Effect of intrathecal baclofen bolus injection on temporospatial gait characteristics in patients with acquired brain injury

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in temporospatial gait parameters after intrathecal baclofen (ITB) bolus administration in patients with spasticity resulting from acquired brain injury by using computerized gait analysis. DESIGN: Case series; before-after intervention. Walking performance and spasticity in lower-extremity muscles were assessed before and at 2, 4, and 6 hours after ITB bolus injection. SETTING: Tertiary care free-standing rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive sample of 28 adults with acquired brain injury due to stroke, trauma, or anoxia. INTERVENTION: A 50-microg ITB bolus injection (2 subjects received 75 microg and 100 microg, respectively). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ashworth Scale scores, self-selected gait velocity, stride length, cadence, step length symmetry, step width, and percentage of single support on the more involved side. RESULTS: Ashworth score decreased from 2.0+/-0.5 at baseline to 1.3+/-0.3 at peak response ( P <.001), whereas gait velocity increased from 41+/-26 to 47+/-31 cm/s ( P <.001). Significant improvements also occurred in stride length ( P <.05) and step width ( P <.001). Gait velocity was the most sensitive temporospatial outcome measure for differentiating functional response to ITB bolus injection. Sixteen patients increased velocity by an average of 12 cm/s, representing a mean gain of 33% over their baseline walking speed, while 5 decreased (mean loss, -6 cm/s [52% of baseline]) and 7 were unchanged. There was a significant correlation between baseline velocity and peak change in velocity after ITB bolus ( r =.39, P <.05). Baseline Ashworth score correlated inversely with velocity, stride length, cadence, and percentage single support (r range, -.46 to -.57). No significant correlations were found between change in Ashworth score and change in any temporospatial outcome measure. CONCLUSIONS: ITB bolus injection consistently reduces spasticity in ambulatory patients with acquired brain injury but may result in a range of changes in walking performance that can be reliably detected using computerized motion analysis. Velocity appears to be the most sensitive parameter with which to classify individual patient response. The relation between baseline gait velocity and peak change in velocity after bolus administration may have application in predicting the outcome of screening trials for pump implantation; it warrants further investigation.     

Three dimensional gait analysis and controlling spastic foot on stroke patients]

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this work is to assess the interest of three dimensional gait analysis in measuring the effect of orthesis and of selective tibial neurotomy without visual analysis. METHOD: After clinical examination, gait in the two groups was recorded by a three dimensional motion system (Vicon-Oxford Metrics) with free velocity. The gait of ten stroke patients was compared bare-foot and with ankle-foot orthesis. The gait of nine stroke patients was compared bare-foot before and six month after selective tibial neurotomy. Kinematics data were studied in the sagittal plane, and muscular electrical activity was detected on the affected side by a ten-channel telemetry system using surface electrodes. An analogic visual scale ( EVA) was used by the patient, to assess discomfort during walking. RESULTS: In the "orthesis" group, calf spasticity was 2.5 on the Ashworth scale. With ankle-foot orthesis, the walking discomfort on EVA was significantly reduced from 4.25 to 1.16. Gait speed increased significativelly at 0.42 m s(-1) to 0.59 m s(-1). In swing phase, equinus disappeared. In stance phase equinus and recurvatum were controlled, anterior pelvic tilt decreased and hip extension increased. In the "neurotomy" group, 6 months after the tibial neurotomy, calf spasticity decreased from 3.4 to 0. The walking discomfort on EVA, was significantly reduced from 5.97 to 3.6. Gait speed increased from 0.51 m s(-1) to 0.54 m s(-1). Ankle dorsiflexion on the affected side, was possible during stance for five patients and residual motricity was released during swing phase for two patients. Stance knee recurvatum was corrected in five patients. CONCLUSION: Three dimensional analysis specifies the functional gait disability in stroke patients. It specifies the degree of correction provided by orthesis or tibial neurotomy in the various gait cycle phases and the impact on the superior joints.     

A型肉毒毒素治疗对痉挛型脑瘫患儿足底压力改变的影响

目的:探讨A型肉毒毒素(BTX-A)对痉挛型脑瘫患儿足底压力改变的影响。方法:213例痉挛型脑瘫患儿随机分为BTX-A组108例(BTX-A注射结合物理治疗)和对照组105例(单纯物理治疗)。2组患儿在医院接受2周康复治疗,之后在家接受10周家庭康复治疗。在治疗前、治疗后2周和12周,对2组患儿进行以下评定:足底压力测试仪测试足底各区压力占全足的百分比,粗大运动功能测试量表中的站立与步行功能项评定粗大运动功能,改良Ashworth量表评定痉挛程度,医师等级评价量表评定步态。结果:BTX-A组的足底各区压力分布、站立和步行功能、痉挛程度和步态,在治疗后2周、12周与治疗前比较,均有明显改善(P<0.05);对照组各项评分在治疗12周后才有明显改善(P<0.05);治疗后12周,2组间的足底各区压力分布、站立和步行功能、痉挛程度和步态进行比较,BTX-A组均明显优于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:BTX-A注射结合物理治疗更利于改善痉挛型脑瘫患儿的足底压力分布、缓解其肌肉痉挛、提高其步行能力、改善其步态。     

放散式体外冲击波对脑卒中患者下肢痉挛及三维步态参数的效果研究

摘要 目的：观察放散式体外冲击波对脑卒中偏瘫患者下肢痉挛,步态时空、对称性参数以及运动学参数的影响。 方法：选取40例符合入选标准的脑卒中偏瘫患者,将其随机分为试验组及对照组,每组20例。试验组进行常规康复治疗和患侧下肢放散式体外冲击波治疗（每周2次）,连续3周,对照组进行常规治疗和安慰性冲击波治疗。分别于治疗前、第三周全部治疗结束后使用三维步态分析仪器检测并获得两组患者的步态参数。同时比较两组患者治疗前后腘绳肌、股四头肌、小腿三头肌改良Ashworth分级（MAS）评分,以及患侧下肢的Fugl-Meyer（FMA）评分。 结果：在第三周治疗结束后,两组患者步频、步幅、步速、患侧摆动相和健侧摆动相、踝关节最大背屈角度、踝关节最大跖屈角度均较治疗前明显提高（P<0.05）,步态周期、双支撑相、患侧支撑相、健侧支撑相、步长偏差、患侧健侧摆动相比值均较治疗前明显减小（P<0.05）。组间对比显示,治疗后试验组患者步幅、步频、步速、步态周期、步长偏差、踝关节最大背屈角度、踝关节最大跖屈角度均优于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗后试验组腘绳肌、股四头肌、小腿三头肌MAS评分及患侧下肢FMA评分均较治疗前改善(P<0.05),并优于对照组(P<0.01,P<0.05)。 结论：放散式体外冲击波能有效改善脑卒中偏瘫患者步态时空、运动学、对称性参数,提高脑卒中偏瘫患者的步行功能和步态的对称性。同时可以降低患侧下肢的痉挛,提高下肢运动功能。     

Spastic velocity threshold constrains functional performance in cerebral palsy

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a quantitative, velocity-based assessment of spasticity in the quadriceps and hamstrings muscles of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to show the effects of spasticity in constraining knee velocities during fast gait. DESIGN: A quantitative comparison of neuromuscular and biomechanical performance in patients with CP and controls without CP. SETTING: Movement analysis laboratory within a university clinical referral center. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 18 ambulatory patients with CP and 11 control subjects without CP. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Spastic threshold velocity recorded from electromyographic response during passive isovelocity knee movement was compared with knee angular velocity during fast walking, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) scores, and Ashworth Scale score. RESULTS: Patients with measurable spasticity showed slower peak knee angular velocity during walking than patients without spasticity (P<.005). A significant correlation existed between spastic threshold velocity and peak knee angular velocity during fast walking (r=.85, P<.001). Spastic threshold velocity correlated significantly with GMFM (r=.58, P<.05) but not with Ashworth score. CONCLUSIONS: The velocity dependency of spasticity can be measured by electromyograph and dynamometer to determine spastic threshold velocity. Spastic threshold velocity correlated with limitations in joint angular velocity during walking and functional performance.     

Gait improvement by low-dose botulinum toxin A injection treatment of the lower limbs in subacute stroke patients

[Purpose] Lower-limb spasticity after stroke may be associated with worse functional outcome. Our study aim was to establish whether a low-dose botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injection in subacute stroke patients can improve spasticity, gait, and daily living abilities. [Subjects] Twenty-three subacute stroke patients were randomly allocated to BTX-A treatment group (11 patients) and control group (12 patients). [Methods] In the BTX-A treatment group patients, 200 units BTX-A was injected into the triceps surae (150 iu) and posterior tibial (50 iu) by electrical stimulation-guided. The patients in the control group received the same volume of placebo solution into the same injection locations. Gait analysis (step length, cadence, speed), the 6-min walking test, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) of the lower limbs, modified Ashworth scale assess (MAS) assessment of the lower limbs, surface electromyography (sEMG), and modified Barthel index (MBI) assessment were performed before and at 4,8 weeks after treatment. [Results] We found that the FMA of the low limbs and MBI were significantly improved in both groups. The gait analysis, FMA, and MBI results in the BTX-A treatment group were better than those in the control group. MAS and surface electromyography (sEMG) showed better improvement of spasticity in the treatment group. [Conclusion] Early low-dose botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injection in subacute stroke patients into the lower-limb may improve gait, spasticity, and daily living abilities.Key words: Botulinum toxin A, Stroke, Spasticity     

A mechanized gait trainer for restoring gait in nonambulatory subjects

OBJECTIVE: To construct an advanced mechanized gait trainer to enable patients the repetitive practice of a gaitlike movement without overstraining therapists. DEVICE: Prototype gait trainer that simulates the phases of gait (by generating a ratio of 40% to 60% between swing and stance phases), supports the subjects according to their ability (lifts the foot during swing phase), and controls the center of mass in the vertical and horizontal directions. PATIENTS: Two nonambulatory, hemiparetic patients who regained their walking ability after 4 weeks of daily training on the gait trainer, a 55-year-old woman and a 62-year-old man, both of whom had a first-time ischemic stroke. INTERVENTION: Four weeks of training, five times a week, each session 20 minutes long. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Functional ambulation category (FAC, levels 0-5) to assess gait ability and ground level walking velocity. Rivermead motor assessment score (RMAS, 0-13) to assess gross motor function. RESULTS: Patient 1: At the end of treatment, she was able to walk independently on level ground with use of a walking stick. Her walking velocity had improved from .29m/sec to .59m/sec. Her RMAS score increased from 4 to 10, meaning she could walk at least 40 meters outside, pick up objects from floor, and climb stairs independently. Patient 2: At end of 4-week training, he could walk independently on even surfaces (FAC level 4), using an ankle-foot orthosis and a walking stick. His walking velocity improved from .14m/sec to .63m/sec. His RMAS increased from 3 to 10. CONCLUSION: The gait trainer enabled severely affected patients the repetitive practice of a gaitlike movement. Future studies may elucidate its value in gait rehabilitation of nonambulatory subjects.     

Formation of neutralizing antibodies in patients receiving botulinum toxin type A for treatment of poststroke spasticity: a pooled-data analysis of three clinical trials

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of neutralizing antibody (NAb) formation in patients with poststroke spasticity treated with a specific formulation of botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA). METHODS: Data from 3 previous clinical trials of BoNTA in patients with upper and/or lower limb spasticity were pooled and evaluated. Study 1 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial of BoNTA in patients aged >/=21 years who had experienced a stroke >6 months before the initiation of the study. Study 2 was an open-label extension of study 1. Study 3 was a randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial of a specific BoNTA formulation in patients aged >/= 21 years who had experienced a stroke >/=6 weeks before study entry. Patients with a fixed contracture of the studied limb were excluded from participation in studies 1 and 2. Serum samples were obtained from each patient before each BoNTA treatment and at the end of each study. The mouse protection assay (MPA) was used for detection of NAbs to BoNTA in serum. RESULTS: A total of 235 individual patients with post-stroke spasticity were enrolled in the 3 trials, including 126, 111 (all of whom participated in study 1), and 109 in studies 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Study 1 had an equal (50.0%) distribution of male and female patients (63/63). The distribution of male and female patients was 56 (50.5%) and 55 (49.5%), respectively, in study 2, and 55 (50.5%) and 54 (49.5), respectively, in study 3. The mean (SD) ages of patients in studies 1, 2, and 3 were 61.4 (13.8), 61.5 (14.1), and 58.5 (13.9) years, respectively. The MPA was used for detection of NAbs to BoNTA in the serum samples of 191 patients, including 64 from study 1, 111 from study 2 (55 of these patients were placebo recipients and 56 received their first BoNTA injection in study 1), and 72 (a sample was not obtained for 1 patient who had not received an injection) from study 3. The median number of BoNTA treatments received by these patients was 2 (range, 1-4 treatments) over a period lasting from 12 to 42 weeks. The mean dose of BoNTA was 241 U (range, 100-400 U), with a maximum dose of 960 U in any 1 patient. NAbs to BoNTA were detected in the serum sample of 1/191 (0.5%) patient who had participated in studies 1 and 2. Based on muscle-tone scores (3 and 4 for wrist and fingers, respectively) on a 5-point Ashworth Scale (0 = none to 4 = severe), the patient did not appear to exhibit a clinical response to BoNTA at any time during the studies. CONCLUSION: Formation of NAbs was rare (1/191) in this group of adults with poststroke spasticity from three 12- to 42-week clinical trials who received >/=1 treatment with a specific BoNTA formulation at doses ranging from 100 to 400 U.     

A型肉毒毒素注射配合康复训练治疗痉挛型脑性瘫痪儿童下肢肌张力障碍

目的探讨A型肉毒毒素（BTX-A）在脑性瘫痪（脑瘫）治疗中的应用及疗效。方法将34例痉挛型双瘫患儿随机分为治疗组和对照组，治疗组采用BTX-A局部多点注射结合康复训练，对照组仅行康复训练，2组治疗前及治疗后3d、2周、1个月、2个月和3个月采用改良的Ashworth痉挛分级量表、粗大运动功能量表（GMFM）及印油毯足印分析进行疗效评估。结果治疗组治疗3d后，对照组治疗1个月后痉挛评分下降。与治疗前比较，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）；治疗2周至3个月，2组痉挛评分比较，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。2组治疗1个月和3个月后GMFM评分均有提高，治疗3个月后治疗组与对照组相比，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。印油毯足印分析显示，治疗组治疗3个月后步行足长、步速与治疗前及与对照组比较，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05），步幅评分2组均有明显提高（P〈0．05），但组问差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论BTX-A注射配合康复训练可快速有效地缓解脑瘫患儿下肢痉挛及提高其步行功能，缩短住院疗程。     

步态中枢模式发生器对脑卒中偏瘫患者步行能力的影响

目的:探讨步态中枢模式发生器对脑卒中偏瘫患者步行能力的影响。方法:将80例脑卒中偏瘫患者随机分为治疗组(观察组)40例和对照组40例,两组患者均采用常规康复方法进行治疗,观察组还另外采用激活步态中枢模式发生器(CPG)的运动训练方法。两组患者总疗程均为1个月。分别在康复治疗前后采用Fugl-Meyer下肢运动功能量表(FMA)、改良Ashworth量表(MAS)、Holden步行功能分级量表(FAC)进行评定,同时选用足印分析法测量并记录步行时的时间距离参数的变化,分析步态的改善情况。结果:患者经过激活步态CPG的运动训练方法训练后,其FMA、FAC评分与治疗前相比差异有显著性意义(P<0.05),步行时间距离各参数也均有不同程度的改善(P<0.05)。结论:激活步态CPG的运动训练方法能提高脑卒中偏瘫患者的下肢运动功能和实际步行能力,改善步行的步态。     

局部注射A型肉毒毒素对于脑卒中后下肢痉挛患者的影响

目的评估局部注射A型肉毒毒素(BTX-A)对于脑卒中后下肢痉挛患者的痉挛程度、步行功能以及日常生活活动能力(ADL)的影响。方法13例脑卒中后下肢痉挛的患者行局部注射BTX-A,分别在治疗前,治疗后1周、4周、8周和12周应用综合痉挛量表(CSS)、步长和步行速度、Barthel指数(BI)进行评估。结果治疗后下肢痉挛程度降低,BI升高(均P<0.05)。步长和步行速度虽有提高,但是无显著性差异(P>0.05)。所有改善均出现在治疗后1周,并持续至第12周。结论下肢局部注射BTX-A可以改善脑卒中后下肢痉挛患者的痉挛程度,提高ADL。     

A型肉毒毒素治疗脑卒中后瘫痪肌痉挛的临床疗效

目的：探讨A型肉毒毒素治疗脑卒中后瘫痪肌痉挛的临床疗效与安全性。方法：44例脑卒中后瘫痪肢体肌痉挛患者分为2组，其中采用BTX-A治疗的21例为研究组；采用力奥来素治疗的23例为对照组。分别观察2组治疗2、4周后肢体肌力、肌张力及功能改变。结果：肌张力按改良Ashworth评分与治疗前比较。2组均降低（P〈0．01）；治疗2周时研究组低于对照组（P〈0．01）；4周时2组差异无显著性意义（P〉o．05）。研究组在4周后步速、步长、Barthel指数评分与治疗前比较均明显提高（P〈0．01、P〈0．05、P〈0．01），并优于对照组（P〈0．05）。结论：BTX-A治疗瘫痪肌痉挛安全、简便、起效迅速，副作用小，值得在临床推广应用。     

Effects of botulinum toxin-A on gait velocity, step length, and base of support of patients with dynamic equinovarus foot

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify if botulinum toxin type A is a drug able to modify walking velocity, step length, and width of the base of support of adult patients with dynamic equinovarus foot deformity resulting from upper motor neuron syndrome. DESIGN: This retrospective study analyzed data from 20 patients' files selected from 448 consecutive charts. The main inclusion criteria were the presence of dynamic equinovarus foot deformity due to upper motor neuron syndrome, age between 20 and 80 yrs, evaluation of temporospatial parameters of gait by the Gait Mat II before and 4 wks after botulinum toxin type A injection to the calf muscles, and the ability to walk barefoot, unassisted, and without braces. For data analysis, based on walking velocity, we divided the patients into two groups, slow walking velocity (0.18-0.49 m/sec) and medium walking velocity (0.50-0.99 m/sec). RESULTS: Width of the base of support was significantly reduced after botulinum toxin type A treatment, both for the affected (P < 0.005) and the unaffected limbs (P < 0.002), in the group of subjects walking at medium velocity. Walking velocity or step length of either group of patients was not significantly modified by botulinum toxin type A treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, a significant effect of botulinum toxin type A on width of the base of support is evident and seems to be the result of a better position of the affected foot during the stance phase of locomotion leading to increased body stability and consequent reduction of width of the base of support of the unaffected limb. No change was evident in step length or walking velocity for this patient population.     

电针联合巴氯芬对控制脑卒中痉挛状态的作用

目的:探讨电针刺激与巴氯芬联合治疗脑卒中高痉挛状态的临床效果。方法:脑卒中单侧偏瘫伴痉挛患者58例,随机分为对照组和电针组各29例,均常规给予口服巴氯芬片,中频电刺激患肢痉挛拮抗肌,抗痉挛体位练习及功能训练。电针组同时加用电针刺激,上肢取劣势侧伸肌,下肢取劣势侧屈肌。结果:治疗2个月后,电针组与治疗前及对照组比较,上下肢痉挛评分均明显降低;Barthel评分明显提高(均P<0.01)。结论:电针联合巴氯芬能有效控制脑卒中所至高痉挛状态,有利于患者运动训练的进行,使ADL能力得到提高。     

全身低频渐进振动联合运动治疗对卒中患者下肢肌张力与步行能力的作用

目的:探究全身低频渐进振动联合运动治疗对卒中患者下肢肌张力与步行能力的作用。方法:选取符合入选标准的脑卒中患者67例,编号后随机分为对照组34例和观察组33例。2组均给予常规康复治疗,观察组在此基础上给予全身低频渐进振动联合运动治疗。治疗前后采用改良Ashworth分级(MAS)、表面肌电信号(sEMG)、10m步行试验和功能性步行量表(FAC)进行评定。结果:治疗6周后,2组股四头肌、小腿三头肌MAS评级、RMS均值、10m步行时间均较治疗前明显降低(P0.01,0.05),且观察组更低于对照组(P0.05,0.01)。治疗后,2组FAC评级均较治疗前明显提高(均P0.01),且观察组更高于对照组(P0.05)。结论:全身低频渐进振动联合运动治疗能改善卒中患者下肢肌张力,提升步行能力。     

Jump training is feasible for nearly ambulatory patients after stroke

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of jump training for nearly ambulatory patients after stroke. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: A rehabilitation centre for adult people with neurological disorders. SUBJECTS: Six subacute, nearly ambulatory patients with hemiparesis due to stroke. INTERVENTIONS: A modified form of jump training performed over a period of six weeks. MEASURES: Impairments: We used the Motricity Index to measure strength, the Fugl-Meyer subtest passive joint motion/pain for range of motion and pain and the modified Tardieu Scale to measure spasticity at baseline and after six weeks. Activity level: To assess walking ability we used the Functional Ambulation Category, to measure walking quality we used 10-m gait velocity, stride length and Rivermead Visual Gait Index and to assess walking capacity we used the six-minute walk test. RESULTS: No severe adverse events were observed during the study period. Motricity Index sum score of the affected leg increased from 38 +/- 11 points (mean +/- SD) to 56 +/- 15 points; P = 0.028. Modified Tardieu Scale and Fugl-Meyer subtest passive joint motion/pain remained unchanged over time (P = 1.0; P = 0.157, respectively). All patients were able to walk at the end of training (median Functional Ambulation Category grade five, P= 0.023). Gait quality improved as shown in increased gait velocity (from 0.3 +/- 0.1 to 1.1 +/- 0.5 m/s; P = 0.028), improved stride length (from 0.3 +/- 0.1 to 0.6 +/- 0.2 m; P = 0.028) and improved Rivermead Visual Gait Index score (from 38.7 +/- 5.6 points to 24.8 +/- 7.0 points; P = 0.027). All patient increased gait capacity (from 97 +/- 33 m to 289 +/- 134 m; P = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Jump exercises are feasible for selected subacute stroke patients with hemiparesis.     

The role of botulinum toxin a in the management of lower limb spasticity in patients with cerebral palsy

This study aimed to determine the effects of botulinum toxin-A (btA) on spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Thirty-five children with spastic CP were evaluated. The injection group consisted of 25 patients who were injected with btA and received conventional physical therapy. The control group consisted of 10 patients who were treated with conventional physical therapy only. In the injection group, btA was applied to the lower extremity spastic muscles at a total dose of 8-10 lU/kg. Spasticity was measured by the Ashworth scale. Gait function was evaluated by clinical gait assessment in all patients and temporal distance factors in 16 patients. All the parameters were recorded before treatment, after three days and after one month of therapy. Following injection of btA, significant improvement in all parameters was observed. No statistically significant progression was noted in the control group except clinical gait analysis scores. Comparing the three-day and one-month measurements of spasticity of the two groups, statistically significant results were obtained in favour of the injection group in all parameters except for clinical gait analysis scores. The findings of this study showed btA injection to be an effective treatment for reducing spasticity and improving gait function in patients with spastic CP     

脑卒中偏瘫患者下肢痉挛与步行速度的关系

目的探讨脑卒中偏瘫患者下肢痉挛与步行速度之间的关系。方法对 3 5例脑卒中偏瘫痉挛患者用改良Ashworth法评定下肢膝伸肌和足跖屈肌的痉挛程度 ;测定步行速度、步距和步频 ;分析膝伸肌和足跖屈肌痉挛与步行速度、步长和步频之间的相关性 ,以及决定步行速度、步长和步频的下肢痉挛因素。结果患者在自由步行时的步行速度与膝伸肌和足跖屈肌痉挛呈中度负相关 (r =-0 .43 2 ,P <0 .0 5 ;r =-0 .44 8,P <0 .0 5 ) ,其中膝伸肌痉挛仅与步频呈中度负相关 (r =-0 .415 ,P <0 .0 5 ) ,而足跖屈肌痉挛与步距和步频呈中度负相关 (r =-0 .41,P <0 .0 5 ;r =-0 .3 3 5 ,P <0 .0 5 )。最大步行速度时的步长和步频与膝伸肌和足跖屈肌痉挛之间无相关性 (r =-0 .118— 0 .3 0 7,P >0 .0 5 )。决定自由步行速度、步长的下肢痉挛因素是足跖屈肌痉挛 (分别为R2 =0 .2 0 ,P <0 .0 1;R2 =0 .168,P <0 .0 5 ) ;决定步频的是膝伸肌痉挛 (R2 =0 .172 ,P <0 .0 5 )。结论脑卒中偏瘫患者下肢痉挛对步行速度的影响力较小 ,在以改善患者步行能力为目的的治疗中 ,应重点关注痉挛以外的其他更重要的临床因素。     

The effectiveness of body weight-supported gait training and floor walking in patients with chronic stroke

OBJECTIVE: To compare body weight-supported exercise on a gait trainer with walking exercise overground. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-five ambulatory patients with chronic stroke. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to 3 groups: (1) gait trainer exercise with functional electric stimulation (GTstim), (2) gait trainer exercise without stimulation (GT), and (3) walking overground (WALK). All patients practiced gait for 15 sessions during 3 weeks (each session, 20 min), and they received additional physiotherapy 55 minutes daily. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ten-meter walk test (10MWT), six-minute walk test (6MWT), lower-limb spasticity and muscle force, postural sway tests, Modified Motor Assessment Scale (MMAS), and FIM instrument scores were recorded before, during, and after the rehabilitation and at 6 months follow-up. RESULTS: The mean walking distance using the gait trainer was 6900+/-1200 m in the GTstim group and 6500+/-1700 m in GT group. In the WALK group, the distance was 4800+/-2800 m, which was less than the walking distance obtained in the GTstim group (P=.027). The body-weight support was individually reduced from 30% to 9% of the body weight over the course of the program. In the pooled 45 patients, the 10MWT (P<.001), 6MWT (P<.001), MMAS (P<.001), dynamic balance test time (P<.001), and test trip (P=.005) scores improved; however, no differences were found between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both the body weight-supported training and walking exercise training programs resulted in faster gait after the intensive rehabilitation program. Patients' motor performance remained improved at the follow-up.