The influence of three-dimensional kinematic factors on the walking capacity of hemiparetic stroke patients / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate any correlation between walking capacity, center of mass, and pelvic and hemiparetic lower limb motions in stroke survivors. Methods The kinematic variables studied included maximum walking speed, center of mass ( CoM ), pelvic movements and lower-limb movements on the paretic side. These were examined using a three-dimension motion analysis system as thirty-two post-stroke hemiparetic patients walked without aids. Results Average walking capacity was significantly correlated with lateral shifting of the CoM, with paretic limb hip extension, and with deficient knee flexion motions. There was a significant correlation between lateral CoM shifting and paretic limb hip extension and also deficient knee movement. Conclusions Walking capacity after stroke is associated with the lateral shifting of the CoM, paretic limb hip extension and deficient knee flexion. The lateral CoM shifting was associated with paretic limb hip extension and deficient knee movements.