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Asymmetric Walkway: A Novel Behavioral Assay for Studying Asymmetric Locomotion
Published on: January 15, 2016
When might a cane be necessary for walking following a stroke?
Bastien Guillebastre1, Patrice R Rougier, Brice Sibille
1Université de Savoie, Domaine Universitaire du Bourget-du-Lac, Bourget-du-Lac, France.
Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair
|July 8, 2011
Summary
Post-stroke patients not loading over 40% body weight on their affected leg may benefit from a cane. This objective measure aids in prescribing walking aids for better mobility and balance.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Neurology
Background:
- Lateral postural imbalance is common in stroke survivors, impacting walking ability.
- Cane prescription for walking support often lacks objective assessment criteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive value of two posturographic measures for assessing walking capabilities in post-stroke individuals.
- To determine objective criteria for cane prescription in stroke rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- Postural asymmetry and instability were quantified using a double force platform in healthy individuals and stroke patients.
- Cut-off values for postural indices were established based on healthy subject data.
- The association between postural measures and walking ability (with or without a cane) was analyzed.
Main Results:
- A significant percentage of stroke patients exhibited mediolateral instability (34.6%) and asymmetry (44.2%).
- Loading less than 40% body weight on the paretic lower limb strongly predicted the inability to walk without a cane (probability <5%).
- Postural instability measures were less predictive than asymmetry for walking outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Objective assessment of weight-bearing asymmetry can guide cane prescription for stroke survivors.
- Patients unable to load >40% body weight on their paretic limb are candidates for cane use.
- This approach provides an evidence-based method for improving post-stroke mobility and safety.
