Ambulation training with and without partial weightbearing after traumatic brain injury: results of a randomized, controlled trial.

Abstract

To test the hypothesis that 8 wks of partial weight-bearing gait retraining improves functional ambulation to a greater extent than traditional physical therapy in individuals after traumatic brain injury. A randomized, open-label, controlled, cohort study was conducted at two inpatient university-based rehabilitation hospitals. A total of 38 adults with a primary diagnosis of traumatic brain injury and significant gait abnormalities received either 8 wks of standard physical therapy or physical therapy supplemented with partial weight-bearing gait training twice weekly. Significant (P < 0.05) improvements were detected in both groups on Functional Ambulation Category, Standing Balance Scale, Rivermead Mobility Index, and FIM. However, no differences were found between the treatment groups. Results did not support the hypothesis that 8 wks of partial weight-bearing gait retraining improves functional ambulation to a greater extent than traditional physical therapy in individuals after traumatic brain injury based on common clinical measures.