Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026
Motor Dual-Tasks for Gait Analysis and Evaluation in Post-Stroke Patients
Published on: March 11, 2021
Gait Velocity and Joint Power Generation After Stroke: Contribution of Strength and Balance
Benjamin F Mentiplay1, Gavin Williams, Dawn Tan
1From the La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia (BFM); Victorian Infant Brain Studies, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia (BFM); Physiotherapy Department, Epworth HealthCare, Melbourne, Australia (BFM, GW); Physiotherapy Department, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia (GW, KJB); Physiotherapy Department, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore (DT, Y-HP); Centre for Disability and Development Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia (BA); Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore (CWB, YSN); Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia (MHC); Movement Science Laboratory, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore (LSL); and Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Australia (RAC).
Objective:
The aim of the study was to assess the degree to which isometric strength of multiple lower limb muscle groups and balance is associated with gait velocity and joint power generation during gait after stroke.
Design:
Sixty-three participants in a multisite, multinational, cross-sectional, observational study underwent assessment of gait velocity (10-m walk test), standing balance (computerized posturography), and isometric strength (hand-held dynamometry). Twenty-seven participants had joint power generation assessed (three-dimensional gait analysis). Bivariate associations were examined using Spearman's correlations. Regression models with partial F tests were used to compare the contribution to gait between measures.
Results:
Although all muscle groups demonstrated significant associations with gait velocity (ρ = 0.40-0.72), partial F tests identified that ankle plantar flexor and hip flexor strength made the largest contribution to gait velocity. Ankle plantar flexor strength also had strong associations with habitual and fast-paced ankle power generation (ρ = 0.65 and 0.75). Balance had significant associations with habitual and fast gait velocity (ρ = -0.57 and -0.53), with partial F tests showing that the contribution was independent of strength.
Conclusions:
Ankle plantar flexor and hip flexor strength had the largest contribution to gait velocity. Future research may wish to refocus strength assessment and treatment to target the ankle plantar flexors and hip flexors.
To Claim Cme Credits:
Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME CME OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Differentiate the contribution that lower limb strength of each muscle group has on gait velocity after stroke; (2) Appraise the relationship between isometric strength and joint power generation during gait; and (3) Interpret the contribution of both strength and balance to gait after stroke.
Level:
Advanced ACCREDITATION: The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s). Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
More Related Videos
06:54Clinical-oriented Three-dimensional Gait Analysis Method for Evaluating Gait Disorder
Published on: March 4, 2018
12:59Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
Related Concept Videos
02:58Balancing Redox Equations
03:05Acid Strength and Molecular Structure
In the absence of any leveling effect, the acid strength of binary compounds of hydrogen with nonmetals (A) increases as the H-A bond strength decreases down a group in the periodic table. For group 17, the order of increasing acidity is HF < HCl < HBr < HI. Likewise, for group 16, the order of increasing acid strength is H2O < H2S < H2Se < H2Te. Across a row in the periodic table, the acid strength of binary hydrogen compounds increases with increasing...
01:16Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
01:03Structural Joints: Fibrous Joints
Suture
All the bones of the skull, except for the mandible, are joined to each other by a fibrous joint called a suture. The fibrous connective tissue found at a suture strongly unites the adjacent skull bones and thus helps to protect the brain and form the face. In...
01:17Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary...
01:26Joints
Structural joint classifications are based on the material that makes up the joint as well as whether or not the joint contains a space between the bones. Joints are structurally classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial.
Fibrous Joints Are Immovable
The bones of a...