Yang JF, Musselman KE, Livingstone D, Brunton K, Hendricks G, Hill D, Gorassini M. Repetitive mass practice or focused precise practice for retraining walking after incomplete spinal cord injury? A pilot randomized clinical trial.
Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2013;
28:314-24. [PMID:
24213960 DOI:
10.1177/1545968313508473]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Retraining walking following spinal cord injury using visually guided tasks may be especially efficacious because it engages the motor cortex, whose input may facilitate improvements in functional walking.
OBJECTIVES
To contrast 2 methods of retraining, one emphasizing precise, visually guided walking over obstacles and on targets (Precision Training), the other emphasizing mass practice of walking on a treadmill (Endurance Training).
METHODS
A randomized, single-blind, crossover design was used. Twenty-two participants, ≥7 months postinjury, were randomly allocated to start with Precision or Endurance Training. Each phase of training was 5 times per week for 2 months, followed by a 2-month rest.
MEASURES
of walking speed, distance, skill, confidence, and depression were obtained before training, then monthly thereafter.
RESULTS
Both forms of training led to significant improvements in walking, with Endurance Training inducing bigger improvements in walking distance than Precision Training, especially for high-functioning walkers who had initial walking speeds >0.5 m/s. The largest improvements in walking speed and distance occurred in the first month of Endurance Training, with minimal changes in the second month of training. In contrast, improvements in walking skill occurred over both months during both types of training. Retention of over ground walking speed, distance, and skill was excellent for both types of training.
CONCLUSIONS
Intensive walking training in the chronic phase after spinal cord injury is effective in improving over ground walking. Visually guided tasks for training individuals with chronic spinal cord injury were not superior to mass practice on a treadmill.
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