Immediate Effects of the Kickstart Walking System on Gait and Balance in Individuals with Stroke: A Single-Group Pre-Post Study

Purpose: Assistive devices that augment gait mechanics may provide immediate functional benefits after stroke, but evidence regarding the effectiveness of the Kickstart walking system remains limited.To investigate the immediate effects of wearing the Kickstart walking system on the walking performance and balance in stroke patients.Methods: Twelve individuals with stroke completed walking and balance assessments before and immediately after wearing the Kickstart system.The outcome measures included the 10-meter walking test (10MWT), six-minute walk test (6MWT), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS).The pre-post differences were analyzed using paired t-tests.Results: Compared to the pre-wear condition, wearing the Kickstart system resulted in significant improvements in gait performance and balance, as reflected by the changes in 10MWT, 6MWT, TUG, and BBS (p< 0.05).Conclusion: Wearing the Kickstart walking system was associated with immediate improvements in walking and balance in this singlearm sample of individuals with stroke.Nevertheless, further controlled trials will be needed to confirm efficacy and identify responders and optimal training protocols.