Walking velocity and lower limb coordination in hemiparesis

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Fast-paced gait training is a potential rehabilitation strategy for hemiparesis.
• Investigating the impact of maximal speed walking on inter-segmental coordination in hemiparetic subjects is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if maximal speed walking positively influences inter-segmental coordination in hemiparetic individuals.
• To compare gait coordination at preferred versus maximal speeds in healthy and hemiparetic subjects.

Main Methods:

• Measured thigh-shank and shank-foot coordination in the sagittal plane during preferred and maximal speed walking.
• Utilized continuous relative phase (CRP) analysis, calculating root-mean-square (CRP(RMS)) and variability (CRP(SD)).
• Included 20 healthy and 27 hemiparetic participants.

Main Results:

• Hemiparetic subjects increased walking speed by 49% at maximal effort.
• Observed significant shank-foot in-phasing at late stance bilaterally in hemiparetic subjects at maximal speed.
• Noted improved thigh-shank coordination stability in the paretic limb during maximal speed walking.

Conclusions:

• Increased gait velocity in hemiparesis enhances thigh-shank coordination stability and shank-foot synchronization.
• These improvements optimize the propulsive phase of gait, similar to healthy individuals.
• Maximal velocity gait training warrants consideration in hemiparesis rehabilitation.