Split-Belt Treadmill Training for Asymmetric Walking Patterns
Original Editor - Mason Trauger
Top Contributors - Mason Trauger
Theory[edit | edit source]
Split-belt studies are intended to affect components of the Central Nervous System Pathways, including motor learning and motor control. A study in humans walking on a split-belt treadmill identified that there are independent, functional control networks for forward and backward walking, independent circuits for each leg, and different functional networks for fast versus slow walking. [1] [2]As a result, an individual limb can be preferentially targeted for a specific function.
Description[edit | edit source]
A split-belt treadmill is a specialized piece of equipment utilized for gait training, particularly with neurologic conditions. While typical treadmills have one belt along the running deck, a split-belt treadmill has two - these belts can move together, or can move at different speeds, allowing the individual to control each leg independently. Utilization of a split-belt treadmill can be used to address deficits in stride length, gait speed, weight-bearing, etc. This intervention is most often used with individuals after Stroke, but has also been used for patients with Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and more.
The following videos briefly display these functional adaptations: [3][4]
Indication
[edit | edit source]
add text here relating to the indication for the intervention
Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
add text here relating to the clinical presentation of the condition, including pre- and post- intervention assessment measures.
Resources[edit | edit source]
add appropriate resources here, including text links or content demonstrating the intervention or technique
Low Technology Considerations/Substitutions[edit | edit source]
While many of these split-belt treadmills can function as a typical treadmill (working as "one belt"), the start-up cost(s) associated with this equipment can make this unappealing. However, you can apply similar principles with lower technology options as follows:
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Choi JT, Bastian AJ. Adaptation reveals independent control networks for human walking. Nat Neurosci. 2007;10(8):1055-62.
- ↑ Vasudevan EV, Bastian AJ. Split-belt treadmill adaptation shows different functional networks for fast and slow human walking. J Neurophysiol. 2010;103(1):183-91.
- ↑ Champalimaud Research. Locomotor learning on a split-belt treadmill in mice. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9hStX3HsRY [last accessed 2/21/2024].
- ↑ Spiegeltherapie. Split Belt Treadmill. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7jWH6djrxU [last accessed 2/21/2024].
