Influence of Multiple Sclerosis on Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the effect of multiple sclerosis (MS) on spatiotemporal gait characteristics accounting for disability severity and fall classification. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (1946-August 2018), Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (1985-2018 August), and PsycINFO (1806-August 2018) were searched for terms on MS and gait. STUDY SELECTION: Dual independent screening was conducted to identify observational, cross-sectional studies that compared adults with MS grouped according to Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) level or fall history, reported on spatiotemporal gait characteristics, and were published in English. The search retrieved 5891 results, of which 12 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors worked independently to extract and verify data on publication details, study methodology, participant characteristics, gait outcomes, conclusions, and limitations. Risk of bias was assessed using the QualSyst critical appraisal tool. A random-effects meta-regression and meta-analysis were conducted on pooled data. DATA SYNTHESIS: All studies received quality ratings of very good to excellent and collectively examined 1513 individuals with MS. With every 1-point increase in EDSS, significant changes (P<.05) were observed in gait speed (-0.12 m/s; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.08-0.15), step length (-0.04 m; 95% CI, 0.03-0.05), step time (+0.04 seconds; 95% CI, 0.02-0.06), step time variability (+0.009 seconds; 95% CI, 0.003-0.016), stride time (+0.08 seconds; 95% CI, 0.03-0.12), cadence (-4.4 steps per minute; 95% CI, 2.3-6.4), stance phase duration (+0.8% gait cycle; 95% CI, 0.1-1.5), and double support time (+3.5% gait cycle; 95% CI, 1.5-5.4). Recent fallers exhibited an 18% (95% CI, 13%-23%) reduction in gait speed compared with nonfallers (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: This review provides the most accurate reference values to-date that can be used to assess the effectiveness of MS gait training programs and therapeutic techniques for individuals who differ on disability severity and fall classification. Some gait adaptations could be part of adopting a more cautious gait strategy and should be factored into the design of future interventions.

Changes in Oxyhemoglobin Concentration in the Prefrontal Cortex during Cognitive-Motor Dual Tasks in People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Cognitive and motor impairment are well documented in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, but their relationship has not been studied. This study evaluated and compared cognitive and motor performance during dual tasks and related dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (ΔO2Hb), a proxy measure of neural activity, in patients with COPD and age-matched healthy individuals. Participants performed three single tasks: (1) backwards spelling cognitive task; (2) 30 m preferred paced walk; (3) 30 m fast walk, and two dual tasks: (4) preferred paced walk + backwards spelling; (5) fast paced walk + backwards spelling. The ΔO2Hb from left and right dorsolateral PFC were measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Gait velocity was measured using a Zeno walkway. Compared to healthy adults (n = 20), patients with COPD (n = 15) had higher ΔO2Hb during single preferred (-0.344 ± 0.185 vs. 0.325 ± 0.208 µM; p = 0.011) and fast paced walk (-0.249 ± 0.120 vs. 0.486 ± 0.182 µM; p = 0.001) in right PFC. Among healthy adults, ΔO2Hb were higher bilaterally during preferred paced walking dual versus single task (right: 0.096 ± 0.159 vs. -0.344 ± 0.185 µM, p = 0.013; left: 0.114 ± 0.150 vs. -0.257 ± 0.175 µM, p = 0.049) and in right PFC during fast walking dual versus single task (0.102 ± 0.228 vs. -0.249 ± 0.120, p = 0.021). Patients with COPD did not increase O2Hb during dual versus single tasks. Patients with COPD exhibited slower velocity than older adults during all walking tasks. The lack of further increase in O2Hb from single to dual tasks in patients with COPD, may indicate reduced cognitive-motor capacity and contribute to poorer motor performance limiting safe ambulation. Dual tasking rehabilitation may improve neural efficiency to offset these risks.

Physiotherapy practice patterns in gait rehabilitation for adults with acquired brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: Gait dysfunction is common following acquired brain injury (ABI). Clinical practice guidelines can improve patient outcomes; however, information regarding ABI-specific management of gait dysfunction is limited. This study aimed to describe practice patterns of Canadian physiotherapists regarding gait rehabilitation in adults post-ABI. METHODS: An electronic questionnaire was developed and distributed across Canada to describe physiotherapy assessment methods, outcome measures, and treatment interventions used to manage gait dysfunction in adults with mild-moderate and severe ABI. RESULTS: Of 103 respondents who accessed the questionnaire, 59 met inclusion criteria and participated in the study. Methods most frequently used "often or very often" at initial and discharge assessments included visual observation (≥88.2% for adults with mild-moderate and severe ABI) and the Berg Balance Scale (≥76.3% for adults with mild-moderate ABI). Higher level gait training exercises were used more often for adults with mild-moderate than severe ABI. Physiotherapists commonly reported further research was required to develop and validate gait-specific outcome measures (42.4%) and treatment techniques (76.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapists' use of gait-specific treatment interventions, but not assessment methods, differs depending on ABI severity. Future work should investigate factors influencing these practice patterns. In addition, clinician-identified research priorities include ABI gait-specific outcome measures and technology-based interventions.

Oxyhemoglobin changes in the prefrontal cortex in response to cognitive tasks: a systematic review.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: the aim of this study was to synthesize PFC fNIRS outcomes on the effects of cognitive tasks compared to resting/baseline tasks in healthy adults from studies utilizing a pre/post design. MATERIAL AND METHODS: original research studies were searched from seven databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, SCOPUS, PEDro and PubMed). Subsequently, two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts followed by full-text reviews to assess the studies' eligibility. RESULTS: eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and had data abstracted and quality assessed. Methodology varied considerably and yet cognitive tasks resulted in the ΔO2Hb increasing in 8 of the 11 and ΔHHb decreasing in 8 of 8 studies that reported this outcome. The cognitive tasks from 10 of the 11 studies were classified as "Working Memory" and "Verbal Fluency Tasks". CONCLUSIONS: although, the data comparison was challenging provided the heterogeneity in methodology, the results across studies were similar.

Rhythm Perception and Production Abilities and Their Relationship to Gait After Stroke.

OBJECTIVES: To assess rhythm abilities, to describe their relation to clinical presentation, and to determine if rhythm production independently contributes to temporal gait asymmetry (TGA) poststroke. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Large urban rehabilitation hospital and university. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (N=60) with subacute and chronic stroke (n=39) and data for healthy adults extracted from a preexisting database (n=21). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Stroke group: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment (CMSA) leg and foot scales, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), rhythm perception and production (Beat Alignment Test [BAT]), and spatiotemporal gait parameters were assessed. TGA was quantified with the swing time symmetry ratio. Healthy group: age and beat perception scores assessed by the BAT. Rhythm perception of the stroke group and healthy adults was compared with analysis of variance. Spearman correlations quantified the relation between rhythm perception and production abilities and clinical measures. Multiple linear regression assessed the contribution of rhythm production along with motor impairment and time poststroke to TGA. RESULTS: Rhythm perception in the stroke group was worse than healthy adults (F1,56=17.5, P=.0001) Within the stroke group, rhythm perception was significantly correlated with CMSA leg (Spearman ρ=.33, P=.04), and foot (Spearman ρ=.49, P=.002) scores but not NIHSS or MoCA scores. The model for TGA was significant (F3,35=12.8, P<.0001) with CMSA leg scores, time poststroke, and asynchrony of rhythm production explaining 52% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS: Rhythm perception is impaired after stroke, and temporal gait asymmetry relates to impairments in producing rhythmic movement. These results may have implications for the use of auditory rhythmic stimuli to cue motor responses poststroke. Future work will explore brain responses to rhythm processing poststroke.

Can augmented feedback facilitate learning a reactive balance task among older adults?

While concurrent augmented visual feedback of the center of pressure (COP) or center of gravity (COG) can improve quiet standing balance control, it is not known whether such feedback improves reactive balance control. Additionally, it is not known whether feedback of the COP or COG is superior. This study aimed to determine whether (1) concurrent augmented feedback can improve reactive balance control, and (2) feedback of the COP or COG is more effective. Forty-eight healthy older adults (60-75 years old) were randomly allocated to one of three groups: feedback of the COP, feedback of the COG, or no feedback. The task was to maintain standing while experiencing 30 s of continuous pseudo-random perturbations delivered by a moving platform. Participants completed 25 trials with or without feedback (acquisition), immediately followed by 5 trials without feedback (immediate transfer); 5 trials without feedback were completed after a 24-h delay (delayed transfer). The root mean square error (RMSE) of COP-COG, electrodermal level, and co-contraction index were compared between the groups and over time. All three groups reduced RMSE and co-contraction index from the start of the acquisition to the transfer tests, and there were no significant between-group differences in RMSE or co-contraction on the transfer tests. Therefore, all three groups learned the task equally well, and improved balance was achieved with practice via a more efficient control strategy. The two feedback groups reduced electrodermal level with practice, but the no-feedback group did not, suggesting that feedback may help to reduce anxiety.

Arthritis and associated limitations in community-dwelling Canadians living with stroke.

BACKGROUND: Residual impairments and gait deviations post-stroke may lead to secondary musculoskeletal complications such as arthritis. This study explored the prevalence of arthritis and associated functional limitations in community-dwelling Canadians with and without stroke. METHODS: Secondary analysis of the Canadian Community Health Survey; a population-based, cross-sectional survey conducted by Statistics Canada in 2011 and 2012. Respondents >50 years old who reported a stroke diagnosis (n = 1892) were age- and gender-matched with controls randomly selected from survey respondents who did not report a stroke (n = 1892). Stroke and control groups were compared on presence of arthritis (yes/no) and secondary variables including pain, perceived health and assistance required (5 point scales) using the Rao-Scott X(2) test. Within the stroke group, logistic regression was used to investigate the effect of arthritis on life satisfaction, pain limiting activities and perceived health with age, gender, BMI, comorbidities and socioeconomic status used as covariates in the model. RESULTS: A greater proportion of the stroke group (53%) reported arthritis compared to controls (43%). These groups also differed in reports of perceived health and pain. Within the stroke group, those with arthritis were significantly more likely to report pain limiting activities (OR 3.89) and less likely to report satisfaction with life (OR 0.59). CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary work suggests that arthritis is more prevalent in individuals with stroke compared to individuals without stroke and that this co-morbidity is associated with worse reports of pain and perceived health. A limitation is that it is not possible to determine if the arthritis pre-dated or followed the stroke. This work provides support for a longitudinal investigation of the development of secondary musculoskeletal issues post-stroke.

Factors influencing the clinical adoption of quantitative gait analysis technology with a focus on clinical efficacy and clinician perspectives: A scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Quantitative gait analysis (QGA) has the potential to support clinician decision-making. However, it is not yet widely accepted in practice. Evidence for clinical efficacy (i.e., efficacy and effectiveness), as well as a users' perspective on using the technology in clinical practice (e.g., ease of use and usefulness) can help impact their widespread adoption. OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the literature on the clinical efficacy and clinician perspectives on the use of gait analysis technologies in the clinical care of adult populations. METHODS: This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. We included peer-reviewed and gray literature (i.e., conference abstracts). A search was conducted in MEDLINE (Ovid), CENTRAL (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO) and SPORTDiscus (EBSCO). Included full-text studies were critically appraised using the JBI critical appraisal tools. RESULTS: A total of 15 full-text studies and two conference abstracts were included in this review. Results suggest that QGA technologies can influence decision-making with some evidence to suggest their role in improving patient outcomes. The main barrier to ease of use was a clinician's lack of data expertise, and main facilitator was receiving support from staff. Barriers to usefulness included challenges finding suitable reference data and data accuracy, while facilitators were enhancing patient care and supporting clinical decision-making. SIGNIFICANCE: This review is the first step to understanding how QGA technologies can optimize clinical practice. Many gaps in the literature exist and reveal opportunities to improve the clinical adoption of gait analysis technologies. Further research is needed in two main areas: 1) examining the clinical efficacy of gait analysis technologies and 2) gathering clinician perspectives using a theoretical model like the Technology Acceptance Model to guide study design. Results will inform research aimed at evaluating, developing, or implementing these technologies. FUNDING: This work was supported by the Walter and Maria Schroeder Institute for Brain Innovation and Recovery and AGE-WELL Graduate Student Award in Technology and Aging [2021,2022].

Factors Influencing the Clinical Adoption of Quantitative Gait Analysis Technologies for Adult Patient Populations With a Focus on Clinical Efficacy and Clinician Perspectives: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Quantitative gait analysis can support clinical decision-making. These analyses can be performed using wearable sensors, nonwearable sensors, or a combination of both. However, to date, they have not been widely adopted in clinical practice. Technology adoption literature has highlighted the clinical efficacy of technology and the users' perspective on the technology (eg, ease of use and usefulness) as some factors that influence their widespread adoption. OBJECTIVE: To assist with the clinical adoption of quantitative gait technologies, this scoping review will synthesize the literature on their clinical efficacy and clinician perspectives on their use in the clinical care of adult patient populations. METHODS: This scoping review protocol follows the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. The review will include both peer-reviewed and gray literature (ie, conference abstracts) regarding the clinical efficacy of quantitative gait technologies and clinician perspectives on their use in the clinical care of adult patient populations. A comprehensive search strategy was created in MEDLINE (Ovid), which was then translated to 4 other databases: CENTRAL (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), and SPORTDiscus (EBSCO). The title and abstract screening, full-text review, and data extraction of relevant articles will be performed independently by 2 reviewers, with a third reviewer involved to support the resolution of conflicts. Data will be analyzed using content analysis and summarized in tabular and diagram formats. RESULTS: A search of relevant articles will be conducted in all 5 databases, and through hand-searching in Google Scholar and PEDro, including articles published up until December 2022. The research team plans to submit the final scoping review for publication in a peer-reviewed journal in 2023. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this review will be presented at clinical science conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal. This review will inform future studies designed to develop, evaluate, or implement quantitative gait analysis technologies in clinical practice. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/39767.

Exploring the Experiences and Perceptions of Adults With Spinal Cord Injury or Disease Aged 50 Years or Older on Participation in Sports.

Background: Sports are physical activities that provide physical, psychological, and social benefits for individuals with spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D). However, most sports research has been completed on individuals with SCI/D who are aged >50 years, even though the majority of people with SCI/D are aged >50 years. Despite substantial evidence supporting sports for older adults not living with a disability, there is currently no research examining the impact of sports for adults with SCI/D aged ≥50 years. Objectives: To explore the perceptions and experiences of individuals with SCI/D aged 50 years or older who participate in sports in the community. Methods: Fifteen adults with SCI/D aged ≥50 years who participated in community-based sports were interviewed. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Conventional content analysis was applied to the data. Results: The overarching theme identified was that sports are fun and adaptable physical activities that have the potential to optimize physical, psychological, and social health in all people with SCI/D, regardless of age. Within this overarching theme, six categories surfaced: (1) importance of participating in sports later in life, (2) prioritizing health over performance, (3) uncertainties about participating in sports later in life, (4) reflections on participating in sports later in life, (5) beliefs on alternative sports involvement, and (6) advice for other aging adults with SCI/D considering sports. Conclusion: Sports are perceived to provide physical, psychological, and social benefits for individuals with SCI/D aged 50 years or older. Findings will inform the development of future adaptive sports programs for older individuals with SCI/D.

Reliability of force plate-based measures of standing balance in the sub-acute stage of post-stroke recovery.

Background: Difficulty controlling balance is one of the major contributors to the increased risk of falls among individuals with stroke. It is important to use reliable and objective measures to improve examination of balance impairments post-stroke, and to in turn inform clinical decision-making. The main objective of this study was to examine the relative and absolute reliabilities of force plate-based balance measures in quiet standing, in the sub-acute stage of stroke recovery. Methods: Twenty-four people with sub-acute stroke (mean age = 61 years) performed two trials of quiet standing, each 30 s long. Sixteen force plate-based balance measures in the time, frequency, or nonlinear domains were calculated. Within-session test-retest reliabilities were investigated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change. Results: Mean speed of displacements of the centre of pressure along the anterior-posterior axis (ICC = 0.91; CI95 % = [0.83, 0.95]), and directional weight-bearing asymmetry (ICC = 0.91; CI95 % = [0.82, 0.95]) demonstrated high relative reliabilities, followed by the speed-based symmetry index and absolute weight-bearing asymmetry (both ICCs = 0.86; CI95 % = [0.74, 0.93]). Conclusions: Mean speeds of centre of pressure, directional weight-bearing asymmetry, and speed-based symmetry index are the most reliable force plate-based measures that were evaluated in our study, and can be included in the balance assessments of individuals within the sub-acute stage of post-stroke recovery. These findings can better inform clinicians about the specific balance problems experienced by people in this population.

Technical Note: Quantifying music-dance synchrony during salsa dancing with a deep learning-based 2D pose estimator.

Dance interventions hold promise for improving gait and balance in people with neurological conditions. It is possible that synchronization of movement to the music is one of the mechanisms through which dance bestows physical benefits. This technical note will describe a novel method using a deep learning-based 2D pose estimator: OpenPose, alongside beat analysis of music to quantify movement-music synchrony during salsa dancing. This method has four components: i) camera setup and recording, ii) tempo/downbeat analysis and waveform cleanup, iii) OpenPose estimation and data extraction, and iv) synchronization analysis. Four participants performed a solo basic salsa step continuously for 90 s to a salsa track while their movements and the music were recorded with a webcam. Two conditions were recorded for each participant: one in which they danced on the beat of the music and one where they did not. This data was then extracted from OpenPose and analyzed. Median asynchrony values highlighted differences between participants with and without dance training and between on- and off-beat conditions, indicating that this method may be an effective means to quantify a dancer's asynchrony while performing a basic salsa step.

The effect of frequency of feedback on overground temporal gait asymmetry post stroke.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Temporal gait asymmetry (TGA) affects 55% of people with stroke. This study investigated the effects of augmented feedback during overground gait training, on TGA. METHODS: Eighteen people with chronic stroke were randomized to receive one of two feedback displays (A or B) and one of three feedback frequencies; no feedback (0%), after alternate walking trials (50%) or after every trial (100%). Display A depicted the TGA ratio as a vertical line along a horizontal axis with perfect symmetry in the middle. Display B depicted single limb stance duration of each leg as a bar graph. Participants completed 25 repetitions of 30 second trials with their assigned feedback (acquisition). Participants completed 10 repetitions of 30 second trials without feedback 24 hours later (retention). A pressure sensitive mat recorded TGA and speed. Changes in TGA and speed were investigated by plotting individual motor learning curves and fitting a curve with locally estimated scatterplot smoothing (LOESS) for each feedback group. An effect of feedback was defined a priori as a LOESS fitted curve with a decreasing slope from acquisition to retention. RESULTS: LOESS curve exhibited a decreasing slope for TGA in the 100B group only and for speed in the 50A and 0FB groups. DISCUSSION: This study provides preliminary evidence that visual feedback delivered at a high frequency during a single session of overground walking can change TGA post-stroke without reducing gait speed. An overground gait intervention with high frequency visual feedback to improve TGA post-stroke is worthwhile to investigate.

Instantaneous effect of real-time avatar visual feedback on interlimb coordination during walking post-stroke.

BACKGROUND: Gait asymmetry, which is common after stroke, is typically characterized using spatiotemporal parameters of gait that do not consider the aspect of movement coordination. In this manuscript, we examined whether an avatar-based feedback provided as a single-session intervention to improve gait symmetry also improved inter-limb coordination among people with stroke and we examined the relationship between changes in coordination and step length symmetry. METHODS: Twelve stroke participants walked on a self-paced treadmill with and without a self-avatar that replicated their locomotor movements in real time. Continuous relative phase and angular coefficient of correspondence calculated using bilateral sagittal hip movements were used to quantify temporal and spatial interlimb coordination, respectively. Spatial gait symmetry, previously shown to improve with the avatar feedback, was quantified using step length ratio between both limbs, with the largest value as numerator. FINDINGS: Participants who improved their spatial symmetry during avatar exposure also improved their temporal coordination, while spatial coordination remained unchanged. Overall, improvements in spatial symmetry correlated positively with improvements in temporal coordination. The non-paretic hip and paretic ankle angle excursion in the sagittal plane also significantly increased during avatar exposure. INTERPRETATION: Improvements in gait symmetry may be explained by changes in interlimb coordination. Current data and existing literature further suggest that such improvements are largely driven by adaptations in non-paretic leg movements, notably at the hip. By providing real-time information on walking movements not affordable in other ways, avatar-based feedback shows great potential to improve gait symmetry and interlimb coordination post-stroke.

The Effect of Rhythm Abilities on Metronome-Cued Walking with an Induced Temporal Gait Asymmetry in Neurotypical Adults.

ABSRACT. Human gait is inherently rhythmical, thus walking to rhythmic auditory stimulation is a promising intervention to improve temporal gait asymmetry (TGA) following neurologic injury such as stroke. However, the degree of benefit may relate to an individual's underlying rhythmic ability. We conducted an initial investigation into the relationship between rhythm abilities and responsiveness of TGA when walking to a metronome. TGA was induced in neurotypical young adults with ankle and thigh cuff weights. Participants were grouped by strong or weak rhythm ability based on beat perception and production tests. TGA was induced using a unilateral load affixed to the non-dominant leg. Participants walked under three conditions: uncued baseline, metronome set to 100% of baseline cadence, and metronome set to 90% of baseline cadence. Repeated measures analysis using generalized estimating equations was conducted to determine how rhythm ability affected TGA response in each walking condition. Most participants improved TGA when walking to a metronome at either tempo compared to baseline; however, this improvement did not differ between strong and weak rhythm ability groups. Those who scored worse on the rhythm perception test also were poorer at synchronizing their steps to the beat. The induced TGA is smaller than what is commonly experienced after stroke. A larger induced TGA may be necessary to reveal subtle differences in responsiveness to rhythmical auditory stimulation between those with strong and weak rhythm abilities.

Feasibility of a rhythmic auditory stimulation gait training program in community-dwelling adults after TBI: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury has multiple impacts on gait including decreased speed and increased gait variability. Rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) gait training uses the rhythm and timing structure of music to train and ultimately improve slow and variable walking patterns. OBJECTIVE: To describe the feasibility of RAS gait training in community-dwelling adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI). A secondary objective is to report changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters and clinical measures of balance and walking endurance. METHODS: Two individuals with a TBI participated in nine sessions of gait training with RAS over a 3-week period. At baseline, post-training and 3-week follow-up, spatiotemporal parameters of walking were analyzed at preferred pace, maximum pace and dual-task walking conditions. Secondary outcomes included the Community Balance and Mobility Scale and the 6-Minute Walk Test. Feasibility was assessed using reports of physical fatigue, adverse event reporting, and perceived satisfaction. RESULTS: Both participants completed all 9 planned intervention sessions. The sessions were well tolerated with no adverse events. Participant 1 and 2 exhibited different responses to the intervention in line with the therapeutic goals set with the therapist. Participant 1 exhibited improved speed and decreased gait variability. Participant 2 exhibited reduced gait speed but less fatigue during the 6MWT. CONCLUSIONS: RAS was found to be a safe and feasible gait intervention with the potential to improve some aspects of gait impairments related to gait speed, gait variability, dynamic balance and walking endurance. Further investigation including a pilot randomized controlled trial is warranted.

Structuring community-based adapted dance programs for persons post-stroke: a qualitative study.

PURPOSE: Dance improves physical, psychosocial, and cognitive function, while increasing community participation among community-dwelling individuals post-stroke. Yet little is known about how to structure community-based dance classes to optimize benefits and participation. This study aims to gain stakeholders' perspectives about how to optimally structure community-based dance classes for individuals with chronic stroke. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive approach utilizing focus group methods was implemented. Two focus groups were undertaken with each of three stakeholder groups: persons post-stroke (n = 9), rehabilitation therapists (n = 6), and dance instructors (n = 8). Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, providing the raw data. Analysis of the focus group transcripts were completed using the DEPICT model of collaborative qualitative analysis. RESULTS: This study identified three main themes/topics requiring consideration when structuring community-based dance programs: the environment, flow of the class, and qualities of the dance instructor. The study findings highlight that the pedagogical skills and teaching philosophy of the dance instructor are integral for a successful dance program, as the dance instructor directly mediates both the environment and flow of classes. CONCLUSION: Recommendations generated from our study can inform the development of community-based dance programs that are practical, optimize health benefits, and meet the needs and interests of people post-stroke.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONDance is an effective way to improve physical, psychosocial, and cognitive function for persons post-stroke while also promoting meaningful social relationships within the community.A dance instructor who is a skilled communicator and is willing to adapt to the needs of the class, is the most important factor for a successful dance class.Creating a safe and inviting environment for a dance program, includes both the physical and emotional aspects of environment facilitating individuals to create connections with others and feel more confident in themselves.The structure of a dance class, based on the abilities, interests, and goals of dancers, should include elements of predictability and variability to keep dancers progressing and motivated, and be two times a week for 3 months lasting 1-2 h.

Study Paradigms and Principles Investigated in Motor Learning Research After Stroke: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVES: To (1) characterize study paradigms used to investigate motor learning (ML) poststroke and (2) summarize the effects of different ML principles in promoting skill acquisition and retention. Our secondary objective is to evaluate the clinical utility of ML principles on stroke rehabilitation. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Excerpta Medica Database, Allied and Complementary Medicine, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception on October 24, 2018 and repeated on June 23, 2020. Scopus was searched on January 24, 2019 and July 22, 2020 to identify additional studies. STUDY SELECTION: Our search included keywords and concepts to represent stroke and "motor learning. An iterative process was used to generate study selection criteria. Three authors independently completed title, abstract, and full-text screening. DATA EXTRACTION: Three reviewers independently completed data extraction. DATA SYNTHESIS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension guidelines for scoping reviews were used to guide our synthesis. Thirty-nine studies were included. Study designs were heterogeneous, including variability in tasks practiced, acquisition parameters, and retention intervals. ML principles investigated included practice complexity, feedback, motor imagery, mental practice, action observation, implicit and explicit information, aerobic exercise, and neurostimulation. An additional 2 patient-related factors that influence ML were included: stroke characteristics and sleep. Practice complexity, feedback, and mental practice/action observation most consistently promoted ML, while provision of explicit information and more severe strokes were detrimental to ML. Other factors (ie, sleep, practice structure, aerobic exercise, neurostimulation) had a less clear influence on learning. CONCLUSIONS: Improved consistency of reporting in ML studies is needed to improve study comparability and facilitate meta-analyses to better understand the influence of ML principles on learning poststroke. Knowledge of ML principles and patient-related factors that influence ML, with clinical judgment can guide neurologic rehabilitation delivery to improve patient motor outcomes.

Perceptions of an over-ground induced temporal gait asymmetry by healthy young adults.

Nearly 60% of individuals with stroke walk with temporal gait asymmetry (TGA; a phase inequality between the legs during gait). About half of individuals with TGA are unable to correctly identify the presence or direction of their asymmetry. If patients are unable to perceive their gait errors, it will be harder to correct them to improve their gait pattern. Perception of gait pattern error may be affected by the stroke itself; therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine how the gait of neurotypical individuals changes with an induced temporal asymmetry, and how perception of that TGA compares to actual asymmetry both before and after 15-min of exposure to the induced asymmetry. After baseline symmetry (measured as symmetry index (SI)) was assessed with a pressure sensitive mat, participants (n = 29) walked for 15 min over-ground with cuff weights (7.5% of body weight) on their non-dominant leg to induce TGA. Presence, direction, and magnitude of TGA was measured at five time points: 1) baseline, 2) immediately after unilateral loading (early adaptation (EA)), 3) at the end of 15 min of walking (late adaptation (LA)), 4) immediately after load removal (early deadaptation (EDA)), and 5) after the participant indicated that their gait had returned to baseline symmetry (late deadaptation (LDA). Presence, direction, and magnitude of perceived TGA was measured by self-report. Measured and perceived TGA changes over time were assessed with separate one-way repeated measures analyses of variance. Agreement between measured and perceived TGA was assessed. During EA, all participants walked asymmetrically, spending more time on the non-loaded limb compared to baseline (-12.67 [95%CI -14.56, -10.78], p < 0.0001). All but one participant perceived this TGA, however only fifteen (52%) correctly perceived both TGA presence and direction. At LA, the group remained asymmetric (-9.22 [95%CI -11.32, -7.12], p < 0.0001), but only 9 participants (31%) correctly perceived both the presence and direction of their TGA. Visual inspection of the data at each time point revealed most participants perceived TGA magnitude as greater than actual TGA. Overall, we find that TGA can be induced and maintained in neurotypical young adults. Perception of TGA direction is inaccurate and perception of TGA magnitude is grossly overestimated. Perceptions of TGA do not improve after a period of exposure to the new walking pattern. These preliminary findings indicate that accurately perceiving an altered gait pattern is a difficult task even for healthy young adults.