Table 1.

Description of Overground Training Regimen Components

Gait Training Sessions:	Description	Progressions of the Activity
Timed speed sessions	Subject walks ~10 meters at self-selected speed (as fast as comfortable). Parameters of gait are evaluated qualitatively (visual) and quantitatively (GAITRite)	Speed and distance was augmented based upon individuals’ ambulation abilities.
Dynamic balance training	Focuses on dynamic balance training. A full length mirror was used during the exercise as a source of visual feedback.	Static bipedal standing → static unipedal standing → bipedal/unipedal standing on degraded surface. Gradual reduction in base of support, reduction of upper extremity support, and increased duration of each stance was implemented.
Stride and step length (SSL)	Based on the subject’s natural step/stride length ascertained at baseline, tape was used to cue where each subject should step in gait training sessions. Parallel bars and lower extremity assistance were used as needed.	Progression was implemented by increasing the distance between steps. Parallel bars were used as assistance to upper extremity if needed.
Cadence	Subjects were asked to match this cadence with help of a metronome. Treatment stressed accuracy of cadence and increased speed of footfalls. Speed expectations and amount of rest were tailored based on each subject’s impairment level and cardiovascular and muscular status.	Once the subject was able to ambulate at this cadence with 80% accuracy (8/10 trials) metronome speed was incrementally increased by three beats per minute.
Individual Ankle Joint Movements	Exercises were performed as passive, active assist or active, as appropriate and were intended to improve strength and coordination of the triceps surae, tibialis anterior, peroneals, digitorum and hallucis muscles.	Reducing assistance, increasing effective gravity, and increasing executed range of motion were used to escalate difficulty over sessions. To address the variance in subject abilities, platform height, degree of extremity support, and velocity of motion were varied.
Stepping Up	Subjects stepped up and down onto a firm and vertical surface at least 6” in height. The task was varied depending on ability.. Subjects viewed a mirror while performing the exercise.	To address the variance in subject abilities, step height, degree of extremity support, and velocity of motion were varied.
Gait Velocity	Combined all components practiced in earlier sessions into a coherent gait cycle using velocity as a metric.	Speed, distance walked, and level of cueing were individually graded according to subject ability.