• Gabrielle Brazg, Meghan Fahey, Carey L Holleran, Mark Connolly, Jane Woodward, Patrick W Hennessy, Brian D Schmit, and T George Hornby.
• 1 Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
• Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2017 Oct 1; 31 (10-11): 944-954.

BackgroundMany physical interventions can improve locomotor function in individuals with motor incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI), although the training parameters that maximize recovery are not clear. Previous studies in individuals with other neurologic injuries suggest the intensity of locomotor training (LT) may positively influence walking outcomes. However, the effects of intensity during training of individuals with iSCI have not been tested.ObjectiveThe purpose of this pilot, blinded-assessor randomized trial was to evaluate the effects of LT intensity on walking outcomes in individuals with iSCI.MethodsUsing a crossover design, ambulatory participants with iSCI >1 year duration performed either high- or low-intensity LT for ≤20 sessions over 4 to 6 weeks. Four weeks following completion, the training interventions were alternated. Targeted intensities focused on achieving specific ranges of heart rate (HR) or ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), with intensity manipulated by increasing speeds or applying loads.ResultsSignificantly greater increases in peak treadmill speeds (0.18 vs 0.02 m/s) and secondary measures of metabolic function and overground speed were observed following high- versus low-intensity training, with no effects of intervention order. Moderate to high correlations were observed between differences in walking speed or distances and differences in HRs or RPEs during high- versus low-intensity training.ConclusionThis pilot study provides the first evidence that the intensity of stepping practice may be an important determinant of LT outcomes in individuals with iSCI. Whether such training is feasible in larger patient populations and contributes to improved locomotor outcomes deserves further consideration.

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