The effect of split-belt treadmill walking on gait in stroke patients: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Gait pattern asymmetries and increased energy cost of walking are common in stroke patients. Recent studies have investigated the effect of split-belt treadmill walking on these parameters. The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the training effect on gait in post-stroke patients, during and after split-belt treadmill walking. Method: PubMed and Web of Science were used to search for derivatives of stroke, split- belt, gait pattern and energy cost of walking. Subsequently, title and abstract, and full text of the obtained studies were evaluated. Eligibility criteria were: patients post-stroke; no medical and cognitive conditions, aside from stroke; split-belt treadmill walking, with both belts running at different speeds; and energy cost of walking or gait pattern parameters. Fourteen studies remained on which data extraction was performed. Results: Gait parameters and energy cost of walking showed improvements in post-stroke patients during and after split-belt treadmill walking. Discussion: The results were comparable across studies. Sufficient studies were conducted on gait pattern, but not on energy cost of walking. Few studies tested long-term effects and the sample size was insufficient in all studies. Conclusion: A split-belt treadmill walking intervention has a significant training effect on gait during and after split-belt treadmill walking, in post-stroke patients.