Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of leg cycle ergometer on walking ability of stroke patients with hemiplegia at convalescent period.Methods Seventy patients with hemiplegia after stroke for 3 to 6 months with a certain walking capability were randomly divided into the treatment group and control group with 35 cases in each group.The control group was treated with routine rehabilitation training;the treatment group was added with leg cycle ergometer training.All patients in the two groups were assessed with simplified Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA),Berg Balance Scale(BBS),ambulation capacity(walking time in 10 meters and walking distance in 6 minutes and Holden's functional ambulance classification),changes of spasticity,and the ability of daily living(ADL)at the time of begin and 6 weeks later.Results The motor function of lower extremity,balance performance,walking capability and ADL of the patients in two groups improved(P<0.05)after 6 weeks' treatment,but the therapeutic effect of the treatment group was better than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The application of leg cycle ergometer combined with routine rehabilitation training can distinctly improve the motor function of lower extremity,balance performance,walking ability and ADL for patients after stroke.

Key words: stroke, leg cycle ergometer, walking ability