A very long-term longitudinal follow-up of persons with late effects of polio.

BACKGROUND: As many as 60-80% of persons with a history of polio myelitis develop new symptoms, such as new or increased muscle weakness, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue several decades later, called postpolio syndrome (PPS). This may affect their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). It is still unclear if the patient's symptom is getting worse and in that case how much/fast the decline is. AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate long-term changes in disability in community dwelling patients with prior poliomyelitis, in contact with a polio clinic 14-16 years post their first assessment. DESIGN: A cross sectional longitudinal study. SETTING: Polio clinic. POPULATION: Fifty-two persons recruited from an earlier 4-year follow-up participated in the study. METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed prior to the visit at the polio clinic. Physical testing was performed by measuring muscle strength, walking speed and handgrip force. RESULTS: Overall there was a small change in muscle strength. A significant reduction in the right leg was found for flexion 60° and in dorsal flexion. For the left leg a significant reduction was found for plantar flexion. In the walking tests, a significant reduction was seen for spontaneous walking speed. No significant interaction between decrease in spontaneous walking speed and the variables age, BMI and flexion 60° and dorsal flexion in the right leg was seen. CONCLUSIONS: This cross-sectional longitudinal study shows small changes in muscle strength and disability. The results may imply that symptoms associated with late effects of polio are not progressing as fast as we had previously thought. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: When health care professionals meet persons with late effects of polio the knowledge of long-term consequences of deterioration is important. Knowing that the deterioration is not as fast as previously thought, can help us to support the person in having a healthy lifestyle, stay active and encourage to perform adapted physical training.

Perspectives of Older Adults on Aging Well: A Focus Group Study.

BACKGROUND: With increasing number of older adults worldwide, promoting health and well-being becomes a priority for aging well. Well-being and physical and mental health are closely related, and this relation may become more vital at older ages as it may contribute to aging well. The state of well-being is a multifaceted phenomenon that refers to an individual's subjective feelings, and exploring perspectives of older adults on aging well is developing to be an important area of research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore perceptions on aging well among older adult Palestinians ≥60 years. METHODS: A qualitative research design in the context of focus group discussions was used; seven focus groups were conducted including fifty-six participants (aged 63-81 years). Data were analyzed using a qualitative interpretative thematic approach described by Braun and Clarke. RESULTS: Three major themes were identified, "sense of well-being," "having good physical health," and "preserving good mental health." The participants perceived that aging well is influenced by positive feelings such as being joyous, staying independent, having a life purpose, self-possessed contentment, and financially secured, in addition to be socially engaged and enjoying good physical and mental health. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to get a better insight concerning older adults' perspectives on aging well. Enhancing physically active lifestyle, participation in social and leisure activities, healthy eating habits, having a purpose in life, and being intellectually engaged are all contributing factors to aging well. Vital factors are to be considered in developing strategic health and rehabilitative plans for promoting aging well among older adults.

Experiences of Habitual Physical Activity in Maintaining Roles and Functioning among Older Adults: A Qualitative Study.

Physically active older adults have reduced risk of functional restrictions and role limitations. Several aspects may interrelate and influence habitual physical activity (PA). However, older adults' own perspectives towards their PA need to be addressed. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of habitual physical activity in maintaining roles and functioning among older adult Palestinians ≥60 years. Data were collected through in-depth interviews based on a narrative approach. Seventeen participants were recruited (aged 64-84 years). Data were analyzed using a narrative interpretative method. Findings. Three central narratives were identified, "keep moving, stay healthy," "social connectedness, a motive to stay active," and "adapting strategies to age-related changes." Conclusion. Habitual physical activity was perceived as an important factor to maintain functioning and to preserve active roles in older adults. Walking was the most prominent pattern of physical activity and it was viewed as a vital tool to maintain functioning among the older adults. Social connectedness was considered as a contributing factor to the status of staying active. To adapt the process of age-related changes in a context to stay active, the participants have used different adapting strategies, including protective strategy, awareness of own capabilities, and modifying or adopting new roles.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Validity and Reliability of the Arabic Version of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of an Arabic language version (Ar) of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) with respect to its use with Arabic-speaking elderly subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: For cross-cultural adaptation, the translation of the original English version of the scale was conducted based on the protocol of the Prevention of Falls Network Europe (ProFaNE). The FES-I (Ar) was administered via face-to-face interviews to 108 community-dwelling elderly Palestinians (61 women and 47 men, aged 60-84 years). Statistical analyses were used to determine group differences with respect to age, gender and fall history. To assess validity, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to examine the correlation between the total scores of FES-I (Ar) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, gait speed and balance. Test-retest reliability between the two test occasions was assessed in accordance with Svensson's method. RESULTS: The FES-I (Ar) total scores were positively correlated with TUG (r(s) = 0.641, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with gait speed (r(s) = -0.670, p < 0.001) and balance (r(s) = -0.592, p < 0.001). All items of the FES-I (Ar) indicated a high percentage agreement (from 88 to 93%), and the relative position ranged from 0.01 to 0.06. CONCLUSION: In this study, the FES-I (Ar) was shown to be a comprehensible, valid and reliable measure of the concern about falling among community-dwelling elderly subjects. In clinical practice and future research, the FES-I (Ar) instrument could be used to effectively assess concern about falling in Arabic-speaking elderly persons.

Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Community Dwelling Elderly.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are important factors for optimal health in the elderly. Studying the association between PA and HRQoL is becoming more essential as the number of elderly people increases worldwide. This study assesses the association between PA and HRQoL among community dwelling elderly above 60 years old. METHODS: The study included 115 women and 61 men (mean age: 68.15 ± 6.74 years) recruited from the community and from public centers for the elderly. Data were collected using a background characteristics questionnaire (BCQ), a physical activity socio-cultural adapted questionnaire (PA-SCAQ), and the EuroQuol-5Dimensions-5Levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire. Between groups, comparisons were based on the PA-SCAQ by dividing the participants into three PA groups: low (n = 74), moderate (n = 85), and high (n = 17). Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed on the ordinal variables of the three PA groups to determine differences between the groups according to categorical variables such as gender, body mass index (BMI), and the prevalence of comorbid conditions. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed on the ordinal variables of the EuroQuol-5Dimensions (EQ-5D), and the independent sample t-test was performed on the EQ visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to examine the correlation between the EQ-5D and level of PA. RESULTS: Values in all dimensions of HRQoL were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the moderate and high PA groups compared with the low PA group. Significant correlations were recorded between the five dimensions of HRQoL and the level of PA (P < 0.001). The low PA group showed higher prevalence of hypertension (64%, P < 0.001) and diabetes (50%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There were strong associations between higher levels of PA and all dimensions of HRQoL. Therefore, adopting a PA lifestyle may contribute to better HRQoL among community dwelling elderly above 60 years old.

Physical activity in community-dwelling stroke survivors and a healthy population is not explained by motor function only.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship between self-reporting and physical measures and compare self-reported physical activity (PA) levels in persons who have had a stroke with self-reported PA levels in a control population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional assessment of a convenience sample of survivors of a stroke living in the community and a population-based sample from the same community. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy persons (48 men and 22 women; average age, 60 years) who had a stroke a mean of 6 years earlier and 141 persons (70 men and 71 women; average age, 59 years) who served as control subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) was used, and self-selected and maximum walking speeds were measured. Motor function after stroke was assessed with the Fugl-Meyer Assessment. RESULTS: The median Fugl-Meyer score for motor function in the leg was 29. Mean self-selected and maximum walking speeds after having a stroke were 1.0 m/s and 1.3 m/s, corresponding to 72% and 65% of control values. A regression model with PASE as the dependent variable and age and walking speed as independent variables explained 29% (P < .001) of the variation in the stroke group. For the control group, age and self-selected walking speed explained 8% of the variation (P < .01). The mean PASE score in the stroke group was 119, compared with 161 in the control group. CONCLUSION: Persons who have experienced a stroke and live in the community are less physically active than the population of the same age who have not had a stroke. However, it appears that factors other than motor impairment have an impact on a person's PA level, because only a low association was found between PA level and motor function, with a large dispersion in PA levels in persons with a history of stroke who were physically well recovered.

Responsiveness of upper extremity kinematic measures and clinical improvement during the first three months after stroke.

BACKGROUND: Kinematic movement analysis is increasingly used as an outcome measure in evaluation of upper extremity function after stroke. Little is known, however, about what observed longitudinal changes in kinematics mean in the context of an individual's functioning. In this study, the responsiveness and expected change in kinematic measures associated with clinically meaningful improvement in the upper extremity were evaluated. METHODS: . Kinematic movement analysis of a drinking task and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) were performed early (9 days poststroke) and at 3 months after stroke in 51 subjects. The receiver-operating characteristic curve and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate responsiveness of kinematic parameters. RESULTS: Movement time, smoothness, and trunk displacement discriminated those subjects demonstrating clinically meaningful improvements. Significant associations of 31% to 36% were found between the change in ARAT and kinematic measures. A real clinical improvement in kinematics lies in the range of 2.5 to 5 seconds, 3 to 7 units, and 2 to 5 cm in movement time, smoothness, and trunk displacement, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: All kinematic measures reported in this study are responsive measures for capturing improvements in the upper extremity during the first 3 months after stroke. Approximate estimates for the expected change in kinematics associated with clinically meaningful improvement in upper extremity activity capacity illustrate the usefulness of the linear regression analysis for assessing responsiveness. This knowledge facilitates the selection of kinematic measures for clinical and movement analysis research as well as for technology-based devices.

Walking performance and muscle strength in the later stage poststroke: a nonlinear relationship.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relation between muscle strength in the lower extremities and walking performance (speed and distance) in subjects in the later stage poststroke and to compare this with normative data. DESIGN: A cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: University hospital department. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects poststroke (n=41; 31 men, 10 women) with a mean age of 59±5.8 years and a time from stroke onset of 52±36 months were evaluated. An urban sample (n=144) of 40- to 79-year-olds (69 men, 75 women) formed the healthy reference group. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Muscle strength in the lower extremities was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer and combined into a strength index. Values for the 30-meter walk test for self-selected and maximum speed and the 6-minute walk test were measured. A nonlinear regression model was used. RESULTS: The average strength index was 730±309 in the subjects after stroke compared with 1112±362 in the healthy group. A nonlinear relation between walking performance and muscle strength was evident. The model explained 37% of the variance in self-selected speed in the stroke group and 20% in the healthy group, and 63% and 38%, respectively, in the maximum walking speed. For the 6-minute walk test, the model explained 44% of the variance in the stroke group. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects in the later stage poststroke were weaker than the healthy reference group, and their weakness was associated with walking performance. At the same strength index, subjects walked at lower speeds and shorter distances after stroke, indicating that there are multiple impairments that affect walking ability. Treatments focused on increasing muscle strength thus continue to hold promise.

Movement kinematics during a drinking task are associated with the activity capacity level after stroke.

BACKGROUND: Kinematic analysis is a powerful method for an objective assessment of movements and is increasingly used as an outcome measure after stroke. Little is known about how the actual movement performance measured with kinematics is related to the common traditional assessment scales. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between movement kinematics from a drinking task and the impairment or activity limitation level after stroke. METHODS: Kinematic analysis of movement performance in a drinking task was used to measure movement time, smoothness, and angular velocity of elbow and trunk displacement (TD) in 30 individuals with stroke. Sensorimotor impairment was assessed with the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), activity capacity limitation with the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and self-perceived activity difficulties with the ABILHAND questionnaire. RESULTS: Backward multiple regression revealed that the movement smoothness (similarly to movement time) and TD together explain 67% of the total variance in ARAT. Both variables uniquely contributed 37% and 11%, respectively. The TD alone explained 20% of the variance in the FMA, and movement smoothness explained 6% of the variance in the ABILHAND. CONCLUSIONS: The kinematic movement performance measures obtained during a drinking task are more strongly associated with activity capacity than with impairment. The movement smoothness and time, possibly together with compensatory movement of the trunk, are valid measures of activity capacity and can be considered as key variables in the evaluation of upper-extremity function after stroke. This increased knowledge is of great value for better interpretation and application of kinematic data in clinical studies.

Ambulatory Function and Perception of Confidence in Persons with Stroke with a Custom-Made Hinged versus a Standard Ankle Foot Orthosis.

Objective. The aim was to compare walking with an individually designed dynamic hinged ankle foot orthosis (DAFO) and a standard carbon composite ankle foot orthosis (C-AFO). Methods. Twelve participants, mean age 56 years (range 26-72), with hemiparesis due to stroke were included in the study. During the six-minute walk test (6MW), walking velocity, the Physiological Cost Index (PCI), and the degree of experienced exertion were measured with a DAFO and C-AFO, respectively, followed by a Stairs Test velocity and perceived confidence was rated. Results. The mean differences in favor for the DAFO were in 6MW 24.3 m (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.90, 43.76), PCI -0.09 beats/m (95% CI -0.27, 0.95), velocity 0.04 m/s (95% CI -0.01, 0.097), and in the Stairs Test -11.8 s (95% CI -19.05, -4.48). All participants except one perceived the degree of experienced exertion lower and felt more confident when walking with the DAFO. Conclusions. Wearing a DAFO resulted in longer walking distance and faster stair climbing compared to walking with a C-AFO. Eleven of twelve participants felt more confident with the DAFO, which may be more important than speed and distance and the most important reason for prescribing an AFO.

Physical activity, ambulation, and motor impairment late after stroke.

Objective. To assess walking capacity and physical activity using clinical measures and to explore their relationships with motor impairment late after stroke. Subjects. A nonrandomised sample of 22 men and 9 women with a mean age of 60 years, 7-10 years after stroke. Methods. Fugl-Meyer Assessment, maximum walking speed, 6 min walk test, perceived exertion, and heart rate were measured, and the Physiological Cost Index was calculated. Physical activity was reported using The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Results. Mean (SD) 6 min walking distance was 352 (±136) m, and Physiological Cost Index was 0.60 (±0.41). Self-reported physical activity was 70% of the reference. Motor impairment correlated with walking capacity but not with the physical activity level. Conclusion. It may be essential to enhance physical activity even late after stroke since in fairly young subjects both walking capacity and the physical activity level were lower than the reference.

Is walking endurance associated with activity and participation late after stroke?

PURPOSE: After stroke, impaired walking ability may affect activity and participation. The aim was to investigate whether self-reported activity and participation were associated with walking endurance late after stroke. METHOD: A non-randomised sample of 31 persons with a mean age of 59.7 years and time since stroke of 7-10 years was studied. Walking endurance was measured by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Self-reported activity and participation were measured by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly and the Stroke Impact Scale. Relationships were analysed with linear regression. RESULTS: A regression model including activities of daily living and 6MWT explained 44%, mobility and 6MWT explained 25% and a model including physical activity level and 6MWT explained 21% of the variation in activity. Regarding participation, the explanatory level of the model of participation and 6MWT was 30%. CONCLUSIONS: Walking distance several years after stroke was partly associated with self-reported difficulties in activity and participation.

Kinematic variables quantifying upper-extremity performance after stroke during reaching and drinking from a glass.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional kinematic analysis provides quantitative and qualitative assessment of upper-limb motion and is used as an outcome measure to evaluate impaired movement after stroke. The number of kinematic variables used, however, is diverse, and models for upper-extremity motion analysis vary. OBJECTIVE: The authors aim to identify a set of clinically useful and sensitive kinematic variables to quantify upper-extremity motor control during a purposeful daily activity, that is, drinking from a glass. METHODS: For this purpose, 19 participants with chronic stroke and 19 healthy controls reached for a glass of water, took a sip, and placed it back on a table in a standardized way. An optoelectronic system captured 3-dimensional kinematics. Kinematical parameters describing movement time, velocity, strategy and smoothness, interjoint coordination, and compensatory movements were analyzed between groups. RESULTS: The majority of kinematic variables showed significant differences between study groups. The number of movement units, total movement time, and peak angular velocity of elbow discriminated best between healthy participants and those with stroke as well as between those with moderate (Fugl-Meyer scores of 39-57) versus mild (Fugl-Meyer scores of 58-64) arm impairment. In addition, the measures of compensatory trunk and arm movements discriminated between those with moderate and mild stroke impairment. CONCLUSION: Kinematic analysis in this study identified a set of movement variables during a functional task that may serve as an objective assessment of upper-extremity motor performance in persons who can complete a task, such as reaching and drinking, after stroke.

Physical activity as viewed by adults with severe obesity, awaiting gastric bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Today, it is known that adults suffering from obesity benefit from physical activity. There is however lack of research with regard to how patients with severe obesity experience physical activity. It is important to explore this topic in order to be able to improve communication with and to tailor information and exercise programmes for patients suffering with obesity. The aim of the present qualitative study was to describe how adults with severe obesity, awaiting gastric bypass surgery experience physical activity. METHODS: A qualitative method inspired by a phenomenographic approach was used to analyze the data. Data collection was performed by in-depth semi-structured interviews with 18 patients. All patients were aged between 18 and 65 years, suffered from severe obesity and were scheduled for laparoscopic Roux-en Y gastric bypass surgery at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in nine qualitatively different categories that were then divided into four aspects: 'the obese body', 'the mind', 'knowledge' and 'the environment'. Many patients experienced well-being after physical activity, but most patients were uncomfortable with appearing in public wearing exercise clothing. The excess weight itself was considered an obstacle, and weight loss was assumed to facilitate physical activity. Exercising together with someone at the same level of fitness increased motivation. A white lie about training was sometimes used to satisfy the need to be seen as capable. CONCLUSION: Physical activity is experienced positively among adults with severe obesity, but many obstacles exist that influence their capacity and their will. Support is necessary in different ways, not only to initiate physical activity, but also to maintain it.

Walking speed and distance in different environments of subjects in the later stage post-stroke.

The purpose of this study is to assess short- and long-distance walking performance in indoor and outdoor environments of slow and fast walkers' subjects living in the community in the later stage post-stroke. Thirty-six subjects with at least 6 months post-stroke were included and divided into two groups based on their walking speed in the clinical setting. Thirty-meter walk tests (30 mWT) at self-selected and maximum speeds were assessed in three environments: (1) clinical setting; (2) basement setting; and (3) outdoor setting. Six-minute walk test (6 MWT) distance was assessed in the clinical and outdoor settings. The differences between the 30 mWT and the 6 MWT, as measured by the actual distance obtained in the 6 MWT and the predicted distance calculated for the 30 mWT, were also investigated. There was no difference in walking speed when subjects performed short-distance walking in different environments. However, a difference was found in performance of long-distance walking. Subjects who walked 0.8 m/s or faster also walked further in the outdoor setting. The findings of our study demonstrate that in those who scored below 0.8 m/s, performance of short- and long-distance walking evaluated in an indoor environment reflects the results obtained in an outdoor environment. However, for subjects post-stroke who score 0.8 m/s or faster, distance was increased in the outdoor environments during long-distance walking. Walking speed obtained over a short distance seemed to overestimate long-distance walking capacity for the slow walkers, despite the environment.

Relationship between walking function and 1-legged bicycling test in subjects in the later stage post-stroke.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to examine the correlation between 1-legged bicycling and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in subjects post-stroke. A further aim was to analyse the relationship between specific stroke impairment and walking endurance. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-four subjects (mean age 60 (standard deviation (SD) 4.1) years; mean time post-stroke 62 (SD 33) months) with stroke at least 6 months earlier were tested. METHODS: Subjects were evaluated using the 6MWT (distance, heart rate, systolic blood pressure), 1-legged bicycling (VO2peak, maximal workload (Wmax), heart rate, systolic blood pressure, total exercise time), Fugl-Meyer motor function scale for the lower extremity and Berg Balance Scale. Correlational analyses were used to evaluate the relationships between variables. RESULTS: There was a low correlation between 6MWT and VO2peak (rs=0.39) and a moderate correlation with Wmax (rs=0.64) and total exercise time (rs=0.58) (p<0.001) during 1-legged bicycling test for the paretic leg. However, no significant correlation was found in the non-paretic leg. Motor function for the lower extremity and Berg Balance Scale showed a high (rs=0.72) and moderate (rs=0.68) correlation, respectively, with the 6MWT. CONCLUSIONS: The 6MWT is influenced by motor function and balance as well as cardiorespiratory fitness. Heart rate and systolic blood pressure indicate cardiovascular stress, but the 6MWT cannot be used alone to evaluate fitness in subjects with stroke in the later stages.

Measurement of energy cost by the physiological cost index in walking after stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the Physiological Cost Index (PCI) with direct measurement of oxygen consumption (Vo(2)) as an estimate of energy cost in persons with stroke and healthy subjects. DESIGN: Test-retest on separate days. A comparison of 2 methods of measurement. Measurements with and without an orthosis. SETTING: A university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 20 persons with hemiparesis more than 6 months after stroke and 16 healthy subjects, ages 30 to 63 years. INTERVENTIONS: Five minutes of treadmill walking at self-selected speeds while recording Vo(2) levels and heart rates. Additional data was recorded for 11 of the stroke subjects with and without an ankle-foot orthosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Vo(2) and the PCI. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the PCI or Vo(2) between test and retest. Both PCI and Vo(2) per distance were higher for the stroke subjects compared with healthy subjects. PCI showed a larger dispersion than Vo(2) between test and retest. The regression analysis for PCI showed that the model including age, sex, group assignment, and Vo(2) could explain 53% of the variation. The PCI did not show a significant difference in walking with or without an orthosis, whereas Vo(2) differed significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The PCI showed limited reliability and validity as a measure of energy cost after stroke due to the extensive variability between test and retest.

Disability in a 4-year follow-up study of people with post-polio syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes over time in a clinically based cohort of individuals with post-polio syndrome. DESIGN: A prospective longitudinal study. SUBJECTS: A total of 106 individuals with poliomyelitis sequelae were included in the study. They were self-referred or had been referred to the post-polio clinic. After 4 years subjects were called for a follow-up and underwent the same measurements as at the initial assessment. METHODS: The following measurements were conducted at both the initial assessment, and the follow-up: questionnaires including Nottingham Health Profile, muscle strength and walking speed. RESULTS: Minor changes in disability during a 4-year period were shown. A significant reduction in muscle strength was only seen for 60 degrees flexion in the left leg and for right and left dorsal flexion. No change could be seen in the total Nottingham Health Profile score. CONCLUSION: The minor changes in disability found in this study are an indication that we still do not know which subjects are at risk for deterioration. It is difficult to say whether the small changes over time shown in this study are associated with support from the polio clinic or are an expression of the natural history of the syndrome. However, it is hoped that support from the polio clinic may result in self-selected lifestyle changes, which may positively influence the development of symptoms and functional capacity.

Three-dimensional kinematic motion analysis of a daily activity drinking from a glass: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Development of reliable and objective evaluation methods is required, particularly for natural and goal-oriented upper-extremity tasks. Three-dimensional imaging measurement techniques have turned out to be a powerful tool for a quantitative and qualitative assessment of multijoint movements. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a method of three-dimensional motion analysis for the activity "drinking from a glass" and describe the drinking task with kinematic variables in control subjects. METHODS: A protocol was developed for the drinking activity including the set-up of cameras and positions of the markers and the subject. The drinking task included reaching, forward transport with glass, drinking, back transport and returning the hand to the initial position. An optoelectronic system was used for the three-dimensional kinematic motion capture. Movement times, velocities, joint angles and interjoint coordination for shoulder and elbow were computed and analyzed for twenty control subjects. Test-retest consistency was evaluated for six subjects. RESULTS: The test protocol showed good consistency in test-retest. Phase definitions for the drinking task were defined and verified. Descriptive kinematic variables were obtained for movement times, positions, velocities and joint angles for shoulder and elbow joint. Interjoint coordination between shoulder and elbow joint in reaching phase showed a high correlation. CONCLUSION: This study provides a detailed description of the three-dimensional kinematic analysis of the drinking task. Our approach to investigate and analyze a goal-oriented daily activity has a great clinical potential. Consequently, the next step is to use and test this protocol on persons with impairments and disabilities from upper extremities.

How is walking speed related to muscle strength? A study of healthy persons and persons with late effects of polio.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship between walking speed and muscle strength in the lower extremities in healthy persons and in persons with late effects of polio and to compare the models for these relationships. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: University hospital department. PARTICIPANTS: An urban sample of 144 healthy men and women (age range, 40-79 y) and 234 (146 women, 88 men) subjects with late polio. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Muscle strength in the lower extremities was measured and combined into an index. Walking speed for spontaneous and maximal walking was measured. A nonlinear regression model was developed. RESULTS: Evidence was provided for the nonlinear relationship between walking speed and strength. A specific strength threshold could not be identified. The asymptote of this curve for maximal walking was 2.57 m/s in the healthy group and 2.02 m/s in the subjects with late effects of polio. A high body mass index (>25 kg/m2) lowered the asymptote. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to prevent strength decrease that approaches the critical level where a further reduction affects walking speed more evidently. The difference in the relationship between muscle strength and walking speed for the 2 groups studied may partly depend on biomechanic imbalance between muscle groups.