Study of Treadmill Walking Training With Eyes Covered Versus Eyes Open for Rehabilitation in Adults After Subacute Stroke

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of treadmill walking training with and without vision suppression in patients recovering from a stroke that occurred less than six months ago. The study focuses on comparing walking speed, balance, and proprioception to see if temporarily blocking vision during training can enhance rehabilitation outcomes. This approach aims to stimulate other senses like proprioception and the vestibular system to improve postural balance and walking abilities during the subacute phase of stroke recovery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group will perform treadmill walking with an opaque mask covering their eyes while supported by a Lite Gaitae harness that reduces body weight. The control group will follow the same walking protocol but with eyes open. Each treadmill session lasts 20 minutes, occurring three times per week for six weeks, integrated into one-hour physical therapy sessions held five days a week. The treadmill speed is gradually increased to a comfortable pace before the mask is applied in the experimental group. Throughout the study, participants will undergo assessments including walking speed during single and dual tasks, balance measures such as center of pressure analysis and Romberg quotient, gait parameters like step duration and symmetry, and proprioception tests. These evaluations will occur up to six weeks after training begins and continue between three to six months post-stroke. The study includes safety monitoring and aims to provide insights into optimizing stroke rehabilitation by leveraging sensory compensation strategies. Total participation spans the rehabilitation period and follow-up assessments up to several months after stroke onset.

Efficacy of Treadmill Walking With Hidden Vision for Rehabilitation in the Subacute Phase of Stroke