Effect of the timing of walking training on balance function and walking ability of hemiplegia patients with stroke

Objective:To observe the effects of the timing of ambulation training on balance function and walking ability of hemiplegia patients with stroke.Methods:Sixty-eight hemiplegia patients with stroke were randomly divided into the observation group(n=34) and control group(n=34).The observation group were treated with scientific walking training under the condition of the high muscle tension at the early stage,and the control group were treated with scientific walking training under certain conditions,which included the standing balance more than grade 3,injured limb supporting over 3/4 of self-body weight,normal flex and adduct function of the knee joint and hip joint,and normal dorsiflexion function of ankle joint.The balance function,lower limb motor function,activities of daily living and walking ability in two groups were evaluated using the Berg balance scale(BBS),simple type Fugl-Meyer motor function scale(FMA),Bathel index(MBI) and Holden walking function rating(FAC) before training and after two months of training,respectively.The walking speed,stride length and stride frequency were measured using the max walking speed of 10m.Results:After 2 months of training,the scores of the BBS,FMA,MBI and FAC in two groups were significantly better than before treatment(P<0.01),the scores of the BBS,FMA,MBI and FAC in observation group were significantly higher those in control group(P<0.01),and the walking quality in observation group was better that in control group(P<0.05 to P<0.01).Conclusions:The timing of scientific walking training has important significance in the recovery of muscle tension in hemiplegia patients.The starting scientific walking training as early as possible can effectively improve the balance function,walking ability and living quality of patients.