The Change of Gait Characteristics and FAP in Patients with Chronic Unilateral Stroke

편마비 환자의 보행 특성과 기능적 보행지수 변화

Purpose : Improved walking is a common goal after stroke. Although the neurodevelopmental intervention(PNF) is the most widely used approach in the walking training of hemiparetic subjects. There is little neurophysiological evidence for its presumed effects on gait symmetry and facilitation of paretic muscles during the therapeutic intervention. The study, therefore, investigated the immediate effects of gait entrainment by a PNF techniques. Methods : Included persons with stroke who were living in the community. Sixteen subjects were assigned to the experimental group participated in a measures design that evaluated the subjects with pre-treatment, post-treatment(8 weeks). Temporal-spatial parameter of gait were analysed for using the computerized GAITRite system. Intervention : Training for the experimental group was carried out 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The training sessions were comprised of 50 minutes of walking with pattern and techniques in PNF. Results : The experimental group had improvements in the functional walking ability after 8 weeks treatment and Post-treatment test scores were more significant than the pre-treatment score. The treatment group demonstrated significantly post-treatment test improvement in gait velocity, cadence and FAP. Post-treatment test scores were more significant than the pre-treatment score(p<0.05). Conclusion : The results of this study showed that the PNF exercise intervention can improve functional gait ability. This study provides evidence for the efficacy of PNF treatment at improving locomotor function in chronic stroke.