Measurement Properties of Mechanical Cost of Walking for Individuals With Walking Impairment

Inclusion criteria

• Age 30-80 years at the time of consent
• Hemiparesis from ischemic and/or hemorrhagic strokes
• Most recent stroke for which participant sought treatment, at least 3 months prior to study consent
• Walking speed <1.0 m/s on the 10-meter walk test
• Able to walk 10m over ground with assistive devices as needed
• Able to walk at least 5 minutes continuously on the treadmill ≥ 0.1 mile per hour
• No contraindications to exercise according to ACSM guidelines
• Able to communicate with investigators, follow a 2-step command and correctly answer consent comprehension questions

Exclusion criteria

• Hospitalization for cardiac or pulmonary disease within past 3 months
• Implanted pacemaker or defibrillator
• Severe lower limb hypertonia (Ashworth >2)
• Foot drop or lower limb joint instability without adequate stabilizing device
• Clinically significant neurologic disorder other than stroke
• Other significant medical condition likely to jeopardize safety (e.g. joint contracture, gait limited by pain)
• Pregnancy