Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training vs. Overground Walking Training in Persons With Chronic Stroke

Body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) and overground walking training (OWT) are
two interventions commonly applied for enhancing gait and balance in patients with chronic
stroke. BWSTT and OWT are often used by clinicians separately or in tandem. While various
aspects of the two interventions have been investigated in the past, limited research has
been conducted to compare the effects of the two interventions in patients with chronic
stroke.

Longer training durations may not always be feasible due to limited reimbursement options,
lack of clinic accessibility, or transportation restrictions for patients with chronic
deficits following stroke. A short burst of training consisting of a ''booster''-like
protocol may provide a convenient option for some patients with chronic stroke to improve
necessary functional skills in a short period of time.

The primary purpose of this pilot study is to compare walking speed immediately and 3-months
after a short-burst of body-weight support treadmill training (BWSTT) or overground walking
training (OWT) for adults with chronic stroke. Twenty participants with chronic stroke will
be recruited and screened to determine eligibility for the study. Participants will be
randomly assigned to either BWSTT or OWT for 30 minutes, 5 days per week for 2 weeks.
Outcome measures will include assessments of gait speed, endurance, walking pattern, fear of
falling, balance confidence, anxiety, and activity and participation in daily life. Outcomes
will be tested prior to (pre-test) and immediately after (post-test) the assigned
intervention and again 3-months after completing the intervention (retention).