Upper Body Rotation for Obstacle Avoidance in Individuals With Stroke With Different Degrees of Upper Extremity...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Stroke survivors struggle with environmental adaptation during walking.
• Paretic upper extremity collisions are common when passing through openings.
• Altered trunk and head rotation patterns impact safe navigation post-stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate upper body segment rotation in individuals with stroke during obstacle avoidance.
• To compare rotation strategies across different levels of upper extremity motor impairment.
• To understand how opening width influences compensatory movements.

Main Methods:

• A Generalized Linear Mixed Model analyzed rotation angles in moderate (MDR), mild (MLD), and control groups.
• Participants walked through four different widths of door-like openings.
• Entering direction (paretic vs. nonparetic side) was also varied.

Main Results:

• Head rotation angle was significantly larger in the moderate paralysis group compared to mild and control groups.
• No significant differences in shoulder or hip rotation angles were found between groups.
• Interaction effects between group and opening width were inconsistent across body segments.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with moderate upper extremity paralysis demonstrate increased head rotation during obstacle negotiation.
• This compensatory head movement is likely linked to motor control difficulties and increased visual attention demands.
• Findings suggest potential targets for physical therapy interventions aimed at improving navigation skills.