Backward Walking Observation Training in People With Stroke and Gait Quality in Stroke

National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Stroke

Treatments: Other: Non-motor observational backward walking training; Other: Backward walking observation training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06850662

NYCU113210AF2

Details and patient eligibility

About

Walking impairment is one of the most common and concerning issues for individuals with stroke. Previous studies have often used improvements in walking speed and distance as reference indicators for gait performance progress in individuals with stroke. However, for people with chronic stroke, it may be more appropriate to prioritize improving gait symmetry and gait variability to enhance gait quality as a primary intervention goal. Additionally, stroke can lead to an imbalance in interhemispheric brain activity, which evolves as motor function recovers. According to the literature review, backward walking may extend the support time of the lower limbs, thereby enhancing the weight-bearing capacity of the affected limb. This, in turn, could promote gait symmetry and reduce gait variability. Changes in brain activity might also accompany such improvements in gait quality. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the immediate, short-term and post carryover intervention effects of backward walking observation training on gait quality in individuals with chronic stroke as well as to explore its effects on interhemispheric activity balance in individuals with chronic stroke.

Enrollment: 50 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 20 to 80 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• ≥ 6 months after the diagnosis of stroke
• Independent walking over at least 7m with or without a walking aid
• Mini-mental state examination score ≥ 24

Exclusion criteria

• Had difficulty in backward walking
• Any neuromuscular disorders history
• With visual or auditory disorders
• Unstable cardiac status or uncontrolled hypertension
• Any musculoskeletal disorders that would affect walking ability

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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50 participants in 2 patient groups

Backward walking observation training group

Experimental group

Description:

The intervention is a 50-minute session and 3 sessions/week, totaling 4 weeks.

Treatment:

Other: Backward walking observation training

Non-motor observational backward walking training group

Active Comparator group

Description:

The intervention is a 50-minute session and 3 sessions/week, totaling 4 weeks.

Treatment:

Other: Non-motor observational backward walking training