1Assistant Prof., MGM's Institute of Physiotherapy, Aurangabad
2BPTh Interns, MGM's Institute of Physiotherapy, Aurangabad
*Corresponding Author: Ashwini A Kale Assistant Prof., MGM's Institute of Physiotherapy, N-6 Cidco, Aurangabad, Email: ashwinikalept@yahoo.co.in
Online published on 18 January, 2019.
Reduced Walking velocity and Gait asymmetry is a common sequel post stroke, which leads to increased energy cost and fall risk. Backward walking has been promoted as optimal treatment strategy to restore gait pattern. Hence, the purpose of this study was to find out the efficacy of the backward walking training to improve the temporal and spatial components of gait parameters in stroke patients.
30 subjects in the age group of 40–70 years, diagnosed as stroke with asymmetrical gait pattern, were randomized in two groups.15 subjects were allocated to Conventional walking while the remaining 15 subjects were given backward walking in addition to conventional walking to improve the temporal and spatial components of gait parameters. The outcomes of interest included were temporal and distance gait parameters. Both the groups were treated for 3 weeks.
Backward walking in addition to the conventional walking exhibited significant improvement with respect to the walking velocity, stride length, gait symmetry as compared to conventional walking group at p<0.01, on unpaired t-test.
Conventional walking training with additional backward walking training is more effective in improving temporal and spatial components of gait parameters in stroke patients.
Conventional walking, backward walking, gait parameters, stroke
