Ground Compliance Improves Retention of Visual Feedback-Based Propulsion Training for Gait Rehabilitation

TL;DR

Adding ground compliance to visual feedback gait training enhances propulsion force learning and retention, potentially improving gait rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with propulsion deficits.

Contribution

This study demonstrates that combining ground compliance with visual feedback significantly improves the learning and retention of propulsive forces during gait training.

Findings

Ground compliance enhances push-off force increases.

Participants showed lasting after-effects in muscle activity.

Combined approach supports better natural gait strategies.

Abstract

This study investigates whether adding ground compliance to visual feedback (VF) gait training is more effective at increasing push-off force (POF) compared to using VF alone, with implications for gait rehabilitation. Ten healthy participants walked on a custom split-belt treadmill. All participants received real-time visual feedback of their ground reaction forces. One group also experienced changes in ground compliance, while a control group received only visual feedback. Intentional increases in propulsive ground reaction forces (POF) were successfully achieved and sustained post-intervention, especially in the group that experienced ground compliance. This group also demonstrated lasting after-effects in muscle activity and joint kinematics, indicating a more robust learning of natural strategies to increase propulsion. This work demonstrates how visual and proprioceptive systems coordinate during gait adaptation. It uniquely shows that combining ground compliance with visual feedback enhances the learning of propulsive forces, supporting the potential use of compliant terrain in long-term rehabilitation targeting propulsion deficits, such as those following a stroke.