Locomotor Kinematics and Kinetics Following High-Intensity Stepping Training in Variable Contexts Poststroke.

The analysis included only 50 participants with valid kinematic data and 42 with valid kinetic data after marker loss, dropouts, inability to walk at 0.1 m/s, and laboratory transition. The paper is a secondary analysis of a previous randomized trial, not the primary report of that trial. The authors state that the small sample size within each training group is a primary limitation. Participants had to be able to walk at least 0.1 m/s on the treadmill and place each limb on separate belts, so the results do not apply to people who cannot meet those testing requirements. When post-training speeds were matched to baseline speeds, only a few differences remained, so some findings may depend on faster walking after training. The authors state additional work is needed to confirm these findings across larger, more diverse patient populations.

The authors reported no conflicts of interest. The publication types list NIH extramural and U.S. government non-P.H.S. research support.

Do not conclude that variable high-intensity training causes neurological recovery or reduces compensatory movement. The study is a small secondary analysis with missing biomechanical data, and the authors state additional work is needed to confirm the findings.