After going through rehabilitation from trunk control, sitting, standing, and balance in previous lessons, Ular’s rehabilitation has now reached the stage many families look forward to most: walking training

For KIN’s multidisciplinary team, however, “walking” is not simply moving the legs forward. It is a complex learning process involving the brain, muscles, joints, and mind, all working together with precision.

In EP.6, the rehabilitation team therefore chose underwater treadmill technology as the main tool to create a safe, controllable environment that truly supports nervous system learning.

Why “Walking Training” Is a Key Turning Point in Stroke Rehabilitation

For a stroke patient like Ular, walking is not a skill lost only because of muscle weakness. It is also affected by disrupted brain commands

If walking training begins in an unsuitable environment, patients may develop compensatory movement patterns such as leaning the body, dragging the foot, or relying too much on the stronger leg which can become ingrained habits in the brain and become difficult to correct later.

Therefore, the “early stage of walking” must be designed with the greatest care.

Rehabilitation Medicine Reasons Why KIN Uses the Underwater Treadmill

1) Reducing impact so the brain “dares to give commands”

Water buoyancy helps reduce body weight pressure on the ankles, knees, and hips, allowing Ular to begin stepping without worrying about falling. When fear decreases, the nervous system can reduce guarding and become more open to learning.

2) Providing consistent resistance to stimulate muscle activation

Water resistance is not as harsh as land-based training, but it provides continuous and controllable resistance. This helps muscles work throughout the movement range, promoting both strength and endurance.

3) Stimulating high-quality neuroplasticity

Every step in water sends clear movement information back to the brain through sensory feedback. This helps the brain begin forming new neural pathways for walking. This is the heart of rehabilitation: not relying on “strength” alone, but also on “brain learning.”

Behind Ular’s Walking Training in EP.6

Postural Alignment

The physical therapist closely monitors the alignment of the head, trunk, hips, and knees to prevent body leaning or incorrect weight placement, which can lead to abnormal walking patterns in the future.

Controlling walking rhythm and speed

The underwater treadmill helps set a speed that matches Ular’s ability each day: not too fast that it triggers stiffness, and not too slow that the brain lacks stimulation.

Goal-directed weight-shifting training

Every step is designed so the weaker leg plays a role in weight bearing, stimulating nervous system recovery and reducing overreliance on the stronger leg.

Rehabilitation That Cares Not Only for the “Body” but Also for “Confidence”

One of the major challenges for stroke patients is fear of falling KIN’s physical therapy team therefore does more than supervise movement. They act as “coaches” who communicate, encourage, and build confidence with every step.

When patients believe they can do something “safely,” the brain becomes more receptive to learning, and rehabilitation progress becomes clearer.

From Walking in Water to Walking on Real Ground

Walking training in water is an important step in preparing the body and brain before transferring skills to walking on normal ground. When the walking pattern is correct and practised repeatedly with quality, the brain can remember it and apply it more easily in real environments, reducing the future risk of falls and injury.

Questions About Underwater Walking Training

Q: Can patients who are still very weak train in water?
A: Yes. Water level and speed can be adjusted to suit each patient, allowing even those with significant weakness to begin training safely.

Q: If a patient trains in water, can they really walk on land?
A: Yes. Training in water helps establish the foundation of a correct walking pattern. When the skill is transferred to real ground, the brain can adapt faster.

Q: How often should training be done to see results?
A: In general, consistent training 3–5 days per week may begin to show improvements in walking stability and continuity within a few weeks, depending on each individual’s physical condition.

KIN – We Do Not Train Patients Just to “Walk”

We rehabilitate so patients can walk steadily, safely, and practically in daily life.

Ular’s EP.6 is another proof that when rehabilitation is systematically designed from the foundations of the brain, body, and mind, walking again is not out of reach.