ABSTRACT
[Purpose] To assess the effects of sensorimotor foot stimulation on the symmetry of weight distribution on the feet of patients in the chronic post-stroke phase. [Subjects and Methods] This study was a prospective, single blind, randomized controlled trial. In the study we examined patients with chronic stroke (post-stroke duration > 1â year). They were randomly allocated to the study group (n=8) or to the control group (n=12). Both groups completed a standard six-week rehabilitation programme. In the study group, the standard rehabilitation programme was supplemented with sensorimotor foot stimulation training. Each patient underwent two assessments of symmetry of weight distribution on the lower extremities with and without visual control, on a treadmill, with stabilometry measurements, and under static conditions. [Results] Only the study group demonstrated a significant increase in the weight placed on the leg directly affected by stroke, and a reduction in asymmetry of weight-bearing on the lower extremities. [Conclusion] Sensorimotor stimulation of the feet enhanced of weight bearing on the foot on the side of the body directly affected by stroke, and a decreased asymmetry of weight distribution on the lower extremities of patients in the chronic post-stroke phase.
ABSTRACT
[Purpose] To assess the effect of 12-weeks Nordic walking training on gait parameters and some elements of postural control. [Subjects and Methods] Sixty-seven women aged 65 to 74â years were enrolled in this study. The subjects were divided into a Nordic Walking group (12 weeks of Nordic walking training, 3 times a week for 75 minutes) and a control group. In both study groups, a set of functional tests were conducted at the beginning and at the end of the study: the Forward Reach Test (FRT) and the Upward Reach Test (URT) on a stabilometric platform, and the analysis of gait parameters on a treadmill. [Results] The NW group showed improvements in: the range of reach in the FRT test and the URT test in compared to the control group. The length of the gait cycle and gait cycle frequency also showed changes in the NW group compared to the control group. [Conclusion] A 12-week NW training program had a positive impact on selected gait parameters and may improve the postural control of women aged over 65 according to the results selected functional tests.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of long-term wheelchair rugby training on the functional abilities of persons with tetraplegia over a 2-year period post-spinal cord injury. DESIGN: A prospective non-randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Forty people with incomplete tetraplegia were examined. Participants were divided into 2 groups: a wheelchair rugby training group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). METHODS: The Wheelchair Skills Test was used to assess functional changes in patients. In order to assess the strength of the 10 key muscles in the upper limb, the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score was used. All participants were assessed at the beginning of the study (at the start of wheelchair rugby training) and reassessed after 2 years. Between pre- and post-measurements patients from the wheelchair rugby group attended wheelchair rugby training once a week. RESULTS: The baseline values of the Wheelchair Skills Test in the wheelchair rugby group was 71.3, and this increased significantly by 24%. In the control group, the mean Wheelchair Skills Test value was 63.2, and this improved by 4%. A significant correlation between Wheelchair Skills Test score and ASIA motor score was found in both groups. CONCLUSION: Participation in regular wheelchair rugby training may preserve and augment functional abilities in individuals with incomplete tetraplegia.
