OMEGO® Plus offers a wide variety of possible applications in all phases of rehabilitation. OMEGO® Plus can be used to train parameters like balance, endurance, and strength of the lower extremities, which are essential for gait therapy. Thanks to the possibility of training cognitive functions, OMEGO® Plus is suitable as a multimodal therapy device. The following study shows that multimodal therapy approaches are valuable for rehabilitation after a stroke and that OMEGO® Plus is therefore suitable for gait therapy after a stroke.
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis by Lando et al. (2024) has highlighted the effectiveness of multimodal intervention for improving lower limb motor function in stroke patients. The study compared the outcomes of combining resistance and endurance training in the same session versus using these treatments separately.
Understanding Lower Extremity Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is crucial for reducing motor impairments after a stroke. Improvements in strength, balance, endurance, and aerobic capacity are directly linked to better lower limb functioning and thus, greater independence.
Unimodal vs. Multimodal therapy
While single-targeted interventions like resistance and endurance training have proven effective, multimodal therapy concepts—which combine resistance and endurance training like OMEGO® Plus in one single therapy session—are gaining attention. Such treatments are already recommended for healthy individuals and align with stroke rehabilitation guidelines that emphasize challenging and progressive training.
Study Insights
The review analyzed ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 480 patients. Outcomes measured included endurance, muscle strength, gait speed, and aerobic capacity. Both technological (e.g., biofeedback systems, leg presses, treadmills, cycle ergometers) and non-technological (e.g., muscle contractions, elastic bands) methods were used.
Key Findings
- Muscle Strength: Multimodal treatment significantly improved knee-extensor muscle strength on both the affected and unaffected sides.
- Endurance, Gait Speed, and Aerobic Capacity: For these outcomes, no significant differences were found between multimodal and unimodal treatments.
Multimodal treatments, combining resistance and endurance training, are valuable in post-stroke rehabilitation, particularly for enhancing muscle strength. This improvement can help patients regain upright positions and improve walking abilities, ultimately boosting their independence in daily life activities.
Lando A, Cacciante L, Mantineo A, Baldan F, Pillastrini P, Turolla A, Pregnolato G. Multi-Modal versus Uni-Modal Treatment for the Recovery of Lower Limb Motor Function in Patients after Stroke: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel). 2024 Jan 12;12(2):189.