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Gait changes in adult onset hemiplegia
M S Pinzur1, R Sherman, P DiMonte-Levine
1Loyola University Medical Center, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Maywood, Illinois 60153.
American Journal of Physical Medicine
|October 1, 1987
Summary
Adults with acquired hemiplegia exhibit consistent gait deviations, including altered stance and support phases. These findings offer a baseline for evaluating therapeutic interventions in hemiplegic patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Acquired hemiplegia, often resulting from neurological damage, significantly impacts motor function.
- Gait abnormalities are a primary concern for patients with hemiplegia, affecting mobility and quality of life.
- Objective assessment of gait parameters is crucial for understanding the underlying pathophysiology and guiding treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively analyze and characterize the gait patterns in adult acquired hemiplegic patients.
- To compare gait parameters between hemiplegic individuals and healthy controls.
- To establish a baseline for assessing the effectiveness of future therapeutic interventions.
Main Methods:
- Observational analysis of gait in 50 adult acquired hemiplegic patients and 30 healthy controls.
- Objective pattern analysis of gait parameters.
- Electrogoniometric assessment of joint progression (hip, knee, ankle) in the affected limb.
- Evaluation of muscle activity patterns.
Main Results:
- Hemiplegic patients showed increased stance and double-limb support phases.
- Consistent deviations from normal gait patterns were observed and objectively confirmed.
- Abnormal muscle activity was noted in specific muscle groups of the affected limb.
- Electrogoniometry revealed consistent deviations in hip, knee, and ankle progression in the affected limb.
Conclusions:
- Gait deviation in adult acquired hemiplegia follows a consistent, quantifiable pattern.
- The observed gait pattern varies with the severity of central nervous system involvement.
- These findings provide a valuable baseline for measuring therapeutic intervention outcomes in hemiplegic patients.