Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether applying "varied" versus constant pelvis assistance force mediolaterally toward the paretic side of stroke survivors during walking would result in short-term improvement in weight shift toward the paretic side. Twelve individuals post-stroke (60.4±6.2years; gait speed: 0.53±0.19m/s) were tested under two conditions (varied vs. constant). Each condition was conducted in a single separate session, which consisted of (a) treadmill walking with no assistance force for 1min (baseline), pelvis assistance toward the paretic side for 9min (adaptation), and then no force for additional 1min (post-adaptation), and (b) overground walking. In the "varied" condition, the magnitude of force was randomly changed across steps between 30% and 100% of the predetermined amount. In the abrupt condition, the magnitude of force was kept constant at 100% of the predetermined amount. Participants exhibited greater improvements in weight shift toward the paretic side (p<0.01) and in muscle activity of plantar flexors and hip adductors of the paretic leg (p=0.02) from baseline to late post-adaptation period for the varied condition than for the constant condition. Motor variability of the peak pelvis displacement at baseline was correlated with improvement in weight shift toward the paretic side after training for the varied (R2 =0.64, p=0.01) and the constant condition (R2 =0.39, p=0.03). These findings suggest that increased motor variability, induced by applying the varied pelvis assistance, may facilitate motor learning in weight shift and gait symmetry during walking in individuals post-stroke.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.