Falls-based Training for Walking Post-Stroke

We propose a study that uses challenging walking exercises as a research training program and compare balance and walking abilities against a non-challenging exercise program, in a group of 40 people with long standing (\> 6 months) weakness that occurred after a stroke. Our main balance measure will be changes with the Berg Balance Score and Dynamic Gait Index, and our main walking measure will be walking speed over a 10 meter walkway and distance walked over a six minute period. Also, we will measure balance confidence, using scores on Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, changes in quality of life as measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale, SF-36 and Stroke Impact Scale. If challenging exercises are shown to be more effective than non-challenging exercises, then we will share this promising new approach with the community in hopes of improving people\'s lives after a stroke.