Gait Parameters After Using the Tilt-table Exercise and Motor Imagery.

Sixty-six stroke patients were randomly assigned to three groups (conventional, with the addition of the Erigo®Pro table, and enriched with motor imagery). The Trunk Stability Test, walking speed, step symmetry, and lower limb load symmetry on the Riablo device, as well as the superficial tension of the transverse abdominis and multifidus muscles, were assessed before and after completing therapy.

Results: In each of the groups studied, the therapies used significantly improved the functional assessment of trunk stability (Trunk Control Test <0.001)). Additionally, after the intervention, the Erigo group showed a greater gait speed (p=0.003), while the Visualization group exhibited a higher level of tension in the multifidus (p=0.011) and transverse abdominal muscles (p=0.002).

Inclusion criteria

• 1) patients 6-8 weeks post-stroke,
• 2) aged 38-85 years, mean,
• 3) males and females,
• 4) walking with or without assistance (modified Rankin scale = 3),
• 5) with slight neurological deficits (NIHSS ≤7).

Exclusion criteria

• 1) stroke up to six weeks after the episode,
• 2) epilepsy,
• 3) no possibility to sit and stand,
• 4) persistent deficit of speech and cognitive functions, lack of attention,
• 5) visual disturbances,
• 6) depression,
• 7) high or very low blood pressure, dizziness, malaise.