Investigation of optimal gait speed for motor learning of walking using the vibro-tactile biofeedback system

In stroke patients, sensory loss often reduces the sensation of ground contact, which impairs motor learning during rehabilitation. In our previous study, we proposed a vibro-tactile biofeedback system (which we called the perception–empathy biofeedback system) for gait rehabilitation. The results of our 9-week pilot clinical test suggested that patients who had reached the autonomous phase in gait learning had difficulty noticing the external vibratory feedback provided by the biofeedback system, leading to ineffective intervention. We considered the possibility that slower walking speed might return the patient to the association phase and allow patients to improve their gait according to the sensory feedback provided. Thus, in this research, a method based on reducing walking speed to guide patients' attention was derived. A pilot clinical trial shows that there is a statistically significant increase of ankle dorsiflexion in the initial contact phase and increase of ankle plantarflexion in the push-off phase after vibro-tactile biofeedback system intervention with speed reduction, compared to intervention without speed reduction. The results suggest that, by reducing their walking speed during intervention, patients return to the association phase and recognize external vibratory feedback, which may result in better intervention effects.Clinical Relevance—This study provides knowledge about the optimal walking speed when using vibro-tactile biofeedback for motor learning in stroke patients.