Narasaki (2019) Aquatic treadmill walking at three depths of water in people with traumatic brain injury

Aquatic Treadmill Walking at Different Depths for Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Objective: Analyzing Aquatic Treadmill Walking

The study focused on analyzing the kinematic and spatiotemporal characteristics of aquatic treadmill walking. It involved individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), exploring how different water depths affect their gait.

Methods: Diverse Water Depths and Gait Analysis

Thirteen individuals with TBI participated. They undertook walking trials at varying depths – waist, chest, and neck levels, adjusted using a movable floor pool. The walking speed was self-selected at waist level and maintained across all trials. A specialized underwater motion analysis system captured each participant’s gait, analyzed using two-dimensional motion analysis software.

Results: Significant Variations in Gait Across Depths

To conclude there are significant differences were observed in various gait parameters across the three water depths. Key differences included the stance swing ratio, peak hip flexion, hip range of motion, and peak ankle dorsiflexion. These findings imply that the water’s properties, coupled with motor impairments, significantly alter gait kinematics in individuals with TBI.

Conclusion: Ideal Water Depths for Gait Training

The study suggests that neck-depth water may limit essential aspects of gait, such as hip flexion and ankle dorsiflexion. Therefore, it’s advised to use waist to chest-depth water for aquatic gait rehabilitation, providing a more suitable environment for individuals with TBI.

Keywords: Aquatic Treadmill, Gait Kinematics, Partial Weight Bearing, Traumatic Brain Injury

Keyphrase: Aquatic Treadmill Walking in TBI Rehabilitation