Locomotor Training
Also written as: LT — Locomotor Training
A structured therapeutic approach using repetitive, task-specific stepping practice—often with body-weight support—to restore walking function after neurological injury.
Full Definition
Locomotor training (LT) is a rehabilitative intervention grounded in the principle of activity-dependent neuroplasticity, in which repetitive walking-pattern stimulation promotes relearning of gait in patients with spinal cord injury, stroke, or other neurological conditions. It is commonly delivered on a treadmill with a body-weight support (BWS) harness system or via robotic exoskeletons such as the Lokomat. The intervention is documented in therapy progress notes, rehabilitation programme plans, and research protocols. Editors should note that 'locomotor training' is a defined, evidence-based term and should not be paraphrased as 'walking training' or 'gait training' without verifying clinical equivalence, as the protocols differ. Documentation of LT includes parameters such as percentage body-weight support, treadmill speed, and session duration.
Usage
Usage note: Do not substitute 'gait training' for 'locomotor training' without author confirmation; the terms describe related but distinct rehabilitation paradigms with different evidence bases and documentation requirements.
In Context
- "Locomotor training was initiated at 40% body-weight support and progressed by 10% per session as tolerated." — Physical Therapy Progress Note
- "The editor queried whether 'gait training' in the protocol was synonymous with 'locomotor training' or referred to overground ambulation practice only." — Clinical Protocol Editing Query