Trunk kinematics in hemiplegic gait and the effect of walking aids

To establish baseline measurements of trunk movements during hemiplegic gait, to assess the relationship between trunk movements and walking ability, and to investigate the effect of walking aids on the trunk movements.

Twenty subjects with a chronic hemiplegia from a stroke, who could walk independently, were recruited. Lateral and vertical movements of the pelvis, and symmetry of these movements were measured using CODA (a three-dimensional movement analysis system) as the subjects walked at their own pace without an aid. They were also tested as they walked with a stick and a tripod to assess the effect of different walking aids. Mean values for the trunk movements and symmetry were calculated, Pearson's correlations assessed the relationship between each trunk movement and gait velocity (a measure of overall walking ability), and the influence of the different aids was assessed using a one-way repeated measures ANOVA.

Lateral displacement was large (mean = 9.9 cm, SD 3.9) and orientated to the sound side, vertical displacement was small (mean = 2.45 cm, SD 1.4). The movements showed marked asymmetry which favoured the hemiplegic side in that there was less movement of, or towards this side. There was a significant relationship (at 5% level) between walking ability and lateral movements (r = 0.6), but not vertical movements (r= 0.41). No significant differences were found with the different aids.

These results give baseline values for trunk movements during hemiplegic gait and the relationship between the movements and walking ability. The use of walking aid and the type of walking aid did not affect the subjects' trunk movements or walking ability.