potencializar o desempenho funcional de crianças não-deambulantes, possibilitando a evolução de sua função motora grossa e flexibilidade. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the influence of the Body Weight Support (SPC) on the gross motor in non-ambulant children. Method: Eight children participated in the study, they did not present gait pattern (GMFCS IV and V). To access the gross motor function, the Gross Motor Function Classification Measure (GMFM) test was applied, the flexibility values were collected through flexitest. Both tests were conducted before and after 10 clinical sessions and three months after the end of the treatment. The intervention were performed on a treadmill, with the subject attached to the SPC, being accompanied by two physiotherapists that helped to maintain the gait pattern by maintaining key positions of the knees and ankles. Each session had duration of 30 minutes, once per week during three months. Results: The GMGM scores for lay down/roll and sit increased after the treatment and on the retention when compared with pre tests. The crawl/kneel score only presented difference after the end of treatment. Flexibility presented higher values for post and retention in comparison with pre tests. Conclusion: The SPC treatment during treadmill gait may potentiate the functional performance of non-ambulant children, improving the gross motor skills and flexibility. (AU)

Effect of Body Weight Support Treadmill Training on Slope on Gait of Patients after Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To apply the body weight support treadmill training (BWSTT) on slope for gait training in patients after stroke. Methods From March, 2015 to June, 2017, 46 patients after stroke were randomly divided into control group (n=23) and experimental group (n=23). Both groups accepted routine rehabilitation, and the experimental group accepted BWSTT on slope, while the control group accepted BWSTT on flat. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremities (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Tinetti Gait Analysis (TGA) before and after treatment. Results The scores of FMA-LE, BBS and TGA improved after treatment (t>2.491, P<0.05), and were more in the experimental group than in the control group (t>2.195, P<0.05). Conclusion BWSTT is effective on gait in hemiplegic patients, and is more effective on slope.

Comparison of Effects between Underwater and Body Weight Support Treadmill Training on Walking and Balance in Hemiplegics after Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To compare the effect of underwater treadmill training (UWTT), body weight support treadmill training (BWSTT) and conventional gait training (CGT) for walking ability and balance function in hemiplegic patients after stroke. Methods 43 patients were divided into CGT group (n=14), BWSTT group (n=13) and UWTT group (n=16). Based on conventional gait training, the UWTT group and BWSTT group respectively accepted UWTT and BWSTT for 4 weeks. They were assessed with Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), maximum walking speed (MWS), 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and dynamic balance function and static balance function with Active Balancer before and after training. Results All the patients improved in all items after training (P<0.05), while the UWTT group improved more in the 6MWT and balance function items than the BWSTT group (P<0.05). Conclusion UWTT is more effective for hemiplegic patients after stroke in walking ability and balance function than BWSTT.

Comparison of Effects between Underwater and Body Weight Support Treadmill Training on Walking and Balance in Hemiplegics after Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To compare the effect of underwater treadmill training (UWTT), body weight support treadmill training (BW-STT) and conventional gait training (CGT) for walking ability and balance function in hemiplegic patients after stroke. Methods 43 patients were divided into CGT group (n=14), BWSTT group (n=13) and UWTT group (n=16). Based on conventional gait training, the UWTT group and BWSTT group respectively accepted UWTT and BWSTT for 4 weeks. They were assessed with Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), maximum walking speed (MWS), 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and dynamic balance function and static balance function with Ac-tive Balancer before and after training. Results All the patients improved in all items after training (P<0.05), while the UWTT group im-proved more in the 6MWT and balance function items than the BWSTT group (P<0.05). Conclusion UWTT is more effective for hemiple-gic patients after stroke in walking ability and balance function than BWSTT.

Ground reaction forces during level ground walking with body weight unloading

Background: Partial body weight support (BWS) systems have been broadly used with treadmills as a strategy for gait training of individuals with gait impairments. Considering that we usually walk on level ground and that BWS is achieved by altering the load on the plantar surface of the foot, it would be important to investigate some ground reaction force (GRF) parameters in healthy individuals walking on level ground with BWS to better implement rehabilitation protocols for individuals with gait impairments. Objective: To describe the effects of body weight unloading on GRF parameters as healthy young adults walked with BWS on level ground. Method: Eighteen healthy young adults (27±4 years old) walked on a walkway, with two force plates embedded in the middle of it, wearing a harness connected to a BWS system, with 0%, 15%, and 30% BWS. Vertical and horizontal peaks and vertical valley of GRF, weight acceptance and push-off rates, and impulse were calculated and compared across the three experimental conditions. Results: Overall, participants walked more slowly with the BWS system on level ground compared to their normal walking speed. As body weight unloading increased, the magnitude of the GRF forces decreased. Conversely, weight acceptance rate was similar among conditions. Conclusions: Different amounts of body weight unloading promote different outputs of GRF parameters, even with the same mean walk speed. The only parameter that was similar among the three experimental conditions was the weight acceptance rate. .

Influence of body weight unloading and support surface during walking of children with cerebral palsy / Influência do alívio de peso corporal e da superfície de suporte durante o andar de crianças com paralisia cerebral espástica

Introduction Partial body weight support (BWS) systems have been employed for gait training of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Therefore, it would be important to analyze if the type of walking surface and the amount of body weight unloading over lower limbs change the way these children walk. Objectives Investigate the influence of walking surface and amount of body weight unloading on the spatial temporal characteristics during walking of children with CP. Materials and methods Seven children with spastic CP between four and eight years old and GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System) between I and IV, were videotaped walking with 0%, 15% and 30% of BWS on both dynamic (treadmill) and static (ground level) surfaces. Walking spatial temporal variables were calculated. Results Children walked with similar velocity in all experimental conditions. While stance duration decreased as the percentage of BWS increased, no differences were found for stance and swing periods and cadence. Children walked with longer steps and strides and with faster strides on static surface compared to dynamic surface. Conclusion Children with CP presenting different levels of motor impairment presented some alterations in the spatial temporal walking parameters as they walked with body unloading. However, such alterations might be due mainly to the type of walking surface than the percentage of body weight unloading on lower limbs.

Introdução Sistemas de suporte parcial de peso corporal (SPPC) têm sido utilizados para treinamento do andar de crianças com paralisia cerebral (PC). Sendo assim, seria importante analisar se o tipo de superfície e a quantidade de alívio de peso corporal sobre os membros inferiores interferem na forma como essas crianças andam. Objetivo Investigar a influência do tipo de superfície e da porcentagem de alívio de peso corporal sobre as características espaço-temporais durante o andar de crianças com PC. Materiais e métodos Sete crianças com PC espástica, entre quatro e oito anos de idade, e GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System) entre I e IV, foram filmadas andando com 0%, 15% e 30% de SPPC em superfícies móvel (esteira motorizada) e fixa (chão). Variáveis espaço-temporais do andar foram calculadas. Resultados As crianças andaram com velocidade semelhante em todas as condições experimentais. Enquanto que a duração do período de apoio diminuiu conforme a porcentagem de SPPC aumentou, nenhuma diferença para as fases de apoio e balanço e cadência foi encontrada. As crianças andaram com passos e passadas mais longos e passadas mais rápidas na superfície fixa do que na superfície móvel. Conclusão Crianças com PC com diferentes níveis de acometimento motor apresentaram algumas alterações nos parâmetros espaço-temporais durante o andar com alívio de peso corporal em superfícies móvel e fixa. Entretanto, tais alterações podem ser atribuídas principalmente ao tipo de superfície em que as crianças andam do que às porcentagens de alívio de peso corporal proporcionadas aos membros inferiores.

Comparison of Effects between Underwater and Body Weight Support Treadmill Training on Walking and Balance in Hemiplegics after Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To compare the effect of underwater treadmill training (UWTT), body weight support treadmill training (BWSTT) and conventional gait training (CGT) for walking ability and balance function in hemiplegic patients after stroke. Methods 43 patients were divided into CGT group (n=14), BWSTT group (n=13) and UWTT group (n=16). Based on conventional gait training, the UWTT group and BWSTT group respectively accepted UWTT and BWSTT for 4 weeks. They were assessed with Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), maximum walking speed (MWS), 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and dynamic balance function and static balance function with Active Balancer before and after training. Results All the patients improved in all items after training (P<0.05), while the UWTT group improved more in the 6MWT and balance function items than the BWSTT group (P<0.05). Conclusion UWTT is more effective for hemiplegic patients after stroke in walking ability and balance function than BWSTT.

Effect of Body Weight Support Treadmill Training or Du Channel Electroacupuncture on Expressions of Nerve Growth Factor and Growth-associated Protein-43 in Rats with Spinal Cord Transection / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To study the effects of body weight support treadmill training (BWSTT) or Du channel electroacupuncture (DcEA) on locomotion function and expressions of nerve growth factor (NGF) and growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) in rats with spinal cord transection. Methods 54 adult SD rats were divided into control group (n=18), BWSTT group (n=18) and DcEA group (n=18). Each group was divided into 3 subgroups (n=6) for 8 d, 15 d and 30 d respectively. Spinal cord transection was performed at T10 level. The locomotion function was assessed with Bosso-Beattie-Bresnahan locomotor rating scale for open field (BBB scale) and the expressions of NGF and GAP-43 in spinal cord tissues to the injury caudal ends were measured with immunohistochemistry. Results The scores of BBB scales and expressions of NGF and GAP-43 were higher in BWSTT group and DcEA group than those in the control group on the 8th d,15th d and 30th d respectively (P<0.01); and were higher in DcEA group than in BWSTT group on the 15th d and 30th d respectively (P<0.01). Conclusion Both BWSTT and DcEA can improve the locomotion function in rats with spinal cord transection and increase expressions of NGF and GAP-43 in spinal cord tissues, and DcEA is more effective.

Design and clinical application of body weight support treadmill training robot / 医用生物力学

Objective To improve the clinical application of body weight support treadmill training (BWSTT) robot and develop a practical way for promoting the rehabilitation robot, this paper proposes a design plan of lower limb robot with flexible structure, simple operation, and strong practicality in allusion to the weak clinical applicability of traditional BWSTT robot. Methods Based on methods of modular design and intensive design, the whole body of the robot was divided into several functional modules including wearable exoskeleton, weight loss training device, adaptive treadmill and suspension vest from the view of ergonomics, rehabilitation medicine, and mechanical design and so on. Meanwhile, an optimization analysis design was made for key parts of the robot through theoretical calculation and SolidWorks simulation. Results After the concrete manufacturing and clinical experiments, the feasibility and scientificity of the BWSTT robot design was validated. Conclusions This clinical application design can improve the practical application of BWSTT robot and also provide a reference for the wider use of the lower limb rehabilitation robot.

Partial Body Weight Support on Walking Ability for Stroke Following Hemiplegia at Early Stage / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo observe the effect of early partial body weight support on walking ability for stroke patients with hemiplegia.Methods60 stroke patients were divided into 3 groups, receiving conventional early rehabilitation: group A (20 cases) received conventional rehabilitation for 8 weeks; group B (20 cases) received 2 weeks conventional rehabilitaion and 6 weeks partial body weight support; group C (20 cases) received 5 weeks conventional rehabilitaion and 3 weeks partial body weight support. Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA), Barther Index(BI) and Berg Balance Scale(BBS) were used to assess the effect before and after treatment.ResultsThe socres of FMA, BI and BBS improved in walking function after the treatment(P<0.05). Comparing with groups A and C, group B improved more significantly after treatment (P<0.05), and group C was better than group A (P<0.05). ConclusionPartial body weight support can improve walking function of hemiplegic patients at early stage.

Effects of Partial Body Weight Support Treadmill Training on Sequela of Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To explore the effects of partial body weight support treadmill training (PBWSTT) on motor function of lower extremities, walking ability and activities of daily living (ADL) in chronic hemiplegic patients after stroke. Methods28 patients with stable stroke (hemiplegic limbs Brunstrom s' scale≥Ⅲ) exceed 12 months after the onset were divided into PBWSTT group (n=14) and control group (n=14) randomly. Routine rehabilitation were used in the control group, and the PBWSTT group received PBWSTT in addition. They were assessed with Ashworth Spasticity Scale （ASS）, Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and the Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) before and 8 weeks after the treatment. ResultsThe ASS,FAC, FMA and FIM scores were all improved after treatment in both groups (P<0.05). The scores of FMA, FAC and FIM in the PBWSTT group after treatment exceeded that of control group (P<0.05), but there was no difference in the ASS (P>0.05). ConclusionPBWSTT may improve the motor function of lower extremities, walking ability, and ADL in chronic hemiplegic patients after stroke.

Desenvolvimento de instrumentação para aplicação e avaliação do treinamento locomotor com suporte parcial de peso / Development of instrumentation for application and assessment of locomotor training with partial body weight support

O treino locomotor com suporte parcial de peso (TLSP) é um método para reabilitação da marcha que consiste em suspender o indivíduo sobre uma esteira enquanto seus membros inferiores são movimentados passivamente. Para aplicar o TLSP de forma apropriada, é preciso que a descarga de peso sobre membros inferiores seja controlada e monitorada. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um sistema de suporte de peso (SSP) capaz de medir descarga de peso sobre membros inferiores e superiores. Além disso, instrumentação para medição do ângulo do joelho, contato do pé e eletromiografia foi desenvolvida para avaliação do treino. O SSP foi construído com um sistema de polias, cabo de aço, guincho manual, uma célula de carga fixa ao cabo e duas outras em apoios para as mãos adaptados a uma esteira elétrica. Eletrogoniômetros e footswitches foram construídos para o sistema de medição, e uma plataforma de aquisição de sinais foi desenvolvida em ambiente LabVIEW®. As células de carga e os eletrogoniômetros foram calibrados e testados. Um ensaio piloto foi realizado com um indivíduo saudável a uma velocidade de 1,5 km/h com descarga de 60% do peso corporal sobre membros inferiores. O SSP desenvolvido apresentou erro menor que 1,5% e forneceu medidas das descargas de peso sobre membros superiores e inferiores. Ele permitiu analisar assimetria sobre membros superiores, o que pode ser importante na reabilitação neurológica. O spadrões cinemáticos e eletromiográficos fornecidos pelo sistema de medida foram semelhantes aos mostrados na literatura. A patente do sistema foi requerida junto ao INPI sob o protocolo n° 0000280904043771.

The locomotor training with partial weight support (LTPWS) is a method for gait rehabilitation which consists in suspending the individual over a treadmill while its lower limbs are passively moved mimicking the gait cycle. In order to properly apply LTPWS, the weight load over lower limbs must be controlled and monitored. The main aim of this work was to develop a partial weight support system (WSS) able to measure lower and upper limb loading. Also, instrumentation for measuring knee angle, foot contact and EMG data was developed for training assessment. The WSS was constructed with a pulley system, a steel cable, a manual winch, aload cell fixed at the cable and two other load cells fixed to handrails built on an electrical treadmill. For the measuring system, electrogoniometers and footswitches were constructed and a signal acquisition platform was developed on LabVIEW® environment. The load cells and electrogoniometers were calibrated and tested. A pilot test with a healthy individual was carried out at a speed of 1.5 km/h with a load of 60% of the body weight, over lower limbs. The developed WSS exhibited an error below 1.5% and was able to measure upper and lower limb weight load. It allows analyzing upper limbs loading and lateral unbalance, what might be important for neural rehabilitation. The measuring system was able to provide kinematic and electromyographic patterns similar to those shown in the literature under similar conditions. A patent request was submitted to the INPI under protocol nº 0000280904043771.

Effect of Body Weight Support Training on Cerebral Palsy / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To observe the effect of the body weight support training (BWST) on walking ability of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods 50 children with CP were divided into the BWST group （n=30） and control group（n=20）. All cases were treated with physical therapy, but the BWST group were added with BWST. The scores of D and E dimensions of the Gross Motor Function Measure Scale (GMFM) were used to assess the walking ability before and after the treatment, respectively. Results The scores of D and E dimensions of GMFM improved in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), and that of the BWST group improved more than control group （P＜0.05）. Conclusion BWST can facilitate the recovery of the walking ability after cerebral palsy.

Effects of Body-weight Support Treadmill Training on Ambulatory Capacity of Individuals Following Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury / 中国康复理论与实践

@# Objective To explore the effect of body-weight support treadmill training (BWSTT)on ambulatory capacity in individuals following incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI).Methods 36 cases of incomplete SCI patients were divided randomly into control and BWSTT groups who were classified as ASIA C or D.All received comprehensive rehabilitation, and patients in BWSTT group also received BWSTT for 3 months when the physical condition was permitted.They were assessed before and after treatment.The evaluation items included measurement of ASIA lower-extremity motor assessment, functional independence measure (FIM) ambulatory function measure, 10meter ambulatory velocity and modified Barthel Index.Results The scores of ASIA lower-extremity motor assessment, FIM ambulatory function, the ambulatory 10-meter velocity in BWSTT group improved significantly when compared with the control group (P<0.05).The scores of modified Barthel Index were no difference between two groups before and after treatment (P<0.05).Conclusion BWSTT could improve ambulatory capacity for incomplete SCI patients

Effects of Body-weight Support Treadmill Training on Lower Extremity Muscle Atrophy and Ambulatory Capacity in Complete Spinal Cord Injured Patients / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To explore the effect of body-weight support treadmill training(BWSTT)on lower extremity muscle atrophy and ambulatory capacity in complete spinal cord injured(SCI)patients.Methods 20 patients with complete SCI at the thoracic level were divided into control and BWSTT group.They all received comprehensive rehabilitation,and patients in BWSTT group also received BWSTT for 3 months when the physical condition was permitted.They were assessed before and after treatment with measurement of thigh girth,ambulatory capacity measure of Functional Independence Measure(FIM),10 meters ambulatory velocity and activity of daily living(ADL)evaluation.Patients in BWSTT group also received middle thigh MRI examination before and after BWSTT.Results The muscles at the mid-thigh of the BWSTT group looked larger after BWSTT than before.The scores of FIM ambulatory function,the 10 miters ambulatory velocity of BWSTT group improved significantly when compared with that of the control group(P<0.05).The thigh girth and the scores of ADL were no different between these two groups before and after treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion BWSTT may ameliorate lower extremities skeletal muscle atrophy and improve ambulatory capacity for SCI patients.

Effect of Partial Body Weight Support Training on Cerebral Palsy Children with Spasticity Diplegia / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To observe the effect of partial body weight support training (PBWST) on walking ability of cerebral palsy (CP) children with spasticity diplegia.Methods 60 CP children with spasticity dilegia were randomly divided into the PBWST group and control group with 30 cases in each group. All cases were treated by traditional physical treatment, but those of the PBWST group were added with PBWST. The changes of walking ability and endurance of all cases before and after treatment were observed.Results After treatment, the walking ability and endurance of the cases in two groups improved significantly, but the effect of the PBWST group was obviously superior to the control group ( P<0.05), especially in walking endurance ( P<0.001).Conclusion PBWST can improve the walking ability of CP children with spasticity diplegia and already having walking ability.

Utility of Simple Body Weight Support Training Apparatus in Hemiplegia or Paraplegia Rehabilitation / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo determine the utility of the simple body weight support training apparatus used to improve ambulatory function in patients with hemiplegia or paraplegia.Methods38 cases with hemiplegia or paraplegia were randomly divided into control(C,n=10),regular body weight support treadmill training group(R,n=14),simple body weight support training group(S,n=14).All the patients received comprehensive rehabilitation for 6 months.Function Independence Measured(FIM),10 meters ambulatory velocity,Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA),Barthel Index(BI) were used to evaluate the effect of training.ResultsThe FIM scores and ambulatory velocity of the patients in group R and S improved significantly compared with that of group C.There was no difference of FIM scores and ambulatory velocity between group R and S.ConclusionThe effect of simple body weight support training on improving the ambulatory function is similar to regular body weight support treadmill.