Abstract: ObjectiveTo study the effect of partial body-weight support and treadmill training in subacute stroke patients.Methods40 stroke patients were randomly arranged into 3 groups: group A (n=14) accepted 8 weeks of routine physical therapy, group B (n=13) accepted additional 6 weeks partial body-weight support and treadmill training at the 3rd week, group C (n=13) accepted additional 3 weeks partial body-weight support and treadmill training at the 6th week. The patients were evaluated with Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Physical Performance(FMA), Barthel Idex(BI) and the Berg Balance Scale(BBS). ResultsThe functional outcome of the initial evaluation with FMA, BI and BBS were no-significantly different, 8 weeks later, that of group B were better than that of group A and group C (P<0.05～0.01), and that of group C were better than that of group A (P<0.05).ConclusionEarly treatment of partial body-weight support and treadmill training can help to improve the lower extremities function.

Key words: partial body-weight support, stroke, hemiplegia, motorial function