Balance Improvement and Fall Risk Reduction in Stroke Survivors After Treatment With a Wearable Home-Use Gait Device: Single-Arm Longitudinal Study With 1-Year Follow-Up
Abstract BackgroundFalls are a common and serious problem after stroke, often leading to injuries, loss of independence, and increased health care usage. Functional balance, a primary risk factor for falls, is frequently impaired in individuals with hemiparetic gait impairment...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JMIR Publications
2025-08-01
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| Series: | JMIR Formative Research |
| Online Access: | https://formative.jmir.org/2025/1/e67297 |
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| Summary: | Abstract
BackgroundFalls are a common and serious problem after stroke, often leading to injuries, loss of independence, and increased health care usage. Functional balance, a primary risk factor for falls, is frequently impaired in individuals with hemiparetic gait impairments. Previous research with the iStride gait device (Moterum Technologies, Inc) showed that functional balance improved immediately following 4 weeks of treatment. However, the long-term retention of these effects remains unknown and could improve the management of balance and mobility impairments after stroke.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the long-term functional balance effects of treatment with the gait device for individuals with hemiparetic gait impairments from stroke.
MethodsEighteen individuals with chronic stroke (9 male, 9 female, mean age 57 years, and 60 months post stroke) participated in twelve 30-minute treatment sessions with the gait device. During each treatment session, the device was worn on the less affected lower extremity during overground ambulation in the participant’s home. All treatment and assessments were overseen by licensed physical therapists. Functional balance was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) at baseline and 5 posttreatment follow-ups: 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after treatment. Balance improvement was analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA from baseline to each follow-up time frame, correlation analysis, comparison to each outcome’s minimal detectable change (MDC) value, evaluation of fall risk classification changes, and subjective questionnaires.
ResultsParticipants retained statistically significant improvements on the BBS, TUG, and FGA compared with baseline at all posttreatment time frames (P
ConclusionsThe findings of this study indicate that treatment with the gait device may result in long-term functional balance improvement for individuals with hemiparetic gait impairments from stroke. Larger, controlled studies are recommended to confirm these findings. |
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| ISSN: | 2561-326X |