Gait Kinematics and Asymmetries Affecting Fall Risk in People with Chronic Stroke: A Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Stroke survivors face a significantly higher risk of falls compared to the general population.
• Understanding specific gait characteristics associated with falls is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key gait kinematics and asymmetries linked to fall risk in community-dwelling people with chronic stroke (PwCS).
• To differentiate gait patterns associated with different fall types (e.g., trip vs. slip falls).

Main Methods:

• Gait kinematics and asymmetries were analyzed in 36 PwCS, divided into fall and non-fall groups.
• Comparison of gait variables between fallers and non-fallers, and between specific fall types (trip/slip) and non-fallers.

Main Results:

• Fallers exhibited smaller trunk/thigh angles, larger shank angles, and greater trunk/foot asymmetries.
• Trip-fallers showed additional reductions in step/stride length and swing time, with increased shank/step length asymmetries.
• Slip-fallers displayed altered trunk/thigh angles and greater step length/foot angle asymmetries.

Conclusions:

• Pathological gait patterns, such as reduced thigh angle or high foot asymmetry, elevate fall risk in PwCS.
• Different fall mechanisms are associated with distinct gait characteristic alterations.
• Findings support the development of kinematic gait-based fall risk assessments for PwCS.