Improvement of walking ability of stroke patients with knee joint training by whole body vibration therapy apparatus combined with elastic belt

Objective To observe the effects of the dynamic stability of knee joint was trained by using the whole body vibration therapy apparatus and elastic belt to improve the walking ability of stroke patients. Methods Thirty stroke patients who just started to walk independently were selected and divided into control group (n=15) and treatment group (n=15) according to the random number table method. The control group received conventional rehabilitation treatment. After conventional rehabilitation treatment, the treatment group received 0° to 30° squatting and standing training on the additional whole-body vibration treatment device, and the balance bar used elastic belt to carry out the knee extension and resistance walking training, and piaffe training on the proprioception skateboard. The patients in the two groups were treated for 2 cycles (1 cycle for 1 month). Before and after the treatment, Fugl Meyer motor assessment for low extremity (FMA), 10 m maximum walking speed (MWS), timed up and go test (TUGT) and the time of supporting phase in 3 d gait analysis were conducted for the two groups of patients. Results After 2 months of treatment, the patients in the two groups were compared with each other. The FMA score in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group; the TUGT time of 10 m MWS was significantly shorter than that in the control group; the walking ability and stability of the patients in the treatment group were significantly better than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion The whole body vibration therapy apparatus combined with elastic band for knee joint training can improve the walking stability and walking ability of stroke patients. Key words: Cerebral apoplexy; On foot; Knee; Vibration therapy; Elastic band resistance