| Abstract |
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of progressive velocity underwater gait training on
gait abilities and pulmonary functions in patients with stroke. Methods: All subjects were randomly divided into three
groups: Progressive velocity underwater gait training group(PUG)(n=14), comfortable speed underwater gait training
group(CUG)(n=13) and control group(n=11). Subjects received underwater gait training for 30 minutes, three times a week
for six weeks. And all subjects had undergone general physical therapy for 30 minutes, five times a week for six weeks.
Subjects were assessed for gait abilities and pulmonary functions pre-and post-intervention. Results: The study results
showed that all subjects showed significant differences in all measurements post-intervention(p<.05). Additionally, PUG
was found to significantly improve in all areas except 10 meter walking test (10MWT) compared to CUG, and CUG showed
significant differences all areas except Forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1) compared to the control
group(p<.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that progressive velocity underwater gait training may be effective
strategy to improve gait abilities and pulmonary functions for with stroke. |