Treadmill Training With Thera-Band in Stroke Patients

Background: The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of treadmill training with Thera-Band on depression, mobility, balance, and gait in stroke patients. Methods: This single-blind randomized controlled trial included 40 patients with hemiparesis (53.57±4.3 years). After assessment, patients were randomly assigned in two groups as intervention (Treadmill training + Thera-Band) and controls (Treadmill training). Before the intervention, participants in both groups received 30 minutes of convansional therapy and 30 minute treadmill training three times a week for 8 weeks. Intervention group additionally received Thera Band on both lower extremities. Patients' mobility levels were assessed using the Rivermead Motor Assessment Index (RMD), balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), lower extremity spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), depression levels using the Back Depression Scale, and gait ability using the footprint method on powdered ground. Assessments were repeated before and after 8 weeks of treatment. Key words: stroke, rehabilitation, balance, mobility, depression, treadmill, Thera-Band