Article

Intensive gait training can produce improvements in gait and function
(>6 months after stroke); however, findings are mixed for enhanced life-role
participation. Therefore, it is unclear if improved gait and function translate
into life-role participation gain. Our objective was to evaluate whether
intensive gait therapy can produce improvements in life-role participation for
chronic-stroke survivors, according to a comprehensive measure dedicated to
life-role participation.
Methods: In conjunction with a clinical gait-training
trial, we conducted a secondary analysis for a 44-member cohort with stroke (>6
months). Gait-training interventions included functional neuromuscular
stimulation, body-weight supported treadmill training, over-ground gait training
and exercise for 1.5 hours/day, 4 days/week for 12 weeks. Study measures included
Tinetti Gait (gait impairment), Functional Independence Measure (FIM, function),
Stroke Impact Scale subscale of life-role participation (SIS part) and Craig
Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique
(CHART, life-role participation).
Analysis included Wilcoxon signed rank test and polytomous universal regression
model. Results: Gait interventions produced significant improvement in CHART (p =
0.020), SIS part (p = 0.011), FIM (p < 0.0001), and Tinetti Gait
(p < 0.0001).
Age, gender and time since stroke did not predict response to treatment.
Conclusions: Intensive gait therapy resulted in significant gain in life-role
participation, according to a comprehensive measure, so dedicated. [Box: see text].

Langue : ANGLAIS