Intensive Motor Training After Perinatal Stroke to Enhance Walking

Early childhood injuries such as perinatal (around birth) stroke are devastating because the child lives with the problem for life, typically close to a normal lifespan. One \'opportunity\' presented by a brain injury early in life compared to later in adulthood is that the young brain is much more plastic (malleable) and receptive to interventions. This is particularly true for neural circuits that are still under development. We will test the hypothesis that early (\<2 yr old), intensive leg training will improve walking more than no training or training at \>2 yr old. We will further determine the changes induced by training in motor and sensory pathways.