Integrated tactile, auditory, and visual prompting may beneficially affect post-stroke gait rehabilitation, by inducing improvements in gait pattern, symmetry, body balance, and walking speed.
Key Findings
Results
At the end of the ten-session program, step length asymmetry decreased such that there was no statistically significant difference in mean step length between the paretic and non-paretic lower limb.
p = 0.002 for the comparison of mean step length between paretic and non-paretic lower limbs at program end
Nine patients with hemiparesis at an early stage post-stroke were included
The program consisted of ten gait training sessions with the assistive device, each session lasting 30 minutes
Participants walked at self-selected pace and wore their own orthotic devices
Results
The mean value of limb weight-bearing symmetry index was significantly lower compared to baseline after the rehabilitation program.
p = 0.0001 for the improvement in lower limb weight-bearing symmetry index compared to baseline
Improvement was shown in the distribution of lower limb weight-bearing in a standing position
A symmetry index was calculated for both step length and lower limb weight-bearing
Results
Improved gait parameters were observed when acoustic and visual prompting was applied alone or in combination with tactile prompting.
The novel assistive device provided integrated visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli
Stimuli informed patients about lower limb weight-bearing and step length symmetry
Gait speed, step length, gait phase duration, and cadence were measured using a markerless 3D system
Methods
A markerless 3D system was applied to assess gait parameters in stroke survivors using the novel assistive device.
Nine patients with hemiparesis at an early stage post-stroke were included in the study
Gait speed, step length, gait phase duration, and cadence were measured
A symmetry index was calculated for step length and lower limb weight-bearing
Participants walked at self-selected pace wearing their own orthotic devices
Background
Post-stroke gait is characterized by reduced walking speed, impaired stability, and asymmetry, which the novel device was designed to address.
The device was designed to aid gait training in stroke survivors
The device provided integrated visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli
Stimuli specifically informed patients about lower limb weight-bearing and step length symmetry
What This Means
This research describes a new assistive device designed to help stroke survivors relearn how to walk more symmetrically. The device gives patients three types of real-time feedback simultaneously — visual cues (something they can see), auditory cues (sounds), and tactile cues (touch sensations) — to inform them about how evenly they are distributing their weight between their two legs and whether their step lengths are balanced. Nine stroke patients with weakness on one side of the body (hemiparesis) participated in ten 30-minute training sessions using the device, and their walking was assessed using a markerless 3D motion capture system.
This research suggests that using the device led to meaningful improvements in walking symmetry. By the end of the program, the difference in step length between the weaker (paretic) leg and the stronger leg was no longer statistically significant, and patients showed considerably better balance in how they distributed their body weight across both legs while standing. Notably, these improvements were observed when the sound and visual feedback were used on their own as well as when all three types of feedback were combined.
This matters because walking problems after stroke — such as limping, slow speed, and poor balance — significantly affect quality of life and increase the risk of falls. This research suggests that combining multiple types of sensory feedback in a single rehabilitation device could be an effective way to improve these walking problems in the early stages after stroke, potentially offering a practical tool to supplement traditional physiotherapy.
Drużbicki M, Kordos A, Kordos D, Guzik A. (2026). Design and assessment of the feasibility of a diagnostic and rehabilitation device for gait re-education.. Acta of bioengineering and biomechanics. https://doi.org/10.37190/abb/224359