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The Impact of Motor Task Conditions on Goal-Directed Arm Reaching Kinematics and Trunk Compensation in Chronic Stroke Survivors
Published on: May 2, 2021
Symmetrical kinematic changes in highly functioning older patients post-stroke during obstacle-crossing.
Tung-Wu Lu1, Hsiao-Ching Yen, Hao-Ling Chen
1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taiwan, ROC.
Gait & Posture
|March 20, 2010
Summary
High-functioning stroke survivors use a unique symmetric walking strategy when crossing obstacles, increasing toe clearance to avoid tripping. Motion analysis can detect these subtle motor differences post-stroke.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Neurorehabilitation
- Movement Science
Background:
- Advances in stroke care increase the number of high-functioning survivors.
- Existing clinical tools may lack sensitivity to detect subtle motor deficits in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate lower limb and pelvic control during obstacle crossing in high-functioning older adults post-stroke.
- To evaluate motion analysis as a sensitive tool for detecting motor deficits.
Main Methods:
- Utilized motion analysis techniques to assess obstacle crossing in 24 high-functioning older adults post-stroke and 15 healthy controls.
- Measured end-point variables (toe clearance, obstacle distance) and joint/pelvic kinematics during crossing of varied height obstacles.
Main Results:
- Stroke group exhibited significantly different joint kinematics (frontal/transverse planes) and greater pelvic tilt compared to controls.
- Increased leading toe-clearance and trailing toe-obstacle distance were observed in the stroke group.
- No significant differences were found between the contralesional and ipsilesional limbs in the stroke group.
Conclusions:
- High-functioning stroke survivors adopt a symmetric kinematic strategy with increased toe clearance during obstacle crossing, likely to prevent falls.
- This strategy may reflect brain reorganization and aid functional activities requiring symmetrical performance.
- Computerized motion analysis of obstacle crossing is a sensitive method for assessing motor performance in post-stroke individuals.
