Step by step: a proof of concept study of C-Mill gait adaptability training in the chronic phase after stroke

• Published in: Journal of rehabilitation medicine 2013-07, Vol.45 (7), p.616-622
• Main Authors: Heeren, Anita, van Ooijen, Mariëlle, Geurts, Alexander C H, Day, Brian L, Janssen, Thomas W J, Beek, Peter J, Roerdink, Melvyn, Weerdesteyn, Vivian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptability; Adaptation, Physiological; Adult; Aged; Chronic Disease; Clinical assessment; Disability Evaluation; Exercise Test; Exercise Therapy; Female; Gait; Gait - physiology; Gait Disorders, Neurologic - physiopathology; Gait Disorders, Neurologic - rehabilitation; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Physical activity; Physical Therapy Modalities; Randomized controlled trials; Stroke - physiopathology; Stroke Rehabilitation; Strokes; Walking - physiology
• ISSN: 1650-1977; 1651-2081
• DOI: 10.2340/16501977-1180

To evaluate the concept of C-Mill gait adaptability training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments. Sixteen community-dwelling persons in the chronic phase after stroke (mean age 54.8 years). Participants received 10 sessions (1 h per session, for 5-6 weeks) of gait adaptability training on an instrumented treadmill augmented with visual targets and obstacles (C-Mill). Pre- and post-intervention assessments included: (i) clinical assessments of balance and gait: 10-m walking test, Timed Up-and-Go test, Berg Balance Scale, obstacle sub-task of the Emory Functional Ambulation Profile, and the Trunk Impairment Scale; (ii) physical activity level, assessed with a pedometer; (iii) success rate of accurate step adjustments towards a displacing target, assessed with an instrumented Target-Stepping Task; (iv) participant's experience with the training. All clinical assessments improved significantly after training (all p