Teerawat Nithiatthawanon1,2, Pipatana Amatachaya3,4, Thiwabhorn Thaweewannakij1,2, Nuttaset Manimmanakorn2,5, Thanat Sooknuan1,6, Sugalya Amatachaya7,8. 1. School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. 2. Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. 3. Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. pipatana.am@rmuti.ac.th. 4. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. pipatana.am@rmuti.ac.th. 5. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. 6. Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. 7. School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. samata@kku.ac.th. 8. Improvement of Physical Performance and Quality of Life (IPQ) Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. samata@kku.ac.th.
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN: Single-blinded, randomized, cross-over design. OBJECTIVES: To compare the immediate effects of bodyweight shifting and lower limb loading (LLL) exercise during stepping with and without augmented loading feedback, followed by overground walking, on the mobility of ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Academic laboratory center. METHODS:Thirty participants with SCI were trained using a single intervention session consisting of repetitive bodyweight shifting and LLL exercises during stepping with or without external feedback (10 min/leg) followed by overground walking (10 min) with a 2-week washout period, in a random sequence. The timed up-and-go test (TUG) (primary outcome), 10-m walk test (10MWT), five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST), and maximal LLL were measured 1 day before and immediately after each training session. RESULTS: Significant improvement was found following both training sessions, excepting the TUG and LLL of the less-affected leg, where improvement was found only after training using augmented feedback. Moreover, the improvement following the training with feedback was significantly greater than that after training without feedback. The mean (95% CI) between-group differences for the TUG = 1.9 [0.6-3.3]s, 10MWT = 0.1 [0.0-0.1]m/s, FTSST = 1.0 [1.5-4.8]s, LLL = 3.1 [1.5-4.8]-2.8 [0.8-4.9]%bodyweight, p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: The training programs immediately enhanced the mobility of ambulatory individuals with chronic SCI (post-injury time >6 years), particularly the training with augmented loading feedback. The findings offer another effective rehabilitation strategy that can be applied in various clinical and home-based settings.
RCT Entities:
STUDY DESIGN: Single-blinded, randomized, cross-over design. OBJECTIVES: To compare the immediate effects of bodyweight shifting and lower limb loading (LLL) exercise during stepping with and without augmented loading feedback, followed by overground walking, on the mobility of ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Academic laboratory center. METHODS: Thirty participants with SCI were trained using a single intervention session consisting of repetitive bodyweight shifting and LLL exercises during stepping with or without external feedback (10 min/leg) followed by overground walking (10 min) with a 2-week washout period, in a random sequence. The timed up-and-go test (TUG) (primary outcome), 10-m walk test (10MWT), five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST), and maximal LLL were measured 1 day before and immediately after each training session. RESULTS: Significant improvement was found following both training sessions, excepting the TUG and LLL of the less-affected leg, where improvement was found only after training using augmented feedback. Moreover, the improvement following the training with feedback was significantly greater than that after training without feedback. The mean (95% CI) between-group differences for the TUG = 1.9 [0.6-3.3]s, 10MWT = 0.1 [0.0-0.1]m/s, FTSST = 1.0 [1.5-4.8]s, LLL = 3.1 [1.5-4.8]-2.8 [0.8-4.9]%bodyweight, p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: The training programs immediately enhanced the mobility of ambulatory individuals with chronic SCI (post-injury time >6 years), particularly the training with augmented loading feedback. The findings offer another effective rehabilitation strategy that can be applied in various clinical and home-based settings.