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(Stroke. 2003;34:3006.)
© 2003 American Heart Association, Inc.

Cochrane Corner

Treadmill Training and Body Weight Support for Walking After Stroke

From the Rehabilitation Studies Unit (A.M.M., I.D.C.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Ryde NSW, Australia; School of Physiotherapy (A.S.), University of Sydney, Lidcombe NSW, Australia; and Stroke Therapy Evaluation Programme (A.P.), Academic Department of Geriatric Medicine, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.

Correspondence to Dr Anne M. Moseley, Rehabilitation Studies Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, PO Box 6, Ryde NSW 1680, Australia. E-Mail amoseley{at}mail.usyd.edu.au

Background

Treadmill training, with body weight partially supported using a harness, is a method of treating walking after stroke. Systematic review is required to assess the effectiveness of this treatment.

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of treadmill training and/or body weight support in the treatment of walking after stroke. The primary outcomes investigated were walking speed and walking dependency.

Search Strategy

We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PEDro to March 21, 2003, as well as MEDLINE (1966 to March 2003), EMBASE (1980 to March 2003), and CINAHL (1982 to February 2003). In addition, we hand-searched relevant conference proceedings, screened reference lists, and contacted trialists to identify further published and unpublished trials.

Selection Criteria

Randomized (or quasi-randomized) controlled trials and randomized (or quasi-randomized) crossover trials that used treadmill training and/or body weight support for the treatment of walking after stroke were eligible.

Data Collection and Analysis

Using an a priori protocol, 2 reviewers independently selected trials and extracted data. Trialists were contacted for additional information. A fixed effects model was used for analysis, but if heterogeneity existed a random effects model was used.

Main Results

The searches retrieved about 1400 references, of which 11 trials (458 participants) were included in the analysis. There were no statistically significant differences between treadmill training with body weight support and other interventions for walking dependence for participants who were dependent walkers at the start of treatment (relative risk [RR] 1.05, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.31; fixed effects). There was a slight trend toward effectiveness of treadmill training with body weight support for participants who could walk independently at the start of treatment (weighted mean difference 0.24 m/sec, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.66; random effects). The one trial that compared treadmill training with and without body weight support showed benefit at the end of follow-up (mean difference 0.22 m/sec, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.39). Adverse events occurred more frequently in participants receiving treadmill training, although statistically there was no difference (RR 3.9, 95% CI 0.91 to 16.7; fixed effects).

Reviewers’ Conclusions

The results of this review are not conclusive. Among people with stroke who could walk independently at the start of treatment, treadmill training with body weight support may improve walking speed. This effect was not seen for dependent walkers or for other outcomes. There was no definite evidence of harm associated with treadmill training with or without body weight support. There is an urgent need for well-designed large-scale studies to evaluate the effects of treadmill training and body weight support on walking after stroke.

Note: The full reference for this review is: Moseley AM, Stark A, Cameron ID, Pollock A. Treadmill training and body weight support for walking after stroke [Cochrane Review]. In: The Cochrane Library, issue 3, 2003. Oxford: Update Software. Cochrane Reviews are regularly updated as new information becomes available and in response to comments and criticisms. Readers should consult The Cochrane Library for the latest version of a Cochrane Review. Information on the Cochrane Library can be found at www.update-software.com. Access to The Cochrane Library is free to users in certain countries. To find out more, visit www.update-software.com/Cochrane/provisions.htm.

Received July 29, 2003; accepted August 7, 2003.

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This Article Extract Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: 34/12/3006    most recent 01.STR.0000102415.43108.66v1 Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Moseley, A. M. Articles by Pollock, A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Moseley, A. M. Articles by Pollock, A.