Variable Intensive Early Walking Poststroke (VIEWS)

T. George Hornby*, Carey L. Holleran, Patrick W. Hennessy, Abigail L. Leddy, Mark Connolly, Jaclyn Camardo, Jane Woodward, Gordhan Mahtani, Linda Lovell, Elliot J. Roth

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

77 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background. Converging evidence suggests that the amount of stepping practice is an important training parameter that influences locomotor recovery poststroke. More recent data suggest that stepping intensity and variability are also important, although such strategies are often discouraged early poststroke. Objective. The present study examined the efficacy of high-intensity, variable stepping training on walking and nonwalking outcomes in individuals 1 to 6 months poststroke as compared with conventional interventions. Methods. Individuals with unilateral stroke (mean duration = 101 days) were randomized to receive ≤40, 1-hour experimental or control training sessions over 10 weeks. Experimental interventions consisted only of stepping practice at high cardiovascular intensity (70%-80% heart rate reserve) in variable contexts (tasks or environments). Control interventions were determined by clinical physical therapists and supplemented using standardized conventional strategies. Blinded assessments were obtained at baseline, midtraining, and posttraining with a 2-month follow-up. Results. A total of 32 individuals (15 experimental) received different training paradigms that varied in the amount, intensity, and types of tasks performed. Primary outcomes of walking speed (experimental, 0.27 ± 0.22 m/s vs control, 0.09 ± 0.09 m/s) and distances (119 ± 113 m vs 30 ± 32 m) were different between groups, with stepping amount and intensity related to these differences. Gains in temporal gait symmetry and self-reported participation scores were greater following experimental training, without differences in balance or sit-to-stand performance. Conclusion. Variable intensive stepping training resulted in greater improvements in walking ability than conventional interventions early poststroke. Future studies should evaluate the relative contributions of these training parameters.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)440-450
Number of pages11
JournalNeurorehabilitation and Neural Repair
Volume30
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2016

Keywords

  • exercise
  • locomotion
  • rehabilitation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Neurology
  • Rehabilitation

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