The effect of treadmill training on gait, balance and trunk control in a hemiplegic subject: a single system design.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of a period of body weight supported treadmill training on gait in a subject with chronic stroke and to see if there was a carry-over to balance, trunk control and function.

METHOD

A male subject who had suffered a right CVA 30 months previously was selected for the study. A single system ABA design was used. Outcome measures were taken in the 4-week baseline period. This was followed by a 4-week period of body weight support treadmill training and a further 4 weeks of treatment withdrawal. Outcome measures used were the 10-m walk test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Trunk Control Test (TCT), a seated lateral reach test (LRT) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and were collected in all phases of the study.

RESULTS

During the intervention phase, there were significant increases in the BBS and the LRT. No significant changes were found in the TCT or the 10-m walk test. The FIM showed a small improvement in the motor score.

CONCLUSIONS

A period of treadmill training has significant carry-over to balance in a subject with chronic hemiplegia.