Effects of Asymmetrical Weight Bearing during Straight and Circular Walking in Hemiplegic Patients

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the difference of weight bearing between affected and intact feet during straight or circular walking in hemiplegic patients. METHOD: 16 hemiplegic patients who could walk without assistive devices were included in this study. We used insole foot-pressure system to measure weight bearing ratio of both feet during walking. We assessed walking speed and pressure ratio during straight or circular walking at their comfortable gait speed. RESULT: Pressure ratio of affected foot showed negative correlation with walking time irrespective of walking direction. Pressure ratio of affected foot and walking time during circular walking to the affected side was significantly higher and slower respectively than that to the intact side. CONCLUSION: Asymmetrical weight bearing of both feet during walking is highly correlated with walking ability in hemiplegic patients and pressure ratio of affected foot may be simple and useful determinant of walking ability.