Abstract: Objective To compare the effect of underwater treadmill training (UWTT), body weight support treadmill training (BWSTT) and conventional gait training (CGT) for walking ability and balance function in hemiplegic patients after stroke. Methods 43 patients were divided into CGT group (n=14), BWSTT group (n=13) and UWTT group (n=16). Based on conventional gait training, the UWTT group and BWSTT group respectively accepted UWTT and BWSTT for 4 weeks. They were assessed with Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), maximum walking speed (MWS), 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and dynamic balance function and static balance function with Active Balancer before and after training. Results All the patients improved in all items after training (P<0.05), while the UWTT group improved more in the 6MWT and balance function items than the BWSTT group (P<0.05). Conclusion UWTT is more effective for hemiplegic patients after stroke in walking ability and balance function than BWSTT.

Key words: stroke, hemiplegia, underwater treadmill training, body weight support treadmill training, rehabilitation, walking, balance