Gait characteristics of post-stroke hemiparetic patients with different walking speeds

International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 2020 · DOI: 10.1097/MRR.0000000000000391 · Published: March 1, 2020

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how stroke-induced hemiparesis affects walking patterns at different speeds. Researchers compared gait characteristics of stroke patients with those of healthy individuals, matching them by age, height, and walking speed. The study analyzes various spatiotemporal gait parameters, such as stance time, swing time, and step length, to understand how these parameters differ between stroke patients and healthy controls at different walking speeds. The findings suggest that abnormalities in walking patterns due to hemiparesis should be considered in relation to walking speed, and that asymmetry and variability in gait are sensitive indicators of gait abnormalities in stroke patients.

Study Duration

January 2015 to September 2017

Participants

130 stroke patients and 130 matched healthy controls

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Stroke patients showed prolonged stance time on the non-paretic side and prolonged swing time on the paretic side, particularly at lower gait speeds.
2
Increased asymmetry in step length was observed in stroke patients across all gait speed groups, indicating variability in compensatory strategies.
3
Higher variability in step length, stance time, and swing time was found in stroke patients, suggesting instability in gait influenced by various impairments.

Research Summary

The study aimed to clarify the spatiotemporal gait characteristics of hemiparetic patients by comparing them with controls at various speeds, using data extracted from a hospital gait analysis database. Key findings include prolonged nonparetic stance and paretic swing time, shortened nonparetic swing phase, and prolonged double stance phases in stroke patients, especially at low gait speeds. The data suggest that abnormalities in hemiparetic gait should be interpreted in relation to gait speed, and asymmetry and variability indices are highly sensitive for detecting gait abnormalities.

Practical Implications

Gait abnormality evaluation

The study's findings can serve as a reference to evaluate gait abnormalities in hemiparetic patients, considering the influence of walking speed.

Fall risk management

Asymmetry and variability indices can be used for fall risk management in clinical settings.

Rehabilitation strategies

Understanding the relationship between gait speed and spatiotemporal parameters can inform targeted rehabilitation strategies to improve gait in stroke patients.

Study Limitations

1
The sample includes patients who used a handrail during assessments, potentially affecting stride length and swing time.
2
There was a significant difference in sex ratio between patients and controls, which might have affected the results.
3
The study relies on retrospective data analysis, limiting control over data collection and potential confounding factors.

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