Effects of Motor Skill Acquisition on Frequency of Knowledge of Results During the 6-Minute Walk Test in Individuals with Stroke

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the immediate effects of knowledge of results (KR) frequency on walking performance and motor acquisition in individuals with stroke.Methods: Fourteen patients with stroke and unilateral hemiparesis participated in this analysis.The study was designed to provide KR feedback under three different conditions during the 6-minute walk test (6MWT): feedback every 10m, every 20m, and every 40m.The 6MWT was performed by walking repeatedly back and forth along a 10-m straight course.Participants were permitted to self-regulate rest as needed, and the examiner supervised the trials to ensure safety and consistent feedback delivery.Cadence, walking velocity, stride length, and total walking distance were recorded and compared across the three KR conditions.Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in cadence, walking velocity, stride length, and total walking distance across the three conditions (p < 0.05).The greatest improvements were observed in the condition with feedback every 10m, suggesting that more frequent KR may facilitate more immediate adjustments in gait performance during repetitive walking practice. Conclusion:Our results indicate that gait capacity in patients with stroke and hemiplegia can vary depending on the frequency of KR feedback.Higher feedback frequencies may enhance short-term motor acquisition by promoting timely error detection, reinforcing successful movement patterns, and maintaining task engagement during endurance-based walking.These findings support the clinical utility of adjusting KR frequency when using the 6MWT as a gait-training task and suggest that appropriately frequent KR may positively influence gait function and endurance in this population.