Gait training

In its most general form, Gait training is the act of learning how to walk. However, the term is more often used in reference to a person learning how to walk again after injury or with a disability. Physical therapists, or physiotherapists, generally helps their patients with gait training. [http://health.enotes.com/nursing-encyclopedia/gait-training]

Gait training can take a number of forms, but repetition of the actual motions performed during walking is the most important factor. Parallel bars are often used to help with gait training. They involve a person walking between two handrails to support themselves, often with the therapist either helping to support the patient or physically moving the patients legs.

In recent years there have been advancements in how the patient can increase the duration of therapy safely to make for more effective treatment. Body-weight support systems or unweighting devices are starting to become more and more popular and have been the subject of much study. [http://stroke.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/29/6/1122]

Gait training can be useful for people with the following conditions:
* Amputation
* Osteoarthritis
* Muscular Dystrophy
* Cerebral Palsy
* Brain/Spinal Cord injuries
* After surgery
* Sports injury

References

* [http://health.enotes.com/nursing-encyclopedia/gait-training E-notes Nursing Encyclopedia] Retrieved on January 28, 2008.
* [http://stroke.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/29/6/1122 A New Approach to Retrain Gait in Stroke Patients Through Body Weight Support and Treadmill Stimulation] Retrieved on January 28, 2008.