Short-Step Adjustment and Proximal Compensatory Strategies Adopted by Stroke Survivors With Knee Extensor Spasticity for Obstacle Crossing

Stroke survivors often use compensatory strategies to safely cross obstacles. This study looks at how stroke survivors with knee extensor spasticity (muscle stiffness) adjust their steps and compensate when stepping over obstacles. The study compared the movements of stroke survivors with and without knee extensor spasticity as they stepped over a 15 cm obstacle. Researchers used motion analysis to track their movements. The findings suggest that stroke survivors with knee extensor spasticity use a short-step strategy before the obstacle and compensate with combined movements of their pelvis and trunk. This helps them cross the obstacle but can affect their balance.

• 1
  Stroke survivors with knee extensor spasticity use a short-step strategy before the obstacle to enhance accuracy and maintain stability.
• 2
  During the affected limb swing, the spasticity group showed increased pelvic and trunk lateral tilt, and hip abduction, compensating for lack of knee flexion.
• 3
  After crossing the obstacle, the spasticity group adopted a short-step and increased step width strategy to regain balance and reestablish their walking pattern.