Backward Walking Observation Training in People With Stroke and Gait Quality in Stroke

National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University50 enrolled

Overview

Walking impairment is one of the most common and concerning issues for individuals with stroke. Previous studies have often used improvements in walking speed and distance as reference indicators for gait performance progress in individuals with stroke. However, for people with chronic stroke, it may be more appropriate to prioritize improving gait symmetry and gait variability to enhance gait quality as a primary intervention goal. Additionally, stroke can lead to an imbalance in interhemispheric brain activity, which evolves as motor function recovers. According to the literature review, backward walking may extend the support time of the lower limbs, thereby enhancing the weight-bearing capacity of the affected limb. This, in turn, could promote gait symmetry and reduce gait variability. Changes in brain activity might also accompany such improvements in gait quality. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the immediate, short-term and post carryover intervention effects of backward walking observation training on gait quality in individuals with chronic stroke as well as to explore its effects on interhemispheric activity balance in individuals with chronic stroke.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Stroke

Interventions

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 20 YearsMax age: 80 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * ≥ 6 months after the diagnosis of stroke * Independent walking over at least 7m with or without a walking aid * Mini-mental state examination score ≥ 24 Exclusion Criteria: * Had difficulty in backward walking * Any neuromuscular disorders history * With visual or auditory disorders * Unstable cardiac status or uncontrolled hypertension * Any musculoskeletal disorders that would affect walking ability

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Brain activity

Using functional near infrared spectroscopy to measure the oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (HbR) in the bilateral prefrontal cortex, supplementary motor area and primary motor cortex.

Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks after training, and 4-week follow-up

Gait symmetry

Using GAITRite system to measure the symmetry of spatiotemporal parameters

Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention, 4 weeks after training, and 4-week follow-up

Gait varability

Using GAITRite system to measure the coefficient of variation of spatiotemporal parameters

Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention, 4 weeks after training, and 4-week follow-up

Secondary Outcomes

Gait performance

Using GAITRite system to measure the gait spatiotemporal parameters

Time frame: Baseline, post-intervention, 4 weeks after training, and 4-week follow-up

Time Up & Go test

Using Time Up \& Go test to assess functional mobility

Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks after training, and 4-week follow-up

Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale

Using Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale to evaluate individual's balance confidence in performing daily activities

Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks after training, and 4-week follow-up

Taiwan Chinese version Falls Efficacy Scale

Using Taiwan Chinese version Falls Efficacy Scale to evaluate concerns about falling

Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks after training, and 4-week follow-up

Backward Walking Observation Training in People With Stroke and Gait Quality in Stroke

Overview

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes

Central Contacts