The Effects of Shoe Lifts to the Unaffected Limb on Gait Pattern in Hemiplegic Stroke Patients

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of shoe lift to the unaffected limb on hemiplegic gait after stroke. METHOD: Three dimensional gait analysis was performed in 20 chronic hemiplegic patients with shoe lifts (5, 10, 15 mm) to the unaffected limb. The order of experimental series was randomized among subjects. Temporal gait parameters were measured and compared according to the height of shoe lifts in the affected and unaffected limbs. RESULTS: The stride time of both limbs and step time of the affected limb were decreased, and stride length of both limbs and step length of unaffected limb were increased after shoe lift apply (p<0.05). Thus walking velocity and cadence were increased. In gait cycle, there was decreased double limb support phase of affected limb (p<0.05). These improvement of gait patterns of hemiplegics was maximum after shoe lift of 10 mm height. CONCLUSION: Weight bearing with shoe lift may contribute to improved postural control and gait performance in hemiplegics. Furthermore, the study about long-term effects of shoe lifts to the unaffected limb may be necessary.