Faculty Collaboration Database

High-Intensity Variable Stepping Training in Patients With Motor Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Series. J Neurol Phys Ther 2018 Apr;42(2):94-101

Date

03/17/2018

Pubmed ID

29547484

Pubmed Central ID

PMC7128539

DOI

10.1097/NPT.0000000000000217

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85045665637 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   12 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous data suggest that large amounts of high-intensity stepping training in variable contexts (tasks and environments) may improve locomotor function, aerobic capacity, and treadmill gait kinematics in individuals poststroke. Whether similar training strategies are tolerated and efficacious for patients with other acute-onset neurological diagnoses, such as motor incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI), is unknown. Individuals with iSCI potentially have greater bilateral impairments. This case series evaluated the feasibility and preliminary short- and long-term efficacy of high-intensity variable stepping practice in ambulatory participants for more than 1 year post-iSCI.

CASE SERIES DESCRIPTION: Four participants with iSCI (neurological levels C5-T3) completed up to 40 one-hour sessions over 3 to 4 months. Stepping training in variable contexts was performed at up to 85% maximum predicted heart rate, with feasibility measures of patient tolerance, total steps/session, and intensity of training. Clinical measures of locomotor function, balance, peak metabolic capacity, and gait kinematics during graded treadmill assessments were performed at baseline and posttraining, with more than 1-year follow-up.

OUTCOMES: Participants completed 24 to 40 sessions over 8 to 15 weeks, averaging 2222 ± 653 steps per session, with primary adverse events of fatigue and muscle soreness. Modest improvements in locomotor capacity where observed at posttraining, with variable changes in lower extremity kinematics during treadmill walking.

DISCUSSION: High-intensity, variable stepping training was feasible and tolerated by participants with iSCI although only modest gains in gait function or quality were observed. The utility of this intervention in patients with more profound impairments may be limited.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A200).

Author List

Holleran CL, Hennessey PW, Leddy AL, Mahtani GB, Brazg G, Schmit BD, Hornby TG

Author

Brian Schmit PhD Professor in the Biomedical Engineering department at Marquette University

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Biomechanical Phenomena
Exercise Test
Exercise Therapy
Exercise Tolerance
Female
Gait
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Spinal Cord Injuries
Treatment Outcome
Walking