title: Influence of skill and exercise training parameters on locomotor recovery during stroke rehabilitation.
abstract: Research findings from the fields of motor learning and exercise physiology suggest specific training parameters that can be manipulated during physical rehabilitation profoundly influence skilled task performance. This review details the rationale for some of these training variables and their application in selected intervention studies focused on improving walking function in patients poststroke.
  
  
  
  Basic and applied studies have shown that the amount, intensity, and variability of specific task practice applied during rehabilitation interventions can affect recovery of walking poststroke. Many studies detailing the effects of conventional, therapist, and mechanically assisted interventions may incorporate some of these training parameters but minimize others, and their relative contributions may influence walking outcomes. Specific patient factors, such as the stroke acuity and degree of impairments, appear to influence the relative contributions of these training variables, and different patient subgroups may benefit from greater emphasis on specific parameters.
  
  
  
  The present findings suggest these training parameters should be considered when evaluating or implementing physical interventions directed toward improving locomotor function poststroke. More work is needed to understand their optimal combinations to maximize walking outcomes in patients with different levels of impairment poststroke.
authors.affiliation: aDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana bRehabilitation Institute of Chicago cDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA dSoutheastern Regional Knowledge Translation Center, Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: T George
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Hornby
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lovell
authors.forename: Elliot J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Roth
mesh_terms: D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*