SELECTION OF PATIENTS

Brain damage

With brain damaged patients the goal of working on the treadmill is not always to achieve independent walking (see above, 4. ). Depending on the therapeutic goal (awakening reactions, standing, walking or simply trophic effects on muscle, bones and vascular system) different criteria apply.

If standing/walking is the immediate aim, some voluntary activity in the lower limbs needs to be present. Obviously, every muscle shortening is an obstacle, as are severe emotional and vegetative instabilities. Even more so than with other diseases, trying is the best way to proceed. One information can be passed on: While usually progress is slow or missing, "awakening" effects with start of stepping often within a single session, have been observed; this led from no stepping to independent walking or walking with little help.