title: Exploiting Interlimb Arm and Leg Connections for Walking Rehabilitation: A Training Intervention in Stroke.
abstract: Rhythmic arm and leg (A&L) movements share common elements of neural control. The extent to which A&L cycling training can lead to training adaptations which transfer to improved walking function remains untested. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of A&L cycling training as a modality to improve locomotor function after stroke. Nineteen chronic stroke (>six months) participants were recruited and performed 30 minutes of A&L cycling training three times a week for five weeks. Changes in walking function were assessed with (1) clinical tests; (2) strength during isometric contractions; and (3) treadmill walking performance and cutaneous reflex modulation. A multiple baseline (3 pretests) within-subject control design was used. Data show that A&L cycling training improved clinical walking status increased strength by ~25%, improved modulation of muscle activity by ~25%, increased range of motion by ~20%, decreased stride duration, increased frequency, and improved modulation of cutaneous reflexes during treadmill walking. On most variables, the majority of participants showed a significant improvement in walking ability. These results suggest that exploiting arm and leg connections with A&L cycling training, an accessible and cost-effective training modality, could be used to improve walking ability after stroke.
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 3N4; Human Discovery Science, International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 1M9; Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 2Y2.
authors.forename: Taryn
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-1666-7953
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Klarner
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 3N4; Human Discovery Science, International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 1M9; Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 2Y2.
authors.forename: Trevor S
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-3466-2750
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Barss
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 3N4; Human Discovery Science, International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 1M9; Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 2Y2.
authors.forename: Yao
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-0178-3612
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 3N4; Human Discovery Science, International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 1M9; Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 2Y2.
authors.forename: Chelsea
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kaupp
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 3N4.
authors.forename: Pamela M
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-3730-7439
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Loadman
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 3N4; Human Discovery Science, International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 1M9; Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 2Y2; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 2Y2.
authors.forename: E Paul
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Zehr
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001132:Arm / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*