Abstract: Abstract ： Objective To observe the effect of the “8” word bandage on the walking ability of stroke patients with knee hyperextension. Methods Fifty cases of stroke patients with knee hyperextension were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group with 25 cases in each group. The control group were treated with conventional methods, including Bobath technology, Brunnstrom therapy and motor relearning primarily rehabilitation training. In addition to the conventional methods, patients in the observation group used elastic bandage to fix knee joint in walking training. Before and after 8 weeks of treatment, we adopted Holden walking function classification,10 meters maxium walking speed and improved Barthel index to evaluate the walking ability,maximum walking speed and the life ability of the patients. Results There were no significant differences in the scores between the two groups before treatment.The Holden walking function classification, the 10 meters maxium walking speed and the Barthel index scores in both two groups were significantly improved upon 8 weeks treatment (P<0.05), and patient’s conditions in the observation group were more significantly improved than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Using“8”word bandage to fix knee joint can significantly improve knee hyperextension of stroke patients,so as to improve the walking ability and the ability of activities of daily living.

Key words: stroke, mobility limitation, rehabilitation, vocational, 8-word bandage, knee hyperextension, walking ability