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 |
KP = knowledge of performance, KR = knowledge of results