Single-session training on an ascending treadmill slope: effects on gait parameters in persons with stroke. A pilot study. Issue 3 (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Imandt, Erica; Bonnyaud, Céline; Bensmail, Djamel; Zory, Raphael; Pradon, Didier; Roche, Nicolas
• Is Part Of: International journal of rehabilitation research. Volume 44:Issue 3(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: gait -- rehabilitation -- stroke -- treadmill -- upward; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Rehabilitation -- periodicals; Disabled Persons -- periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.1097/MRR.0000000000000477
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0342-5282

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Treadmill training with an upward incline could improve gait parameters altered in persons with stroke, especially lower limb flexion. This study aimed to determine the effects of a treadmill single-session training with a 10% upward incline on biomechanical gait parameters in persons with stroke. Methods: Fifteen persons with stroke-related hemiparesis performed a 20-min treadmill training session with a 10% ascending incline in this interventional pilot study. Spatiotemporal, kinematic and kinetic parameters were evaluated, overground, with a tridimensional optoelectronic system, before the session, immediately after and after a 20-min rest period. Results: The single-session training on a treadmill with a 10% incline has significantly increased hip flexion peak on the paretic side (39.8°± 8.1 in baseline to 42.7°± 8.6 after the session, P < 0.001, large effect size) and knee flexion peak on the paretic side (39.9°± 11.6 in baseline to 43.1°± 11.7 after the session, P = 0.004, large effect size). Gait speed, other spatiotemporal gait parameters and propulsion on the paretic side were also significantly increased ( P < 0.05, all large effects size). These short-term changes were maintained after the break. Conclusions: A treadmill single-session training with a 10% upward incline induces biomechanical changes in people with stroke. The environmental constraints of this training could explain these biomechanical adaptations, concerning especially paretic hip and knee flexion.