Article

The purpose of the present study was to describe the spatial-temporal parameters
of the centre of pressure (COP) trajectory during the single-support phase of
gait among stroke survivors and relate these parameters to the severity of
sensorimotor impairment. Fifty-seven participants were asked to walk at their
preferred and fast speed over a pressure sensitive mat. Outcome measures included
anterior-posterior (AP) COP displacement, AP-COP velocity, medial-lateral (ML)
COP variability and foot region COP time. The results demonstrated an
asymmetrical AP-COP displacement in favour of the non-paretic limb for the
majority of participants. The inter-limb difference scores for AP-COP displacement and AP-COP velocity were related to the severity of sensorimotor
impairment and greater among gait aid users. ML-COP variability was greater under
the non-paretic limb, possibly suggesting difficulty with paretic limb swing
phase. Reduced or absent forefoot COP time suggests difficulty with forward
progression and modified foot function during push-off.
The inter-limb difference
in COP parameters highlights the asymmetrical nature of post-stroke gait and the
challenge of maintaining single limb support. We view this information as
potentially important to clinicians as an outcome measure for gait
rehabilitation.
CI - Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS