Table 1 Description of experimental and comparison interventions
Learning Variable/Principle | Motor Learning Walking Program | Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training |
|---|---|---|
Amount of Practice/Intensity | Up to 40 minutes of walking activity per session 15 sessions over 5 weeks | Up to 30 minutes treadmill walking per session 15 sessions over 5 weeks |
Specificity Of Practice | Reflects task and environmental demands of community walking | High repetitions of near normal gait cycle on treadmill |
Variable Practice | Variable practice of different overground walking tasks | Single task practice - walking on treadmill |
Practice Order | Random or serial order, moving through different tasks returning to each task at least once. | Blocked or mass practice of single task of walking on treadmill |
Augmented Feedback | Encourage self-evaluation through delayed, intermittent and summary feedback KP and results KR provided | Continuous, immediate visual (mirror) and/or verbal feedback. Focus on KP, specifically related to posture and gait pattern |
Instructions | Instructions provided related to the goals of the task. Emphasis on problem solving, discovery of alternate ways to complete walking tasks. | Instructions regarding performance of near normal gait pattern |
Physical Guidance | Physical guidance provided for safety, or initial completion of basic task early in learning. Emphasis on allowing participants to make and attempt to correct errors. | Frequent guidance of one to three trainers at pelvis, hemi and non-hemi-limb to guide position and timing Up to 40% body weight support provided through harness - weaned according to performance Handle use discouraged Errors prevented or minimized |
Training Personnel | Physiotherapist × 1 | Physiotherapist × 1 plus 1 to 2 other physiotherapists or physiotherapy assistants |
Training Setting | In hospital physiotherapy department, other parts of hospital and outdoors | In hospital outpatient department on treadmill |
Training Speed | Practice of comfortable and fast walking | Will train at, or above target speed 2.0 mph (0.89 m/s) as soon as participant is able |
Use Of Walking Aid/Orthoses | Practice with and without orthoses and walking aid | Practice without walking aid, may use orthoses if necessary |