Impact of Gait Training on Lower Extremity Motor Function and Balance Performance in Stroke Survivors.

Summary

This randomized clinical trial evaluates and compares the effectiveness of three physiotherapy-based rehabilitation strategies in improving gait, motor function, balance, and independence in individuals recovering from stroke. Stroke survivors often face challenges such as impaired walking, weak lower limbs, and poor postural control. Combining targeted interventions such as Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Conventional Physical Therapy (CPT) may enhance functional outcomes.

Ninety-nine participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups:

Group A received Gait Training with PNF.

Group B received Gait Training with Conventional Physiotherapy.

Group C received a hybrid intervention combining PNF and Conventional Physiotherapy.

All interventions were delivered over 12 weeks, in 45-minute sessions conducted three times per week. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks post-intervention.

The study used validated tools to measure progress in walking quality (Wisconsin Gait Scale - WGS), lower limb motor recovery (Fugl-Meyer Assessment - FMA-LE), balance (Berg Balance Scale - BBS), and daily functional ability (Functional Independence Measure - FIM).

To enable in-depth analysis, six outcome domains were created by combining different pairs of these tools:

A1: WGS + FMA-LE + FIM + BBS (overall recovery)

A2: WGS + BBS (gait and balance)

A3: WGS + FMA-LE (gait and motor recovery)

A4: BBS + FMA-LE (balance and motor recovery)

A5: WGS + FIM (gait and functional independence)

A6: BBS + FIM (balance and independence)

This study aims to identify the most effective rehabilitation strategy among the three to support physical recovery and improve independence in post-stroke individuals.

Conditions

• Stroke

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Gait Training with Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)

A physiotherapeutic intervention combining structured gait training with Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques. Sessions include rhythmic initiation, diagonal movement patterns, and resistance-based facilitation to enhance lower limb motor control and balance in stroke survivors. Delivered 3 times/week for 12 weeks, 45 minutes per session.

BEHAVIORAL

Gait Training with Conventional Physiotherapy

A rehabilitation protocol integrating traditional gait training (step drills, overground walking) with conventional physiotherapy exercises focused on lower limb strength, range of motion, and postural balance. Conducted over 12 weeks, 3 sessions per week, 45 minutes each.

BEHAVIORAL

Combined PNF and Conventional Physiotherapy (without direct gait training)

This intervention blends Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) with conventional physiotherapy, excluding dedicated gait tasks. It includes rhythmic stabilization, functional mobility drills, and resistance-based exercises aimed at improving neuromuscular re-education, balance, and independence. Delivered 3 times/week for 12 weeks, 45 minutes per session.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Lahore

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

40 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-10-15

Primary Completion

2025-05-23

Completion

2025-06-25

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations