Effects of Thera-Band® elastic resistance-assisted gait training in stroke patients: a pilot study

Abstract

Background: In stroke patients, it is difficult to manually assist dorsi-flexion during the normal gait cycle as it is a distal component. Furthermore, it is nearly impossible to simultaneously guard the patient and manually assist dorsi-flexion during the swing phase of gait. However, one of the key benefits of Thera-Band® Elastic Resistance-Assisted Gait Training is that it offers distal control of lower extremity during the normal gait sequence without jeopardizing patient safety.

Aim: Aim of this study was to compare and measure the effects of Thera-Band® Elastic Resistance-Assisted Gait Training in stroke patients with respect to quality of gait and functional mobility.

Design: This was a pilot study.

Setting: The study was carried out at the Occupational Therapy Department, Mumbai, India.

Population: The study included 16 patients aged between 30-60 years with first episode of stroke or subacute stroke.

Methods: Following informed consent, as per inclusion criteria patients were randomly assigned in two groups: 1) control group: Conventional Occupational Therapy Intervention and Conventional Gait Training; 2) experimental group: Conventional Occupational Therapy and Thera-Band® Elastic Resistance Assisted Gait Training. Patients were assessed on: 1) Wisconsin Gait Scale; 2) Rivermead Mobility Index. Patients were reassessed as done initially at the end of third and sixth week. Patients received therapy three times a week for six weeks.

Results: Each group separately was associated with statistically significant improvement in quality of gait (P<0.001) as well as functional mobility (P<0.001). Thera-Band® Elastic Resistance-Assisted Gait Training had a more positive effect on improving the quality of gait, functional mobility in a short duration as compared to the conventional gait training.

Conclusion: The use of Thera-Band® Elastic Resistance-Assisted Gait Training contributed to faster recovery as compared to the control group. Functionally patients showed improvement as compared to conventional therapy.

Clinical rehabilitation impact: Thera-Band® Elastic Resistance-Assisted Gait Training facilitates dorsi-flexion during a single cycle of swing.