Multimodal Exercise Training Poststroke

Resistance based training study: Each training session will begin by determining the treadmill walking speed that an individual will train. The speed of the treadmill will be incrementally increased stepwise and individuals will affirm which speed feels the most comfortable to walk. Thus, the training speed of individuals will not necessarily be fixed over the 8-week study. Heart rate will be monitored and resistive force will be applied stepwise until the heart rate reaches at least 60% heart rate reserve. Individuals will be encouraged to walk at least five minutes and then allowed to rest. Achieved heart rate reserve and time the spent training at 60-80% heart rate reserve will be quantified for each session. Subjective measures of effort will also be sampled using the Borg Scale.

Speed based training study: Individuals will train at the fastest walking speed that an individual asserts that they can maintain for five minutes. The training time will then begin. Individuals will be encouraged to walk at least five minutes and then be allowed to rest. Speed will be progressed for each individual every 1-2 weeks at increments between 0.02 m/s and 0.08 m/s. Treadmill inclination will remain at 0°. Participants will be allowed to use the handrail or forearm support while being encouraged to walk without support if possible. Achieved heart rate reserve and the time the spent training at 60-80% heart rate reserve will be quantified for each session. Subjective measures of effort will also be sampled using the Borg Scale.