Effect of active over-ground body weight-support walking system on balance and gait ability in stroke: A randomized controlled trial

Background Restoring gait is essential for stroke rehabilitation to support patients’ return to independent living. Objective To examine the effects of gait training using an active over-ground body weight-support walking system (GT-AOGBWSWS) on balance and gait in stroke patients. Methods In this RCT, 26 chronic stroke patients were randomized to either the GT-AOGBWSWS ( n = 13) or conventional gait training (CGT) ( n = 13) groups. Both groups underwent gait training—GT-AOGBWSWS with Andago ® and CGT—alongside a standard rehabilitation program, totaling 105 minutes daily, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG), and gait was assessed using the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) and 10-meter walk test (10MWT). Results Both groups showed significant post-intervention improvements in balance and gait ( p <0.05), though the GT-AOGBWSWS group had significantly greater improvements in BBS (18.82% vs 6.8%), TUG (13.61% vs 5.27%), DGI (15.18% vs 7.61%), and 10MWT (19.55% vs 3.71%) compared to the CGT group. Conclusions GT-AOGBWSWS shows promise for enhancing balance and gait in stroke patients. These findings highlight the potential of active over-ground body weight-supported walking systems as an effective intervention for stroke rehabilitation. Future large-scale RCTs are warranted to further validate these results and to explore the mechanisms and patient characteristics that optimize treatment outcomes.