Gait outcome in ambulatory hemiparetic patients after a 4-week comprehensive rehabilitation program and prognostic factors

Abstract

Background and Purpose Although gait training is prominent in the rehabilitation of hemiparetic stroke patients, little is known about its outcome and prognostic factors in mildly affected patients. We therefore intended to assess gait in ambulatory stroke patients before and after a 4-week inpatient rehabilitation program based on the neurodevelopmental technique. Methods We measured vertical ground reaction forces by force plates in 148 stroke patients. Variables were stance durations, peak vertical ground reaction forces at heel strike. © 1994 American Heart Association, Inc.