Article

Spatial and temporal gait asymmetry is common after stroke. Such asymmetric gait
is inefficient, can contribute to instability and may lead to musculoskeletal
injury. However, understanding of the determinants of such gait asymmetry remains
incomplete. The current study is focused on revealing if there is a link between
asymmetry during the control of standing balance and asymmetry during walking.
This study involved review of data from 94 individuals with stroke referred to a
gait and balance clinic. Participants completed three tests: (1) walking at their
usual pace; (2) quiet standing; and (3) standing with maximal loading of the
paretic side. A pressure sensitive mat recorded placement and timing of each
footfall during walking. Standing tests were completed on two force plates to
evaluate symmetry of weight bearing and contribution of each limb to balance
control. Multiple regression was conducted to determine the relationships between
symmetry during standing and swing time, stance time, and step length symmetry
during walking. Symmetry of antero-posterior balance control and weight bearing
were related to swing time and step length symmetry during walking.
Weight-bearing symmetry, weight-bearing capacity, and symmetry of
antero-posterior balance control were related to stance time symmetry. These
associations were independent of underlying lower limb impairment. The results
support the hypothesis that impaired ability of the paretic limb to control
balance may contribute to gait asymmetry post-stroke.
Such work suggests that
rehabilitation strategies that increase the contribution of the paretic limb to
standing balance control may increase symmetry of walking post-stroke.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS