pedro.org.au).

The PEDro scale rates the methodological quality of randomised trials between 1 and 10. The score is determined by two independent raters, with a third rater resolving any disagreements. Where a study was not CH5424802 ic50 included on the database, the PEDro scale was scored by two reviewers independently with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. Participants: Studies involving subacute, non-ambulatory, adult stroke survivors were included. Subacute was defined as within the first three months following stroke. Nonambulatory was defined as Functional Ambulatory Category < 3 ( Holden et al 1984), Functional Independence Measure ( Keith et al 1987) walking subscale score < 5, Item 5 Motor Assessment Scale score < 2, or equivalent. Even so, in many trials, the ambulation status of the participants at baseline was not clear. Therefore, the measurement of independent walking as an outcome was used as an inclusion criterion in order to confirm that the

trial investigated participants who were non-ambulatory at baseline. Intervention: The experimental intervention was any type of mechanically assisted walking (such as treadmill, electromechanical gait trainer, robotic device or servomotor) with body weight support (provided by a harness system, with or without handrail, but not handrail alone) regardless PCI-32765 purchase of the amount of therapist assistance. The control intervention was

nearly overground walking and could include any type of assistance from therapists or aids (such as orthoses or sticks). Training was required to be of a duration that could be expected to improve walking, ie, > 15 minutes per session. Outcome measures: The amount of independent walking was the primary outcome measure. Independent walking was defined as being able to walk without aids or physical assistance (ie, Functional Ambulatory Category ≥ 3 or equivalent). Secondary outcomes were walking speed and walking capacity. Walking speed was measured in m/s during any short distance test (such as the 10-m Walk Test, Wade et al 1987). Walking capacity was measured as distance walked in m during a longer timed test (such as the 2-, 5-, 6- or 12- min Walk Test) and converted to the equivalent of a 6-min Walk Test (Guyatt et al 1984). For both secondary outcomes, only data from participants who could walk independently were used.