Article

While it is well established that obstacle crossing is impaired following stroke,
it is not known whether obstacle crossing improves as gait improves following
stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine whether obstacle crossing
changed over a one month time period in people with a recent stroke. Twenty
participants receiving rehabilitation following a recent stroke were tested on
two occasions one month apart. Participants received usual care rehabilitation,
including physiotherapy, between the tests. The main outcome measure was obstacle
crossing speed as participants stepped over a 4-cm high obstacle. Secondary
measures were spatiotemporal variables. Data were collected via a three
dimensional motion analysis system. When leading with the affected limb no
changes in obstacle crossing speed or spatiotemporal variables were observed over
the one month period. When leading with the unaffected limb, crossing speed
significantly increased (p=.002), and affected trail limb swing time (p=.03) and
crossing step double support time reduced (p=.016). While not significant, the
lead and trail limb pre-obstacle distance increased (p=.08), and lead swing time
(p=.052) reduced. Change in obstacle crossing speed did not correlate with change
in level gait speed. Obstacle crossing does not necessarily improve over a one
month time period in people receiving rehabilitation following stroke. These
findings suggest that there may be a need for more targeted training of obstacle
crossing, particularly when leading with the affected limb.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS