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Lower-Limb Biomechanical Characteristics Associated with Unplanned Gait Termination Under Different Walking Speeds
Published on: August 25, 2020
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Relationship between lower limb coordination and walking speed after stroke: an observational study.
May Suk-Man Kwan1, Leanne M Hassett2, Louise Ada3
1Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.
Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy
|November 12, 2019
Summary
Lower limb coordination, not just strength, impacts walking speed in stroke survivors. Improved coordination may enhance walking performance post-stroke, even with good muscle strength.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
Background:
- Lower limb muscle strength is linked to walking performance after stroke.
- However, slow walking speed can persist in stroke survivors with adequate strength, potentially due to coordination deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between walking speed and lower limb coordination in stroke survivors who exhibit good muscle strength.
Main Methods:
- An observational study included 30 individuals post-stroke and 30 age-matched controls.
- Inclusion criteria for stroke participants were good lower limb strength (≥Grade 4) and unassisted walking speed (>0.6m/s).
- Walking performance was assessed using the 10-m Walk Test and 6-min Walk Test; coordination was measured by the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (taps/s).
Main Results:
- Stroke survivors walked at 64% of normal speed (1.00 m/s) and covered 68% of normal distance in 6 minutes (349 m).
- Affected side coordination was 64% of normal (1.20 taps/s).
- Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test scores significantly correlated with both 10-m Walk Test (r=0.42, p=0.02) and 6-min Walk Test (r=0.50, p=0.01) performance.
Conclusions:
- Coordination is a significant factor related to walking performance in stroke survivors with good strength.
- Impaired lower limb coordination may contribute to reduced walking speed in this population.
