OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of adding load to restrain the non-paretic lower limb during gait training on weight-bearing and temporal asymmetry after stroke. DESIGN: Thirty-eight (38) subjects were randomized into treadmill training with load (5% of body weight) on the non-paretic limb (experimental group) and treadmill training without load (control group). Interventions lasted 30 min per day for 2 weeks (9 sessions). Both groups performed home-based exercises and were instructed to increase the use of paretic limb in daily life situations. Ground reaction force (GRF) was obtained by a force plate during standing position (static) and gait (dynamic). Temporal gait parameters were assessed by a motion system analysis. Outcome measures were evaluated at baseline, post-training and after a 40-day follow-up. RESULTS: The experimental group increased static GRF of the paretic limb at post-training (p = 0.037) and the control group increased dynamic GRF of the paretic limb at post-training (p = 0.021), both with maintenance at follow-up. Neither group showed a change in the swing time symmetry ratio after training (p = 0.190). CONCLUSION: Treadmill training associated to behavioral strategies/home-based exercises seemed to be useful to minimize weight-bearing asymmetry, but not to improve temporal gait asymmetry. Load addition did not show additional benefits.

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