The effects of a task-oriented circuit training program of lower limb on walking ability after stroke

순환식 하지 훈련이 뇌졸중 환자의 보행능력에 미치는 영향

Purpose : The purpose of present study was to determine effects of a task-oriented circuit training(TOCT) for lower limb on walking ability after stroke. Methods : Twenty one chronic stroke patients participated. Participants were randomly divided into either TOCT group or control group(11 experimental, 10 control). All of participants were in-patients at local rehabilitation centre and had been receiving a traditional rehabilitation program, five days a week. TOCT group have additionally undergone for four weeks, three days a week, the TOCT program but control group was not received any additional program except the traditional rehabilitation program. The 10 m walking test (10MWT), the 2 min walking test (2MWT), the step test (ST) and the figure-8 walking test (F8WT) to measure a walking ability were carried out twice before and after training. Results : After participation in the program, subjects of TOCT demonstrated a significant improvement in the scores of the 10MWT, 2MWT, the ST, the F8WT. The control group had no change on the any tests. After the training, the results to improve significantly in TOCT group compared to post-test of control group were the time of 10MWT and the time and the step of curved walking of F8WT. Conclusion : The present study suggests that the TOCT program may become a useful strategy for enhancing walking ability in the rehabilitation of stroke patients.