Wearable tubing assistive walking device immediately enhances gait parameters in subjects with stroke: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND: Stroke patients develop compensatory movements due to limitations of ankle dorsiflexion and knee flexion. To solve the limitations, there are many adjustable walking assistive devices such as robotic devices, ankle-foot orthoses, and functional electric stimulation in rehabilitation session. However, these assistive devices have some disadvantages, including expense and discomforts. Therefore, the development of a new assistive device for stroke patients is needed to assist ankle dorsiflexion and knee flexion. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of a wearable tubing assistive walking device (WTAWD) on gait parameters (gait speed, cadence, and step length and stride length on affected and less affected sides) in patients with stroke. METHODS: Gait parameters were measured using the GAITRite system. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to determine gait differences under three conditions (WTAWD, barefoot, and conventional elastic band orthosis). RESULTS: Gait speed, cadence, and step length and stride length on both affected and less affected sides were significantly greater with WTAWD, compared to barefoot and conventional elastic band orthosis conditions. CONCLUSION: WTAWD could be effective for patients with stroke.