Effectiveness of Cueing of Cadence with Ambulation Training in Hemiplegic Stroke Patients

Monica  G; Prathap S uganthirababu S; Anitha  Arul

doi:10.18502/jimc.v9i3.21825

Monica G Department of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Prathap S uganthirababu S Department of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Anitha Arul Department of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v9i3.21825

Keywords: Gait, Health care costs, Hemiplegia, Quality of life, Stroke, Stroke rehabilitation, Walking

Abstract

Background: Stroke remains a significant global health challenge, causing long-term impairments that substantially impact patients’ quality of life and healthcare costs. Hemiplegia, characterized by paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, particularly challenges rehabilitation efforts, especially in restoring gait and mobility. This study investigates the effectiveness of cadence cueing in ambulation training for post-hemiplegic stroke patients.

Methods: The research employed an experimental design involving 30 hemiplegic stroke patients divided into two groups: a conventional gait training group (n=15) and an experimental cadence cueing group (n=15). Both groups underwent a 4-week intervention, with the experimental group receiving specialized rhythmic auditory and visual cueing during ambulation training. The Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) was used to assess gait, balance, and fall risk.

Results: The findings suggested that cadence cueing with ambulation training offers a promising approach to improving gait and balance in hemiplegic stroke patients. It demonstrated statistically significant improvements in both groups, with the experimental group exhibiting substantially greater enhancements. The post-test mean values were 19.8 for the conventional group and 21.06 for the experimental group, with p-values <0.5 indicating significant statistical differences.

Conclusion: This study contributed valuable insights into innovative rehabilitation strategies, highlighting the potential of cadence cueing as a supplementary technique in stroke rehabilitation protocols.