Treadmill training with Thera-Band improves motor function, gait and balance in stroke patients

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of treadmill training with Thera-Band on motor function, gait and balance abilities in patients with stroke. METHODS: 30 participants with hemiparetic stroke were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 15). Participants in both groups received conventional physical therapy for 30 minutes before the intervention. Additionally, subject in the experimental group performed treadmill training with Thera-Band for 30 minutes, five times a week for four weeks, while the control group conducted treadmill training only for the same amount of time. To measure motor function, Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) was used. Timed-up and Go (TUG), 10-meter walk test (10MWT) and Performance-oriented mobility assessment (POMA) were used to analysis balance and gait abilities. RESULTS: In FMA, TUG, 10MWT and Gait POMA, there were significant improvements in both groups after intervention. And more significant changes were shown in the experimental group than the control group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference within group and between the groups in the Balance POMA. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that treadmill training with Thera-Band is beneficial and effective to improve motor function of the lower extremities, gait and balance ability in stroke patients.