Article

PURPOSE: To describe Re-Step, a novel mechatronic shoe system that measures
center of pressure (COP) gait parameters and complexity of COP dispersion while
walking, and to demonstrate these measurements in healthy controls and
individuals with hemiparesis and cerebral palsy (CP) before and after
perturbation training. METHOD: The Re-Step was used to induce programmed chaotic
perturbations to the feet while walking for 30 min for 36 sessions over 12-weeks
of training in two subjects with hemiparesis and two with CP. RESULTS: Baseline
measurements of complexity indices (fractal dimension and approximate entropy)
tended to be higher in controls than in those with disabilities, while COP
variability, mean and variability of step time and COP dispersion were lower.
After training the disabled subjects these measurement values tended toward those
of the controls, along with a decrease in step time, 10 m walk time, average step
time, percentage of double support and increased Berg balance score. CONCLUSIONS:
This pilot trial reveals the feasibility and applicability of this unique
measurement and perturbation system for evaluating functional disabilities and
changes with interventions to improve walking. Implication for Rehabilitation
Walking, of individuals with cerebral palsy and hemiparesis following stroke, can
be viewed in terms of a rigid motor behavior that prevents adaptation to changing
environmental conditions. Re-Step system (a) measures and records linear and
non-linear gait parameters during free walking to provide a detailed evaluation
of walking disabilities, (b) is an intervention training modality that applies
unexpected perturbations during walking. This perturbation intervention may
improve gait and motor functions of individuals with hemiparesis and cerebral
plasy.

Langue : ANGLAIS