Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the efficiency of vision-obscured versus vision-retained treadmill gait training in subacute post-stroke patients.
Methodology: Thirty-six patients with stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) less than six months old will be included and randomized into two parallel groups. The experimental group will undergo treadmill gait training using an opaque mask, combined with body weight reduction (Lite Gait® harness). The control group will follow the same walking protocol, but with their eyes open. Each session will last 20 minutes, integrated into one hour of rehabilitation, at a rate of three sessions per week for six weeks. Assessment will include single- and double-task walking speed, balance parameters and proprioception.
Expected results: The hypothesis is that visual deprivation will stimulate the proprioceptive and vestibular systems to a greater extent, resulting in benefits for postural balance, walking and proprioception. The main hypothesis will be the improvement in the difference between single-task and double-task walking speed. Analyses will be conducted on an intention-to-treat basis, using statistical tests adapted to the nature of the variables.
Conclusion: This study could highlight the value of temporary visual suppression as a therapeutic lever in stroke rehabilitation.
18 years of age or older,
With a confirmed diagnosis of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke in sub-acute phase (stroke less than 6 months old),
With NIHSS scores between 1 and 15 and MoCA scores between 18 and 30
With a physiotherapy prescription for post Stroke rehabilitation
Patients weighing over 200 kg (maximum weight permitted for use of the Lite Gait ®),
Best corrected visual acuity below 5/10 on patient examination
Homonymous lateral hemianopia, quadranopia.
Inability to physically participate in intensive rehabilitation due to severe, unstabilized and comorbidities (heart, lung, kidney disease or diabetes), severe psychiatric disorders cancer active or under treatment.
Parallel
Hiding the eyes
Procedure/SurgeryPatients will participate in walking rehabilitation sessions on a treadmill supported by a Lite Gait® harness. All treadmill sessions are consistent with regular rehabilitation sessions. A typical treadmill walking session will take place 3 times a week for 6 weeks, lasting 20 minutes. During the first minute, the speed of the treadmill is gradually increased until a comfortable speed is reached. From then on, the mask will be placed over the patient's eyes for 18 minutes at a constant, i.e. comfortable, speed. The last minute will be devoted to gradually decreasing the treadmill speed until it stops, and will also be performed without the mask.
Dual-task walking speed assessment
Speed (m/s) The dual-task walking speed assessment measures how well a person walks while simultaneously performing a cognitive or motor task. It helps identify changes in gait speed and stability when attention is divided, revealing potential fall risk or cognitive-motor interference.
Gait Speed assessment
Gait speed (m/s)
Average step duration evaluation
Average step duration (s)
Gait symmetry evaluation
Gait symmetry (%)
Cycle duration variability evaluation
Cycle duration variability (%)
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