Objective
To investigate the relationship between the torque onset angle (TOA) of the isokinetic test for knee extensors in the paretic side and walking related balance in subacute stroke patients.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients with first-ever strokes who have had at least two isokinetic tests within 6 months of onset. 102 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. The characteristics of walking related balance were measured with the Berg Balance Scale sub-score (sBBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), 10-m Walk Test (10MWT) and Functional Independence Measure sub-score (sFIM). The second isokinetic test values of the knee extensor such as peak torque, peak torque to weight ratio, hamstring/quadriceps ratio, TOA, torque stop angle, torque at 30 degrees, and peak torque asymmetry ratio between paretic and non-paretic limb were also taken into account. Pearson’s correlation, simple regression and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the correlation between TOA and walking related balance.
Results
TOA of the knee extensor of the paretic limb showed significant correlations with BBS, sBBS, TUG, 10MWT, and sFIM according to Pearson’s correlation analysis. TOA also had moderate to good correlations with walking related balance parameters in partial correlation analysis. In multiple regression analysis, TOA of the paretic knee extensor was significantly associated with walking related balance parameters.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that TOA of the paretic knee extensor is a predictable parameter of walking related balance. Moreover, we suggest that the ability to recruit muscle quickly is important in walking related balance.

Objective
To investigate the effect of antigravity treadmill gait training (AGT) on gait function, balance, and fall risk in stroke patients.
Methods
This study included 30 patients with stroke (mean age, 73 years). All subjects were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group (n=15) performed AGT for 20 minutes, five times per week for 4 weeks. The control group (n=15) received conventional gait training for the same duration. To assess fall risk, the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) was measured. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and 10-m walk test (10mWT) were measured to assess dynamic balance. All scales were measured before intervention (T0) and at 4 weeks (T1) and 12 weeks (T2) after intervention.
Results
Results showed that the total POMA score, BBS, and 10mWT scores improved significantly (p<0.05) at T1 and T2 in both groups. The POMA gait score (4.20±1.37 at T1, 4.87±1.36 at T2) and TUG (4.52±4.30 at T1, 5.73±4.97 at T2) significantly improved (p<0.05) only in the intervention group. The changes in total POMA score and BBS of the intervention group (7.20±2.37, 7.47±3.07) improved more significantly (p<0.05) between T0 and T2 than the control group (2.53±2.10, 2.87±2.53).
Conclusion
Our study showed that AGT enhances dynamic balance and gait speed and effectively lowers fall risk in stroke patients. Compared to conventional gait therapy, AGT would improve gait function and balance in stroke patients more effectively.

Citations

• Reporting of Adverse Events in Studies Involving Treadmill Gait Training After Stroke: A Systematic Review
  Jesimiel Missias de Souza, Daiane Carla Rodrigues Cardoso, Stephano Tomaz da Silva, Josicleide Araújo de Azevedo, Samara Katiane Rolim de Oliveira, Lorenna Raquel Dantas de Macedo Borges, Larissa Araújo Gomes, Maria Amanda Ferreira Quirino, Tatiana Souza
  NeuroRehabilitation: An International, Interdisciplinary Journal.2025; 56(3): 274.     CrossRef
• Effectiveness of Anti-Gravity Treadmill Exercise After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
  Elina Jääskeläinen, Mikko Manninen, Heikki Hurri, Mikko Rantasalo, Yun Zhou, Hannu Kautiainen, Leena Ristolainen
  JMIR Research Protocols.2025; 14: e59935.     CrossRef
• Optimizing Rehabilitation Outcomes for Stroke Survivors: The Impact of Speed and Slope Adjustments in Anti-Gravity Treadmill Training
  Jung-Ho Lee, Eun-Ja Kim
  Medicina.2024; 60(4): 542.     CrossRef
• Increased trailing limb angle in hemiplegic patients after training with a knee orthosis: A randomized controlled trial
  Shun Ito, Hiroaki Abe, Toru Okanuka, Kosuke Nanka, Takuma Nagasawa, Kazuto Oki, Yoshimi Suzukamo, Shin-Ichi Izumi
  NeuroRehabilitation.2024; 54(3): 485.     CrossRef
• General Treatments Promoting Independent Living in Parkinson’s Patients and Physical Therapy Approaches for Improving Gait—A Comprehensive Review
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  Medicina.2024; 60(5): 711.     CrossRef
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  Ribka Theresia, Farid Rahman
  Fizjoterapia Polska.2024; 24(3): 350.     CrossRef
• Simulating space walking: a systematic review on anti-gravity technology in neurorehabilitation
  Mirjam Bonanno, Maria Grazia Maggio, Angelo Quartarone, Alessandro Marco De Nunzio, Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
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• The Safety and Feasibility of Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill Training in Individuals with Chronic Stroke: An Exploratory Study
  Sattam M. Almutairi, Moodhi M. Alfouzan, Taghreed S. Almutairi, Hatem A. Alkaabi, Misoon T. AlMulaifi, Marzouq K. Almutairi, Faisal K. Alhuthaifi, Chad Swank
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• The Effectiveness of Lower-Body Positive Pressure Treadmill Gait Training on Mobility Function and Quality of Life in Individuals with Chronic Stroke: Prospective Cohort Study
  Sattam Almutairi
  Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health Studies.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
• A robotic treadmill system to mimic overground walking training with body weight support
  Jongbum Kim, Seunghue Oh, Yongjin Jo, James Hyungsup Moon, Jonghyun Kim
  Frontiers in Neurorobotics.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Lower body positive pressure treadmill gait training for neurological patients: a systematic review
  Sattam M. Almutairi
  Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef