부산대학교 도서관

The purpose of this study was to determines the effect of backward training on gait ability and dynamic balance in stroke patients. Subjects with stroke for more than six months, whose level of Brunnstrom stage is greater than Ⅲ and who are able to walk more than ten meters with or without assistive devices were recruited. After grouping for a single-blind clinical randomized controlled trial, the subjects were divided into two groups: six in the control group and six in the experimental group. All subjects were subjected to 30 min neurodevelopment physical therapy, once a week for three weeks. The experimental group recived to an additional 15 min of backward walking training on a treadmill. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were used to assess functional balance and walking ability. The walking speed was evaluated using a 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT). All assessments were made at baseline before training commenced (pre-training) and at the end of the three-week training period (post-training). Mann-Whitney U-test was used to determine the effect on dynamic balance and gait ability before and after training. The level of significance was 0.05. After three weeks of training, the experimental group showed significant differences on TUG and 6-MWT. This study demonstrates that the 15 min of backward walking training increased walking speed and overall walking ability.