Effects of Forced Induced Weight Support Training on Unstable Surface for the Walking a Patients with Hemiplegia

Purpose The study objective was to investigate the effects of forced induction weight supported training conducted on an unstable surface on the gait of stroke patients. Methods Fifteen hemiplegic patients diagnosed with stroke, the onset of which had occurred ≥ 6 months, were included in the study. Forced induction weight supported training was performed on an unstable surface (patients) and on stable surface (the control group). The training was performed over six weeks, five times a week, for a duration of 30 minutes using an FDM T Treadmill System® for Biomechanical Gait Analysis (Zebris Medical, Cuxhaven, Germany) and the 10 Metre Walk Test (10MWT). Results Statistically significant differences between the non paralyzed side stance phase and non paralyzed side swing phase (p<.05), and between stance and swing symmetry (p<.05) in the study group, were found. A statistically significant difference was also observed between the paralyzed side stance phase and paralyzed side swing phase in the control group (p<.05). Conclusion The use of forced induction weight supported training, conducted on unstable surface, was effective in improving symmetry and speed in the gait of hemiplegic patients.