Velocity Determinants in Spastic Patients after Stroke-A Gait Analysis Study

Gait velocity in spastic patients after stroke is both a life quality and mortality predictor. However, the precise biomechanical events that impair a faster velocity in this population are not defined. This study goal is to find out which are the gait parameters associated with a higher velocity in stroke patients with spastic paresis.

The registries of a Gait analysis laboratory were retrospectively analyzed. The inclusion criteria were: trials of adult stroke patients with unilateral deficits. The exclusion criteria were: trials when patients used an external walking device, an orthosis, or support by a third person. Of the 116 initial patients, after the application of the exclusion criteria, 34 patients were included in the cohort, all with spatiotemporal, static and dynamic kinematic and dynamometric studies.

There was a correlation of velocity with cadence, stride length of the paretic (P) limb, stride length, and time of the P and non-paretic (NP) limb, double support time, all the parameters related to hip extension during stance phase, knee flexion during swing phase, and parameters related to ankle plantarflexion during stance phase.

The main gait analysis outcomes that have a correlation with speed are related to the formula velocity = step length × cadence or are related to stance phase events that allow the anterior projection of the body. The only swing phase outcome that has a correlation with speed is knee flexion. More studies are needed from gait analysis laboratories in order to point out the most relevant goals to achieve with gait training in spastic stroke patients.