Article

Gait training to facilitate the use of the paretic limb for persons with
hemiparesis continues to be of interest to those in the clinical research domain.
The purpose of this case report was to assess the outcomes of a repeated step-up
and -down treatment, initiating with the paretic limb, on functional mobility,
endurance and gait kinematic parameters in a person with hemiparesis. The
participant was an 85-year-old female 3 years status post left hemiparesis, who
reported overall good health. The participant was asked to step up on a 1-inch
height wood box with her paretic limb. Once both feet were on top of the box, the
participant initiated descent also with her paretic limb. The height of the box
gradually progressed to 5 inches based on the participant's performance and
tolerance. A metronome was used to facilitate rhythmic lower extremity movement
patterns. The training duration for each treatment session was 7-15 min/day. The
participant completed nine sessions spanning over 3 weeks. The outcome measure
used to identify motor recovery was the Fugl-Myer (lower extremity). In addition,
the timed up and go (TUG), the 6-min walk test (6 MWT) and gait kinematics were
assessed to examine mobility and gait. The Fugl-Myer score and 6 MWT did not
reflect a meaningful change (0% and +2.6%, respectively). However, TUG scores did
show a meaningful change (+31.9%). With respect to gait kinematics, hip flexion
on the paretic limb was improved from 11 degrees to 18 degrees , which indicates
the normal range of hip motion during the initial swing phase in post-test.

Langue : ANGLAIS