Locomotor adaptation on a split-belt treadmill in adults with stroke: a systematic review

This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy of motor adaptation during walking on a split-belt treadmill (SBT) under different learning conditions in adults with stroke. We searched randomized clinical trials and case studies that used SBT under different learning conditions published between January 2011 and April 2022 in four databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Brain-URJC. The following data were extracted: objectives, interventions, population, number of sessions, outcome measures, and results. The methodological quality of quantitative studies was evaluated using the Critical Review Form. We identified 79 studies, from which six met the criteria for this systematic review (four randomized clinical trials and two case series). The six selected studies included 156 patients with chronic stroke; 62.8% men, age 21-85 years. Walking on a SBT can generate artifacts in the gait pattern depending on the experimental conditions. Two series of cases and one trial reported that the dual motor task - the inclination of the slope of the SBT or the gradual change of speed - promotes the retention of the artifacts generated by the disturbances, resulting in the learning of a new motor pattern. However, combining physical exercise of different intensity and at different times with SBT, maximizing or minimizing errors, or including variable or constant speed disturbances do not seem to affect the locomotor adaptation process.