Cochrane Review Confirms Benefits of Electromechanical Gait Training After Stroke

THERAPY-Magazin

Current Cochrane Review once again confirms effectiveness of electromechanical gait training

The updated Cochrane Review affirms that early electromechanical gait training significantly improves walking independence in stroke rehab. Best results occur within 3 months post-stroke. Further research on training dosage needed.

Redaktion

THERAPY Magazin

In the update to the Cochrane Review, which was first published in 2007, the working group led by Jan Mehrholz confirms the effectiveness of electromechanical-assisted gait training in post-stroke rehabilitation based on comprehensive meta-analyses. Following stringent quality criteria in their literature research, the scientists were able to consider a total of 36 randomised controlled trials involving 1,472 patients that compared electromechanical gait training with conventional treatment methods.

The results show that electromechanical gait training has significant effects on the ability to walk. Stroke patients who receive electromechanical gait training in combination with physiotherapy have a greater chance of regaining the ability to walk independently than patients who only undergo conventional gait training as part of physiotherapy.

The strongest effects are seen in patients who begin the training process at a very early stage

According to the authors, one in every five to seven walking impairments could be avoided through the systematic use of electromechanical gait trainers. The strongest effects are seen in patients who begin the training process at a very early stage, i.e. in the first three months after a stroke, and who are not able to walk at the beginning of the therapy. There are still many questions regarding the amount, frequency and duration of training. The authors believe that further research is needed here.

The integration of these modern treatment methods into practice also poses a challenge for clinics. There are still only few who succeed in putting the recommendations of science, research and internationally recognised guidelines into practice.

Ambulante Rehabilitation

Fachkreise

Gait

lyra

Science

Stationäre Rehabilitation

THERAPY 2018-I

THERAPY Magazine

Redaktion

THERAPY Magazin

References:

Mehrholz J, Thomas S, Werner C, Kugler J, Pohl M, Elsner B. Electromechanical-assisted training for walking after stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;CD006185. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006185.

Meet our specialists.

Are you interested in our solutions? Schedule a meeting with a Consultant to talk through your strategy and understand how TEHRA-Trainer can help you to advance rehabilitation.

First name*

Last name*

Company

Phone

Email*

Country (To ensure that your request is answered quickly, please select the correct country.)

Message

* Required fields

I want to subscribe to THERA-Trainer's blog and newsletter promotions (optional)

I hereby consent to the storage and processing of my personal data provided in the contact form by medica Medizintechnik GmbH for the purpose of processing/answering my inquiry in accordance with the Privacy Policy.

Related contents

Meet our specialists.