The difference of gait pattern according to the state of the corticospinal tract in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients

Background/Aims Strokes lead to different levels of disability. During the chronic stage, hemiparesis, spasticity and motor deficits may cause loss of functional independence. Mirror therapy aims to reduce deficits and increase functional recovery of the impaired upper limb. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mirror therapy on upper limb spasticity and motor function, as well as its impact on functional independence in chronic hemiparetic patients. Methods In this quasi-experimental study, eight chronic hemiparetic patients (age 55.5 ± 10.8 years) were assessed to determine their degree of spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale), level of upper limb motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment) and functionality (Functional Independence Measure). All participants received 12 sessions of mirror therapy delivered three times per week, over a period of 4 weeks. Participants were re-evaluated post-intervention and these results were compared to their pre-intervention scores to determine the impact of mirror therapy. Results A decrease in spasticity was observed, with significant improvements in shoulder extensors (P=0.033) and a significant increase in motor function (P=0.002). The therapeutic protocol adopted did not have a significant effect on functional independence (P=0.105). Conclusions Mirror therapy led to improvements in upper limb spasticity and motor function in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. No effects on functional independence were observed. Further research with a larger number of patients is needed to provide more robust evidence of the benefits of mirror therapy in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients.

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Hemiparetic Gait Parameters in Overground Versus Treadmill Walking

Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair ◽

10.1177/154596830101500204 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 105-112 ◽

Cited By ~ 86

Author(s):

Michelle L. Harris-Love ◽

Larry W. Forrester ◽

Richard F. Macko ◽

Kenneth H. C. Silver ◽

Gerald V. Smith

Keyword(s):

Gait Pattern ◽

Supporting Evidence ◽

Gait Symmetry ◽

Paretic Limb ◽

Hemiparetic Gait ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Stance Time ◽

Hemiparetic Stroke ◽

Chronic Hemiparetic Stroke ◽

Sparse Methods

Objective: Hemiparetic gait is characterized by high stride-cycle variability, di minished stance time, single-limb stance time, and stance/swing ratio in the paretic limb. Recent studies suggest treadmill (TM) training may improve the motor control underlying these variables, but supporting evidence is sparse. Methods: This study compared gait patterns of untrained chronic hemiparetic stroke patients (n = 18; mean, 39.5 months poststroke) during overground (OG) and TM walking at matched velocities. Variables included relative stance time, relative single-limb stance time, stance/swing ratio, peak force, and impulse. Within-subject variability of these meas ures (CV) was used to assess gait pattern stability. Results: OG and TM cycle dura tions were similar, but CVs differed (TM < OG, p < 0.05). In the paretic limb, dif ferences were seen in relative stance time, relative single-limb stance time, and stance/swing ratio, respectively (TM > OG, p < 0.05). These variables decreased in the nonparetic limb during TM walking (p < 0.05 for all). Improved interlimb sym metry and coordination were evidenced by decreased between-limb differences and improved relative temporal phasing, respectively, in the TM condition (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Collectively, these results demonstrate that the TM induces an imme diate alteration toward a more consistent and symmetric gait pattern. Further inves tigation is needed to determine whether TM training leads to motor relearning and neuroplasticity in chronic hemiparetic subjects. Key Words: Stroke—Rehabilitation— Hemiparetic gait-Treadmill-Gait symmetry.

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