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Gait performance after spinal cord injury
R L Waters1, J S Yakura, R H Adkins
1Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, Downey, CA 90242.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Spinal cord injury (SCI) patients exhibit significantly impaired gait, walking slower and less efficiently. The Ambulatory Motor Index (AMI) effectively predicts functional mobility and improves over time with rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) significantly impacts gait, leading to mobility impairments.
- Quantifying gait impairment in SCI patients is crucial for rehabilitation assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure and analyze physiologic and mechanical gait parameters in SCI patients.
- To evaluate the Ambulatory Motor Index (AMI) as a predictor of functional mobility.
Main Methods:
- Gait parameters were measured in 36 SCI patients at discharge from rehabilitation.
- Compared SCI patient data with able-bodied subjects.
- Calculated the Ambulatory Motor Index (AMI) based on lower limb strength.
- Conducted annual follow-up studies on a subset of patients.
Main Results:
- SCI patients walked 52% slower and were 240% less efficient than able-bodied individuals.
- The AMI correlated closely with gait efficiency and axial load on walking aids.
- Follow-up showed improvements in walking speed, efficiency, and reduced axial load.
Conclusions:
- The AMI is a reliable clinical predictor of functional mobility in SCI patients.
- Rehabilitation leads to measurable improvements in gait parameters and functional mobility.
- Understanding gait mechanics is vital for optimizing SCI rehabilitation strategies.