Effect of changes in postural alignment on foot pressure and walking ability of stroke patients

[Purpose] The aims of this study were to determine (1) the significance of walking and foot pressure in stroke patients, and (2) the association between changes in postural alignment of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Foot pressure and walking ability based on postural alignment were measured in 50 stroke patients. Trunk imbalance, trunk rotation, pelvic tilt, kyphosis, lordosis were measured using DIERS formetric4D (DIERS International GmbH, Schlangenbad, Germany), which anlalyzes 3-dimensional spinal structure in order to measure postural alignment. To determine foot pressure, the support rate of weight and, average foot pressure were measured using DIERS pedoscan (DIERS International GmbH, Schlangenbad, Germany) apparatus as a pressure platform. [Results] DIERS formetric 4D, DIERS pedoscan, and a 10 m walking test were utilized to measure foot pressure and walking ability relative to changes in postural alignment in participating stroke patients. [Conclusion] This study confirmed the significance of foot pressure and walking ability as related postural alignment, indicating that postural alignment education and a recovery therapy program for functional improvement of stroke patients should be provided together.