Effects of deconstructed Tai Chi step training combined with conventional rehabilitation on lower limb function in brunnstrom stage III stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial

by Jinxin Chang, Pengcheng Qu, Yindong Li

Objective

To evaluate whether a deconstructed Tai Chi stepping protocol adapted for patients with Brunnstrom Stage III stroke, when combined with conventional rehabilitation, improves lower limb motor function, walking ability, and joint mobility compared with conventional rehabilitation plus limb synergy training.

Methods

In this assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial, 52 patients with subacute stroke (Brunnstrom Stage III, ≤ 6 months post-stroke) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to an experimental group (conventional rehabilitation plus adapted Tai Chi stepping training) or a control group (conventional rehabilitation plus limb synergy training). Both interventions were delivered 5 days per week for 8 weeks. Fifty participants completed the study and were included in the final per-protocol analysis (25 per group). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after intervention. The primary outcomes were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Lower Extremity (FMA-LE) and Holden Walking Function Classification. Secondary outcomes were hip, knee, and ankle range of motion (ROM).

Results

Both groups improved after treatment, with greater improvement observed in the experimental group. FMA-LE scores increased by 5.6 ± 1.5 points in the experimental group and 1.8 ± 0.8 points in the control group (p  Conclusion

Deconstructed Tai Chi stepping training combined with conventional rehabilitation was associated with greater improvement in lower limb motor function, walking ability, and joint mobility than conventional rehabilitation plus limb synergy training in patients with Brunnstrom Stage III stroke. This stage-specific protocol may represent a practical adjunct to stroke rehabilitation, although confirmation in larger trials is still needed.

Clinical trial registration

International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry (ITMCTR; a WHO ICTRP Primary Registry), registration number ITMCTR2025000972.