Article

The control of minimum toe clearance (MTC, as quantified with its
stride-to-stride variability during walking) is a promising marker to evaluate
motor control. The control of MTC, compared to other gait parameters, was
reported to have higher priority. The relationship between the control of MTC and
other gait parameters should be examined to elucidate tripping mechanisms. This study aimed at investigating the variability of MTC, stride time and stride
length in normal walking and in dual-task walking in back pain sufferers. Twelve
patients with chronic low back pain and twelve healthy controls walked with
inertial sensors attached on their feet with and without a cognitive dual task.
Standard deviations of stride time, stride length and MTC were calculated.
Regarding the comparison of dual-task walking in pain patients vs. controls, we
found higher variability in stride time in the back-pain group. Higher dual-task
walking variability was observed in stride length and stride time only in back
pain sufferers. Regarding MTC, however, neither a difference between groups nor
between walking conditions were found. We observed that individuals with pain,
who generally show higher gait variability, are able to control MTC in a
dual-task condition indicating that their central nervous system might prioritize
control of MTC over other gait parameters. Cases in which also MTC variability
increase because of a dual task might characterize alarming fall risk. Dual-task
MTC variability should, therefore, be estimated in individuals with severe fall
risk as in old individuals with pain, frail people or neurological patients.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS