| Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of blood flow restriction combined with suspension training on lower limb function and walking ability in stroke patients. Methods: A total of 40 stroke patients were randomly divided into the combined group (n=20) and the suspension group (n=20). Both groups received conventional rehabilitation training, while the suspension group additionally received suspension exercise therapy, and the combined group received blood flow restriction treatment in addition to suspension exercise therapy. The 10-meter walk test, Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment, maximum body displacement, modified Barthel index, and Gaitwatch three-dimensional gait analysis were conducted before and after 4 weeks of treatment. The Gaitwatch analysis was done to measure step length, walking speed, stance phase, swing phase, and joint angle changes during the entire gait cycle. Results: After treatment, except for the maximum flexion angle of the hip joint, which only showed effectiveness in the combined group compared to before treatment, both groups showed a significant reduction in the 10-meter walking test, and the proportion of support time on the affected side and on both sides (P<0.05). There were also significant increases before treatment in the Fugl-Meyer lower limb motor function, maximum body displacement, Barthel index, maximum knee flexion angle, walking speed, and walking frequency (P<0.05). The combined group showed shorter 10-meter walking time and lower proportion of support time on the affected side and on both sides than the suspension group (P<0.05), and higher maximum body displacement, walking speed, and walking frequency than the suspension group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Blood flow restriction combined with suspension training can effectively improve lower limb function and enhance lower limb walking ability in stroke patients. |
