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Using a Split-belt Treadmill to Evaluate Generalization of Human Locomotor Adaptation
Published on: August 23, 2017
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Repeated split-belt treadmill walking improved gait ability in individuals with chronic stroke: A pilot study
Martina Betschart1,2, Bradford J McFadyen3,4, Sylvie Nadeau1,2
1a Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation (CRIR) , Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay de Montréal (IRGLM), CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal , Québec , Canada.
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
|September 14, 2017
Summary
Split-belt treadmill (SBT) training improved gait symmetry and walking speed in individuals post-stroke after just six sessions. These gains were maintained for one month, though endurance was unaffected.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
Background:
- Stroke frequently causes gait asymmetry and reduced walking speed.
- Improving gait post-stroke is crucial for functional recovery and independence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a repeated split-belt treadmill (SBT) walking protocol on gait ability in individuals post-stroke.
- To assess the retention of improvements in gait symmetry and speed over one month.
Main Methods:
- Twelve individuals with unilateral cerebral stroke and step length asymmetry participated.
- A six-session split-belt treadmill (SBT) training protocol was administered over 2-3 weeks.
- Gait ability was assessed by measuring step length symmetry and walking speed; endurance was measured using the 6-minute walk test.
Main Results:
- Six sessions of SBT training significantly reduced step length asymmetry (average ratio from 1.39 to 1.17, p=0.002).
- Walking speed significantly increased (p=0.043) and improvements were retained at one month (p≤0.008).
- No significant changes were observed in endurance as measured by the 6-minute walk test.
Conclusions:
- Repeated split-belt treadmill (SBT) training is an effective intervention for improving gait symmetry and speed in individuals post-stroke.
- The observed improvements in gait parameters are sustainable for at least one month post-intervention.
- SBT training shows potential as an efficient rehabilitation strategy for enhancing gait function after stroke, excluding endurance improvements.
