Mossberg KA, Orlander EE, Norcross JL
The primary goal of body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) has been to improve the temporal and spatial characteristics of unsupported overground walking; however, little attention has been given to cardiorespiratory adaptations. The purpose of this case report is to describe the effects of BWSTT on cardiorespiratory fitness in 2 patients recovering from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Each patient received 2 to 3 sessions of BWSTT per week. Aerobic capacity was measured while they ambulated on a treadmill without body-weight support before and after BWSTT. Both patients' submaximal and peak responses improved. The observations made on these 2 patients suggest that BWSTT has the potential to favorably change cardiorespiratory capacity after TBI.
Physical Therapy, Oct 2007, online article ahead of print