Comparative Efficacy of High-Intensity Training Versus Conventional Training in Individuals With Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study.

Numerous studies have evaluated the efficacy of interventions to improve locomotion after acute-onset brain injury, although most focus on patients with stroke, with less attention toward traumatic brain injury (TBI). For example, a number of studies in patients post-stroke have evaluated the effects of high-intensity training (HIT) attempting to maximize stepping practice, while no studies have attempted this intervention in patients with TBI. The purpose of this blinded-assessor randomized trial was to evaluate the effects of HIT focused on stepping practice versus conventional training on walking and secondary outcomes in individuals with TBI.

Increasing the Amount and Intensity of Stepping Training During Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Improves Locomotor and Non-Locomotor Outcomes.

Background: The efficacy of traditional rehabilitation interventions to improve locomotion post-stroke, including providing multiple exercises targeting impairments and activity limitations, is uncertain. Emerging evidence rather suggests attempts to prioritize stepping practice at higher cardiovascular intensities may facilitate greater locomotor outcomes.

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of high-intensity training (HIT) to usual care during inpatient rehabilitation post-stroke.

Gains in Daily Stepping Activity in People With Chronic Stroke After High-Intensity Gait Training in Variable Contexts.

Objective: Many physical therapist interventions provided to individuals with chronic stroke can lead to gains in gait speed or endurance (eg, 6-Minute Walk Test [6MWT]), although changes in objective measures of participation are not often observed. The goal of this study was to determine the influence of different walking interventions on daily stepping (steps per day) and the contributions of demographic, training, and clinical measures to these changes.

Methods: In this secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial, steps per day at baseline and changes in steps per day following 1 of 3 locomotor interventions were evaluated in individuals who were ambulatory and >6 months after stroke.