Control of center of mass during gait of stroke patients: Statistical parametric mapping analysis

Abstract

BackgroundThe control of the center of mass is essential for a stable and efficient gait. Post-stroke patients present several impairments, which may compromise the control of the center of mass during gait in the sagittal and frontal planes. This study aimed to identify changes in the vertical and mediolateral behavior of the center of mass during the single stance phase of post-stroke patients using the statistical parametric mapping analysis. It also aimed to identify alterations in the center of mass trajectories regarding the motor recovery stages. MethodsSeventeen stroke patients and 11 neurologically intact individuals were analyzed. The statistical parametric mapping approach was used to identify changes in the center of mass trajectories between stroke and healthy groups. The trajectories of the center of mass of post-stroke individuals were compared according to their motor recovery status. FindingsA near-flat vertical trajectory of the center of mass was indenfitifed in the stroke group compared to their healthy counterparts, especially on the paretic side. The center of mass trajectories in both directions (vertical and mediolateral) presented substantial alteration at the end of the single stance phase in the stroke group. The trajectory of the center of mass of the stroke group was symmetrical in the mediolateral direction between the sides. The trajectories of the center of mass presented similar pattern irrespective of the motor recovery status. InterpretationThe statistical parametric mapping approach showed to be suitable for determining gait changes in post-stroke individuals, irrespective of their motor recovery stage.