Background and Purpose: The optimal characteristics of learning to promote recovery of walking have yet to be defined for the post-stroke population. We examined characteristics of task practice that limit or promote learning of a novel locomotor pattern. Methods: Thirty-two persons with chronic hemiparesis were randomized to two conditions (CONSTANT and VARIABLE practice) and participated in two 15-minute sessions of split-belt treadmill walking. On Day 1, subjects in the CONSTANT condition walked on the split-belt treadmill at a constant 2:1 speed ratio, while subjects in the VARIABLE condition walked on the split-belt treadmill at three different speed ratios. On Day 2, both groups participated in 15 minutes of split-belt treadmill walking at the 2:1 speed ratio. Step length and limb phase symmetry metrics were measured to assess within-session learning (ie, Adaptation) on Day 1 and the ability to retain this new pattern of walking (ie, Retention) on Day 2. Results: The amount of adaptation on Day 1 did not differ depending upon practice structure (CONSTANT and VARIABLE) for step length or limb phase (a)symmetry. The magnitude of reduction in asymmetry from Day 1 to Day 2 did not differ between groups for step and limb phase (a)symmetry. Discussion/Conclusions: The results suggest that variable practice utilizing alternating belt speed ratios does not influence the ability of those with chronic stroke to adapt and retain a novel locomotor pattern. The effects of other forms of variable practice within other locomotor learning paradigms should be explored in those with chronic hemiparesis after stroke.

The Café may be a viable environment for comprehensive intervention. Participation in the Café was associated with wide spread gains in scores on a variety of physical, cognitive, quality-of-life outcomes. Implications for rehabilitation Long-term impairments after traumatic brain injury often impairs activities of daily living, community integration and return to work. The Go Baby Go Café, installed with an overhead harness system serves as an "Immersive Environment" to address various impairments all at once in a real-world setting. Individuals with impairments can benefit from this rehabilitation technique, which is structured to improve changes across the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health spectrum.

No abstract

No abstract