Articles
A Randomized, Controlled Crossover
Study of the NuStep on Lower Limb Impairment and
Function in Stroke (Research Summary)
Stephen J. Page, Ph.D., Senior Investigator
Stroke is the leading cause
of disability in the United States, with most survivors
exhibiting motor disabilities that persist over
the lifetime, and usually compromise ability to
perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and quality
of life.
Results from our lab and others show that more
affected limb training regimens can significantly
improve function and reduce impairment. Because
a single neural mechanism is thought to control
spatial and temporal aspects of both limbs, researchers
have consistently reported that bilateral training
is greatly preferred throughout the lifespan. This
is because, when performing a movement together,
the two limbs are automatically spatially and temporally
constrained such that they behave as a coordinated
unit.
It has also been speculated that bilateral practice
may facilitate coactivation and interhemispheric
activation for asymmetric movements to be more
easily developed, which could elicit functional
improvements on the more affected side.
Using a multiple baseline, pre-post, randomized
controlled design, this study evaluates the efficacy
of the NuStep in reducing impairment and improving
balance and walking-related variables in individuals > 6
months post stroke.
We hypothesize that this recumbent, bilateral
training strategy will result in greater reductions
in impairment and improvements in function than
a control intervention.
For more information email Stephen J. Page at
pagesj@ucmail.uc.
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