Abstract
BackgroundIndividuals post-stroke walk slowly and with more effort, which puts them at higher risks for falls. The slow walking speed results from insufficient propulsive forces generated by the paretic leg. Current rehabilitative efforts to improve walking function target increasing propulsive forces, but overlook the muscle-tendon unit.Case presentationsTwo individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis are presented. In both individuals post-stroke, paretic ankle plantarflexors presented with increased muscle tone. Gait kinetics revealed asymmetric propulsive forces, specifically, insufficient propulsive forces by the paretic legs, consistent with previous literature. Sonography revealed increased thickness of paretic Achilles tendon at the calcaneal insertion, in both stroke cases, in contrast to comparable Achilles tendon thickness between limbs in the non-neurologically impaired controls.ConclusionTendon unit integrity should be considered in individuals post-stroke who demonstrate abnormal muscle tone and insufficient propulsion during gait.
Highlights
Individuals post-stroke walk slowly and with more effort, which puts them at higher risks for falls
Tendon unit integrity should be considered in individuals post-stroke who demonstrate abnormal muscle tone and insufficient propulsion during gait
There is reason to believe the aforementioned abnormalities of the Achilles tendon can develop in individuals post-stroke due persistent increases in muscle tone, no data has been published to support this
Summary
Individuals post-stroke walk slowly and with more effort, which puts them at higher risks for falls. Conclusion: Tendon unit integrity should be considered in individuals post-stroke who demonstrate abnormal muscle tone and insufficient propulsion during gait. There is reason to believe the aforementioned abnormalities of the Achilles tendon can develop in individuals post-stroke due persistent increases in muscle tone, no data has been published to support this.
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