Training duration per session was 45 min for both interventions
(actual training time, including maximally 2
breaks of 1-2 min during RAGT, and including warmingup
during strength training and breaks to change from
one exercise to the next). All trainings were executed
under the supervision of a movement scientist. The first
session of RAGT focused on adjusting the system to the
participant. To allow participants to familiarize themselves
with the system, training started with approximately 30%
bodyweight support and a treadmill speed of 1-2 km/h.
All participants initially started training using foot lifters
to ensure foot clearance during swing phase. If control
and strength of ankle dorsiflexion improved, the tension
of the foot lifters was decreased until active dorsiflexion
was sufficient to remove the foot lifters. In subsequent
sessions, training intensity was increased progressively by
changing walking speed, level of bodyweight support, robotic
support or by applying the next higher training
mode. Modes were easily switchable; therefore, different
training modes were not applied exclusively, but rather alternately,
where time spent training in the more difficult
mode steadily increased according to the participant’s capabilities.
All but one participant (P05, see Table 1) trained
in interactive mode most of the time and 2 participants
managed to walk in interactive mode with control of
treadmill speed (P02&P04). The amount of body-weight
support was adjusted individually to achieve adequate
knee extension during stance phase and toe clearance during
swing phase.
Strength training