Gait kinematic analysis in patients with a mild form of central cord syndrome

Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 2011 · DOI: 10.1186/1743-0003-8-7 · Published: February 2, 2011

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Biomechanics

Simple Explanation

This study analyzes the walking patterns of individuals with Central Cord Syndrome (CCS), a common type of incomplete spinal cord injury, compared to healthy individuals. The study uses a three-dimensional motion analysis system to compare how CCS patients and healthy controls walk at both their normal speed and at the same slower speed. The goal is to better understand how CCS affects walking and to inform rehabilitation strategies to improve gait in these patients.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

12 CCS patients and 20 healthy controls

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
CCS patients showed reduced knee and ankle movement in the sagittal plane (forward-backward motion) during walking.
2
CCS patients exhibited increased hip abduction (movement away from the midline) at the start of walking to increase base of support.
3
The reduced range of motion in the knee and ankle of CCS patients wasn't due to increased spasticity, but likely other compensatory mechanisms.

Research Summary

This study investigates the gait characteristics of patients with Central Cord Syndrome (CCS) compared to healthy controls using 3D kinematic analysis. The results showed that CCS patients walked at a slower speed and exhibited reduced knee and ankle sagittal motion, along with increased hip abduction. The findings suggest that rehabilitation strategies should focus on improving muscle coordination and range of motion, rather than solely focusing on strengthening muscles.

Practical Implications

Targeted Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation programs for CCS patients should focus on improving knee and ankle range of motion in the sagittal plane.

Muscle Coordination

Emphasis should be placed on muscle coordination exercises rather than solely on muscle strengthening.

Gait Stability

Address compensatory mechanisms like increased hip abduction to improve gait stability in CCS patients.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of kinetic and electromyographic data.
2
Small difference in the motor index between upper and lower limbs in the CCS group.
3
Potential bias in the control group data due to walking at a slower, controlled speed.

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