Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 12, 2026
08:19
Asymmetric Walkway: A Novel Behavioral Assay for Studying Asymmetric Locomotion
Published on: January 15, 2016
9.4K
180° turn while walking: characterization and comparisons between subjects with and without stroke
Christina Danielli Coelho de Morais Faria1, Bárbara Paula de Carvalho-Pinto1, Sylvie Nadeau2
1Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Journal of Physical Therapy Science
|November 9, 2016
Summary
Stroke patients struggle with 180-degree turning, showing impaired balance and longer task completion times. These turning deficits persist regardless of direction, highlighting a key area for rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomechanics
Background:
- 180-degree turning is crucial for mobility.
- Impaired turning increases fall risk and disability in stroke survivors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize and compare 180-degree turning in stroke patients versus healthy controls.
- To investigate the influence of turning direction (self-selected vs. opposite) on turning performance.
Main Methods:
- 14 stroke patients and 14 healthy controls performed 180-degree turns while walking.
- Turning performance was assessed using video analysis, measuring duration, step count, balance, and turning type.
- Statistical analysis included Friedman Tests and ANOVA (2x2).
Main Results:
- Stroke patients exhibited significantly poorer turning performance across all measured variables except turning type.
- No significant differences were found in turning performance based on direction (self-selected vs. opposite).
- No interaction effects were observed between group (stroke vs. control) and turning direction.
Conclusions:
- Stroke survivors demonstrate significant deficits in 180-degree turning ability.
- These turning difficulties are independent of the direction of the turn.
- Impaired duration, increased step count, and balance loss are key indicators of turning challenges post-stroke.
