Stabilization Strategies for Fast Walking in Challenging Environments With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 2021 · DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2021.709420 · Published: August 19, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Biomechanics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how people with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) maintain balance while walking at different speeds and during maneuvers. Researchers examined walking stability at preferred and fast speeds, using a robotic force field to challenge balance and observing straight walking and lane-change maneuvers. The study found that individuals with iSCI can maintain stability by adjusting their step patterns, but may prioritize stability over speed in challenging situations.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

24 (12 with incomplete Spinal Cord Injury, 12 without)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Individuals with iSCI can maintain lateral stability during straight walking at faster speeds, even in challenging environments.
2
At faster speeds, both groups reduced lateral COM excursion and increased step-to-step foot placement variability, suggesting adaptive strategies for maintaining stability.
3
During maneuvers in challenging conditions, individuals with iSCI appear to prioritize stability over speed, while those without iSCI may prioritize maneuver performance.

Research Summary

The study examined the effect of treadmill speed on gait stability in adults with and without iSCI during straight walking and lateral maneuvers. Results showed that individuals with iSCI could maintain lateral stability at faster speeds by modifying gait patterns and prioritizing stability during maneuvers. The findings suggest that physical therapy interventions challenging both speed and lateral stability may benefit high-functioning individuals with iSCI.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Physical therapy should focus on challenging both speed and lateral stability to improve complex task performance in high-functioning individuals with iSCI.

Assistive Technologies

Develop assistive devices that support dynamic balance and maneuverability during faster walking speeds for individuals with balance deficits.

Fall Prevention

Implement fall prevention programs that emphasize strategies for maintaining stability during maneuvers and in challenging environments.

Study Limitations

1
The study's sample size was relatively small, limiting generalizability.
2
The study focused on high-functioning individuals with iSCI, potentially not representative of the broader iSCI population.
3
The treadmill environment may not fully replicate real-world walking conditions.

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