Treadmill Oscillation Walking to Improve Weight Transfer During Gait Following Stroke
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
This study aims to determine the immediate and short-term effects of treadmill oscillation walking (TOW) exercise on hip and knee neuromechanics and gait characteristics in individuals post-stroke. It was hypothesized that compared to baseline, individuals poststroke (N=15) will show increased hip abductor and knee extensor muscle activity and torque production, and increased limb loading and walking speeds during TOW and following a 6-week TOW intervention, reflecting that TOW can enhance gait function through improved hip and knee neuromechanical activation.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Hemiparesis as a result of a stroke greater than 6 months previous to the study; 2. A single cortical or subcortical stroke 3. Able to walk 10 meters with or without a walking aid 4. Able to stand unsupported for 5 minutes 5. Sufficient cognitive function to follow instruction and communicate with the investigators. 6. Reduced paretic limb loading more than 6% compared to the non-paretic limb during overground gait assessment Exclusion Criteria: 1. Medical condition precluding participant in regular exercise, such as acute cardiac or respiratory conditions limiting activity and other health conditions significantly impacting the ability to walk beyond the effects of the stroke, such as other neurological conditions or peripheral neuropathies; 2. Bilateral stroke or a previous stroke in the contralateral hemisphere; 3. Had a history of multiple strokes; 4. Cerebellar stroke; 5. Lower extremity joint replacement; 6. Bone or joint problems that limited their ability