Article

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of electric treadmill inclination on the gait
of individuals with chronic hemiparesis. DESIGN: Descriptive, observational
study. SETTING: Laboratory for human movement analyses of UFRN. PARTICIPANTS:
Individuals (N=18) with a mean age of 55.3 +/- 9.3 years and a lesion time of 36
+/- 22.8 months. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjects
were assessed for functional independence (FIM) and balance (Berg Balance Scale).
Spatial-temporal variables were observed as well as the angular variation of the
hip, knee, and ankle in the sagittal plane, while the individuals walked on the
treadmill at 3 different inclinations (0%, 5%, and 10%). RESULTS: There was an
increase in stance time between 0% and 5% (0.83 +/- 0.21 vs 0.87 +/- 0.20;
P=.011) and 0% and 10% (0.83 +/- 0.21 vs 0.88 +/- 0.23; P=.021). The other
spatial-temporal variables did not change. During initial contact there was an
increase in the hip, knee, and ankle flexion angle. An increase in hip amplitude
was also observed between 0% and 10% (37.83 +/- 5.23 vs 41.12 +/- 5.63; P<.001)
and 5% and 10% (38.80 +/- 5.96 vs 41.12 +/- 5.63; P=.002) and in knee amplitude
between 0% and 10% (47.51 +/- 15.07 vs 50.30 +/- 12.82; P=.040), as well as
decreased hip extension and increased dorsiflexion. CONCLUSIONS: Treadmill
inclination promoted angular alterations such as an increase in hip, knee, and
ankle angle during initial contact and the swing phase and an increase in the
amplitude of movement of the hip and knee, as well as an increase in stance time
of the paretic lower limb.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS