ABSTRACT
Objective To correlate the isokinetic strength of stroke survivors' trunk flexors and extensors with the kinematic parameters of their gait.Methods Thirty stroke survivors and 30 healthy counterparts formed an observation group and a control group.The strength of everyone's trunk flexors and extensors was measured isokinetically,including the flexor peak torque (FPT),extensor peak torque (EPT) and the ratio of the two (F/E).The test velocities were 30°/s,60°/s and 90°/s.And the kinematic parameters of their gait,including the step length,stride,velocity,frequency,width and cycle time were measured using a 3D gait analysis system,as well as the percentage of stance phase,swing phase,double support phase and single support phase.Results No significant differences were found between the average FPT,EPT or F/E of the two groups at any of the three test velocities.At the 30°/s test velocity the average FPT,EPT and F/E of the observation group were all positively correlated with the average step length,stride,velocity,steps/min,width and cycle time,as well as with the stance phase,swing phase,double support phase and single support phase percentages.The strongest correlation was between F/E and velocity (r=0.57),followed by frequency (r=0.54).Conclusion litating the walking ability of stroke survivors and correcting their gait should focus on strengthening the trunk muscles and optimizing their coordination.