Editorial
We hope you enjoy this edition of the In Step With Newsletter. We are pleased to introduce neuro clinician Cyndi Simmons, DPT from Baltimore, MD. Cyndi reviewed this issue's research report, Enhanced gait-related improvements after therapist- versus robotic-assisted locomotor training in subject with chronic stroke- a randomized controlled study, by Hornby, et al.
We strive to bring you the latest in clinical research and encourage an active dialogue of what is working in your clinic & in your practice on our user forum LiteGait.org.
Introduction by Cyndi Simmons, PT, DPT
As a clinician who has worked briefly with a robotic-assisted device and more extensively with a therapist-assisted device, I feel that the two are dramatically different in the experience that the patient receives. Therapist-assisted devices allow for manual facilitation by a therapist to occur in a timely fashion depending on what muscle should be firing and when. They allow for the translation and rotation that are inherent to normal gait mechanics to occur and require a much more active role in the patient. This article does a respectable job of supporting what many of us know to be true from a clinical perspective about therapist-supported devices; being that while they may be more physically demanding on the therapists, the hands-on, timely facilitation of a therapist far surpasses that of the constant contact of a robotic device.
Research
Enhanced gait-related improvements after therapist- versus robotic-assisted locomotor training in subject with chronic stroke- a randomized controlled study. Stroke; 39: 1786-1792
Hornby GT, Campbell DD, Kahn JH, Demott R, Moore JL, Roth HR. (2008)
Summary by Cyndi Simmons, PT, DPT
In a randomized controlled study on locomotor training (LT) conducted by Hornby et al regarding gait related improvements in subjects with chronic stroke, it was concluded that when comparing body weight supported (BWS) gait training over a treadmill, therapist-assisted locomotor training facilitated greater improvements in walking ability as compared to robotic-assisted locomotor training.
The objective of this study was to determine the degree of gait-related gains achieved after therapist-versus robotic-assisted LT in individuals with severe to moderate gait dysfunction post-stroke. The design was a prospective study in which ambulatory subjects with chronic hemiparesis were randomly divided into 2 groups and provided with 12 LT sessions that were either robotic-assisted (Lokomat) or manually facilitated. Of importance is that, by design, the Lokomat offered symmetrical guidance of gait for both LEs while the manual facilitation offered assistance-as-needed to the paretic limb only to ensure continuous walking (though not necessarily facilitation for normal kinematics). Read More
Education
Train the Trainer 2009
Mobility Research believes that the key to successful LiteGait® use is a well trained clinician. Once again our most recent Train the Trainer Workshop was a complete success . A new group of trainers have been proficiently educated in becoming part of our existing team of LiteGait Trainers. During this workshop our new trainers reviewed the rationale and clinical protocols of partial weight bearing gait therapy. They also participated in a hands on practice session with various devices and patients. You can meet all of our trainers by visiting our trainers web page.
Meet the Trainer
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Doris Chong, PT, MSc, NCS
MR: Why/How did you choose to become a LiteGait Trainer?
Doris: I use LiteGait a lot at work and have seen great benefits to the recovery of patients' gait. I would love to be able to share my successful experience with other clinicians and being a LiteGait trainer is definitely the most effective way to do it.
MR: What would you consider the most rewarding aspect of being a trainer?
Doris: Teaching this evidence-based treatment approach to clinicians, showing them the different treatment options they can utilize with the device.
See the Complete Interview Here
Meet All of Our Current Trainers |
Users' Corner
Norma Lee - LiteGait User
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"Hi There,
This picture is of my daughter, Norma Lee, she was in a car wreck, 14 years ago (JUNE 3, 1994) she had traumatic brain injury. They told us she would probably never do a thing. she can use her right side hardly at all, but she is talking, eating by the mouth and trying to learn to walk with the help of the LiteGait and her therapist,
She has learned to move her right leg and pick it up off the floor about 2 inches. We have had her walking on the treadmill and balancing on an exercise ball while in the LiteGait. She has made tremendous progress. We are very grateful to have it."
JOYCE LEE- HER MOM
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SWAN Rehabilitation - A National Resource
Phoenix, Arizona
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SWAN Rehabilitation, based in Phoenix, Arizona, is nationally renowned as a provider of cutting edge physical and occupational therapy for stroke survivors. It was established in 2001 by Kay Wing, P.T., whose dream was to provide evidence based therapies in a community clinic.
From the onset SWAN Rehab has based its therapy on the latest scientific evidence in stroke rehabilitation. Regardless of the huge volume of research over the last 15 years which demonstrated intensive therapy was required for recovery from stroke and other neurological diseases, therapies for stroke recovery for the most part continued to be based on a traditional pattern of three times per week for one hour for a limited number of weeks. This is partly due to insurance reimbursement which drives therapy rather than the latest scientific evidence. However, all research demonstrates that intensive, repetitive training is required for stroke recovery.
Read More Here
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Did You Know?
Mobility Research provides a forum for clinicians to post their specific questions, success stories, experiences and ideas related to patient treatment and LiteGait use. Membership is free to all LiteGait users and other clinicians, and we welcome your participation. Visit
LiteGait.org to register today! All you need is a valid email address to join. And as always, your e-mail and any other information will not be shared.
Just Posted ⇒ Clinical FAQs with answers are now available at
LiteGait.org.
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Upcoming Events
InServices
Mobility Research is currently scheduling educational sales presentations throughout the U.S. Please call 800-332-9255 to schedule an appointment, or click to submit a request.
Visit us at:
APTA Conference
Baltimore Convention Center
Baltimore, MD
June 11 - 13, 2009
Gait Therapy Seminar
Pro-Med Technologies
Kwun Tong, Kowloon -
Hong Kong
July 10-12, 2009
AAPM&R
Austin Convention Center
Austin, TX
October 23 - 25, 2009
NYPTA Conference
Saratogoa Hilton Hotel, Saratoga Springs, NY
October 23 - 24, 2009 |
Products
GaitSens - Built in gait and stance analysis system
The GaitSens™ system is an accurate, user-friendly system for gait analysis. The measuring system consists of a treadmill (the GaitKeeper™ 2000T) with an installed force plattform. 5,376
high-quality, calibrated force sensors arranged in a matrix allows the analysis of force and pressure distribution during standing, walking and running.
All data from the sensor unit are transmitted by USB interface to a computer. A report with the most popular gait parameters is automatically generated.
See More Here
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