Assessing the Impact of Real-Time Visual Feedback during Treadmill Training on Walking Improvement in Stroke Patients

Abstract

After a stroke, most patients often suffer reduced walking ability and balance. Restoring walking ability and improving balance are major goals of stroke rehabilitation. Treadmills are often used in clinical setups to achieve this goal. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of different approaches and determine their comparative effectiveness, such as real-time sagittal visual feedback during treadmill training with the conventional mirror feedback treadmill training program of the same intensity in stroke patients. The Real-time Visual feedback after Stroke in Treadmill training (REVISIT) trial is a two-arm randomized control trial. Thirty eligible stroke survivors undergoing rehabilitation were randomly assigned to either real-time visual sagittal feedback along with the front mirror (experimental) group or only the front mirror treadmill training (control) group for 5-6 weeks. All participants underwent 15 sessions of treadmill training, with each session lasting up to 15 minutes at a safe speed of their choosing. The REVISIT (experimental) groups received real-time, visual sagittal view feedback of the involved lower limb trajectory along with the routine front mirror view during treadmill training and they were requested to alter their gait pattern. The trial contributed to the existing innovation and modifications of incorporating real-time visual feedback during treadmill training in post-stroke gait rehabilitation. The findings will help in the design of a gait rehabilitation program with a treadmill for post-stroke subjects to improve walking speed and balance for those who have greater difficulties in community ambulation.