Kuys 2011

Methods	RCT Method of randomisation: computer‐generated random number programme Blinding of outcome assessors: stated as 'yes' by the investigator Adverse events: none Drop outs: 2 (2 in EXP group, 0 in CTL group) ITT: described as ITT used
Participants	Country: Australia 30 participants (15 in EXP group, 15 in CTL group) Ambulatory at study onset Mean age: 72 to 63 years (control and EXP group respectively) Inclusion criteria: diagnosis of first stroke confirmed by CT scan, were referred for physiotherapy rehabilitation and scored 2 or more on the walking item of the Motor Assessment Scale (i.e. were able to walk with stand‐by help), were medically stable, were able to understand simple instructions Exclusion criteria: normal walking speed was considered normal (> 1.2 m/s), any cardiovascular problems that limited their participation in rehabilitation or had other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions affecting their walking
Interventions	2 arms: EXP group walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes (excluding rests), 3 times a week for 6 weeks, at an intensity of 40% to 60% heart rate reserve or a Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion of 11 to 14 CTL group received usual physiotherapy intervention only
Outcomes	Details of treadmill walking (duration, heart rate reserve, treadmill speed and distance walked) were recorded for each session: comfortable and fast walking speed and walking pattern were quantified from a 10‐Metre Walk Test as linear kinematics (step length, cadence) using a GAITRite system and angular kinematic parameters using a two‐dimensional web cam kinematic software analysis application, and walking capacity was measured using the 6‐Minute Walk Test before and after 6 weeks intervention and after 18 weeks follow‐up
Notes
Risk of bias
Bias	Authors' judgement	Support for judgement
Random sequence generation (selection bias)	Low risk	Computer‐generated random number programme
Allocation concealment (selection bias)	Low risk	Allocation was concealed from the recruiter through the use of consecutively numbered envelopes
Blinding of outcome assessment (detection bias) All outcomes	Low risk	Measures were taken by assessors blinded to group allocation