Effect of Task Related Training versus Conventional Training on Walking Performances in Post Stroke Patients

BACKGROUND: Gait is a factor that affects majority of patients with stroke. Patients are able to walk independently but not efficiently. There are variations in events of gait cycle. Patients lack Flexibility in their performances. Moreover walking abnormally increases energy expenditure, decreases Biomechanical efficiency, reduces self esteem and not good esthetically. There is no any specific technique that will bring Gait patterns back to normal. OBJECTIVES: 1. To find whether Task Related Training is better to improve Walking performances 2. To find whether Conventional Training is better to improve walking performances 3. To find Effects of Task Related Training and conventional training on walking performances. METHODS: 30 subjects were included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Written consent was taken from each. They were splitted into two groups. Group A: Task Related Training (8m+4f) and Group B: Conventional training (7m+6f).5 subjects were lost in follow up. Interventions were given for 4 weeks and changes in spatial (stride length, step length), temporal (cadence, speed) and two Minute walk test were noted. RESULTS: The results showed statistically significant improvement in spatial and temporal variables in task related training group and speed was reversed in conventional training group. CONCLUSION: Study concluded that task related training was significantly effective in improving walking performances. Conventional training is effective in reversing the speed. However task related training can be useful in improving quality of gait including performances in society level.