The Use of Visual Feedback to Improve Temporal Gait Asymmetry Post-Stroke

Temporal gait asymmetry (TGA) is common post-stroke and particularly resistant to conventional therapy. Therefore new rehabilitation approaches are required. One approach may be visual feedback (FB) during gait training. Optimal parameters for providing visual FB during motor skill acquisition are well established for healthy adults but remain largely unknown for motor learning in people with stroke. This study aimed to determine the effect of visual displays and frequencies for visual FB about TGA during an overground walking practice session and its effects during a retention session. Participants received feedback at 50% or 100% frequency in one of two display formats (A and B). The largest effect sizes were seen in the group that received Display B at 100%, and 50%. Individuals that received FB during practice showed significant changes in TGA at the retention while those individuals who did not receive feedback showed no changes at retention.M.Sc