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Relavent Research

EFFECT OF UNDERWATER TREADMILL GAIT TRAINING WITH WATER-JET RESISTANCE ON BALANCE AND GAIT ABILITY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC STROKE: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED PILOT TRIAL 

This research aimed to study the effects of underwater treadmill training using water-jet resistance on the legs and underwater treadmill training with ankle weights on the walking balance and ability of chronic stroke patients. The study includes 22 participants, aged approximately 45-55 years, divided into two groups. One group utilizes water-jet resistance with a flow rate of 442 liters per minute, and the other group uses ankle weights equivalent to 5% of their body weight. The speed of water flow is controlled between 1-4 meters per second, and the water level is positioned at the calf region. The water temperature is maintained at 34 ºC. Participants walk on the underwater treadmill for 30 minutes, 5 days a week, over 4 weeks. The study uses the Balance System SD to assess balance and the GAITRite system to evaluate walking speed, cadence, , stride length, and swing phase. Overall, the research findings indicate that underwater treadmill training with water-jet resistance significantly improves balance and walking ability in chronic stroke patients when compared to the group using ankle weights. This method is seen as beneficial for rehabilitation and assessing the potential of stroke patients in the future.