The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sit-to-stand training with visual interactive foot pressure feedback on weight bearing symmetry and muscle temporal features of lower extremity in people with chronic stroke as compared with conventional STS training.
This study was a randomized single blinded (assessor) controlled trial with pretest and posttest design. A total 18 participants with chronic stroke were recruited and randomly allocated to the interactive foot pressure feedback STS training group (experimental group) or the traditional STS training group (control group). Each training session was 30 minutes, 2 to 3 sessions per week, 3 to 5 weeks, for a total of 9 sessions. Outcomes of STS performance included STS duration, weight bearing symmetry, COP pathway and muscle temporal features of lower extremity, measured by the foot pressure assessment system and electromyography, respectively. Outcomes of gait performance included walking speed and step time/length symmetry, which were measured by the GAITRite® system. Baseline data were compared between two groups using the Chi-square test, independent t test or Mann–Whitney U test. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used for repeated measurement of all outcomes. Statistical significance level was set at p0.05. Multiple comparison correction was used for post-hoc analysis. The intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis was used for the missing data.
After 9 sessions of STS training with interactive foot pressure feedback, there were significant within-group improvements in STS duration (p0.05) and weight-bearing asymmetry ratio (p0.05). The mediolateral COP pathway length indicated a trend of decrease (p=0.054). There were also significant post-test changes in muscle onset time of tibialis anterior, onset and peak time of soleus and rectus femoris, and peak time of bicep femoris in the affected side (p0.05). Moreover, walking speed also significantly increased compared to pre-treatment (p0.05). However, there was no significant group difference in any outcome measured.
The study demonstrated that incorporating interactive foot pressure feedback during STS training improved the weight-bearing symmetry and onset time of soleus and rectus femoris, decreased the STS duration and walking speed in people with chronic stroke.
Interactive foot pressure feedback during STS training exerted effects in normalizing the weight-bearing symmetry and neuromuscular control of knee and ankle joint during STS even in people with chronic stroke.
Weight bearing symmetry
Muscle temporal features
