Recovery of walking ability and strength of the lower limbs after stroke
Conditions
Interventions
8 weeks: 3.5 hours/week, duration matched.
Robot assisted training group: Robot asssited treadmill training using the Lokomat combined with convention physical therapy.
Control group: Conventional p
Sponsors
VU University Amsterdam
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Minimum age of 18 yrs; 2. Hemiparesis (at least of lower limb) as a result of a first ever stroke; 3. Patients must be incapable to walk unaided. Subjects who are inpatients of the Rehabilitation Centre will start with the training as soon as they would normally start with the rehabilitation program.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. Medical complications such as unstable hypertension, arrhythmias and unstable cardiovascular problems; 2. Severe skeletal problems such as osteoarthritis of the lower limbs; 3. Severe cognitive and/or communicative problems, preventing ability to follow verbal instructions; 4. Earlier neurological and/or psychiatric problems; other problems that would limit the ability to perform the requested tasks; 5. Contra-indications for electrical stimulation (unstable epilepsy, cancer, skin abnormalities, pacemaker).
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Walking speed, measured with the 10-m walking speed test. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Balance/independency of walking; 2. Quality of life; 3. Muscle strength. Tests used are: 1. Functional Ambulation Category; 2. Timed up-and-go; 3. Berg Balance Scale; 4. Rivermead Mobility Index; 5. Fugl-Meyer Assessment; 6. Motricity Index; 7. Stroke Impact Scale; 8. Short Form 36; 9. Sickness Impact Profile 68. | — |
Contacts
Public ContactMichiel Nunen, van
Vrije Universiteit (VU) Faculteit der Bewegingswetenschappen Van der Boechorststraat 9
Outcome results
None listed