Abstract

Objective: To assess and summarize the recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of task-oriented gait training (TOGT) on walking speed and endurance after stroke.
Methodology: PubMed and Embase were searched for randomized trials published January 1, 2023–December 31, 2025. Trials enrolling adults with stroke and reporting the 10-meter walk test (10MWT) or 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were included.
Results: From 667 records, eight RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Sample sizes ranged from 18 to 75 participants. Representative findings included a 44 m between-group advantage in the 6MWT after 12 weeks of HIIT versus MAT, greater gains in self-selected and fastest walking speed with AIH+HIT than with normoxia+HIT, and superior 10MWT improvement with robot-assisted HIIT compared with treadmill-based gait therapy. However, heterogeneity in intervention content, progression strategies, and dose reporting precluded pooled quantitative synthesis.
Conclusion: Current RCT evidence supports TOGT as a progressive, monitored locomotor practice framework to clinically improve post-stroke walking, while underscoring the need for standardized outcome protocols and transparent dose/intensity reporting.

Key words: Stroke, task-oriented, gait training, speed, endurance.