Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of underwater treadmill training (UWTT) on patients with hemiplegia after stroke. Methods Based on routine rehabilitation, 15 hemiplegic patients after stroke were treated with UWTT system 20 min/d, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Walking distance and speed in water were tested before and after UWTT. Dynamic balance function and static balance function were also assessed by Active Balancer assessment. Results All the items improved significantly after treatment (P<0.01), except deflection center displacement of X and Y axis (P>0.05). Conclusion UWTT can improve the walking ability and balance function of hemiplegic patients after stroke.

Key words: underwater treadmill training, hemiplegia, balance function, walking ability