Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test Research Articles

Validity and Reliability of the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT) in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

The validity and reliability of the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT) were assessed in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study involved 60 participants diagnosed with MS (mean age: 48.13 years, range: 24–80 years). Intra-rater reliability was assessed within-day (n = 12), and inter-rater reliability was assessed within-day (n = 45) and between-days (n = 22). For known-groups validity, test scores were compared between participants of different sexes; for convergent validity, test scores were correlated with age, the Five-Repetition Sit-to-Stand test (FSTS), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). To test the discriminant validity, the LEMOCOT test scores were correlated with the Mini-Mental State Evaluation (MMSE) and compared according to social history (living alone or not). The LEMOCOT test was tested under three different conditions and found to be very reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC2,1 > 0.94) with an acceptable error level (standard error of the measurement, SEM, between 1.39 and 3.47 targets and 95% minimum detectable change; MDC95%, between 3.84 and 9.58 targets). Convergent validity was verified, as the LEMOCOT registered very strong correlations with the FSTS test (r = −0.851) and the BBS scale (r = 0.815), a strong correlation with the LEFS scale (r = 0.78), a moderate correlation with the EDSS scale (r = −0.634), all highly significant (p < 0.001), and a weak correlation with age (r = −0.332, p < 0.01). Discriminant validity was also confirmed, as the LEMOCOT demonstrated a weak correlation with the MMSE scale (r = 0.365, p = 0.017) and no differences relative to living environment or sex. The LEMOCOT demonstrated excellent reliability and validity for patients with MS.

Spatiotemporal variability after stroke reflects more than just slow walking velocity

BackgroundIncreased spatiotemporal gait variability is considered a clinical biomarker of ageing and pathology, and a predictor of future falls. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether the increased spatiotemporal variability observed in persons with stroke is directly related to the pathology or simply reflects their choice of walking velocity. Research questionDoes increased spatiotemporal gait variability directly relate to motor coordination deficits after stroke? MethodsForty persons with stroke participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants performed the lower-extremity motor coordination test (LEMOCOT) on an electronic mat equipped with force sensors. Then, participants walked for 120 s on a computerized treadmill at their comfortable walking velocity. For the LEMOCOT we used the traditional score of in-target touch count and computed the absolute and variable error around the targets. For gait variability, we extracted the standard deviation of step time, step length, step velocity, and step width. Using linear modeling, we tested the correlations of gait variability with the outcome measures from the LEMOCOT, after controlling for walking velocity. ResultsThe variability in step time, step length and step width correlated with walking velocity, while the variability in step velocity did not. After controlling for walking velocity, we observed that the LEMOCOT score correlated with the variance in step time, and the variable error in the LEMOCOT correlated with the variance in step length, in step width, and in step velocity. No significant correlation with any of the velocity-controlled step parameters was found for the absolute error in the LEMOCOT. SignificanceDecreased performance in the LEMOCOT was associated with increased spatiotemporal variability in persons with stroke, regardless of their walking velocity. Our results demonstrate the connection between lower-extremity coordination impairments and deficits in gait function.

Dance after stroke improves motor recovery in the subacute phase: A randomized controlled trial

PurposeThe objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a dance program, combined with conventional treatments, on the motor recovery and quality of life of stroke survivors in comparison with conventional treatments alone. Materials and methodsA total of 16 subacute stroke survivors were randomized into two groups: a dance group (DG) and a conventional treatments group (CG). Stroke severity, cognitive abilities, and motor capacities were assessed at baseline. For six weeks, all participants underwent standard rehabilitation. However, in the DG, participants attended an additional weekly dance class. In both groups, the Mini-BESTest, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), ABC-Scale, Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT), quadriceps strength, and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) were measured at weeks 4 and 6. Nonparametric statistical tests were applied. ResultsCompared to the CG, the DG significantly improved recovery of balance, coordination, and FIM after four or six weeks. No differences were observed for quadriceps strength, SS-QOL, or cognition. Participants were completely satisfied with the dance class, and no adverse effects were observed. ConclusionsThis study was discontinued following the COVID-19 health crisis. However, the analysis revealed numerous beneficial effects of dance practice for subacute stroke survivors. The results contribute significantly to the advancement of artistic practices in stroke rehabilitation.

Walking speed, hip muscles strength, aerobic capacity, and self-perceived locomotion ability most explain walking confidence after stroke: a cross-sectional experimental study.

Identifying the determinants of walking confidence can be crucial in therapeutic terms. On these bases, interventions to improve these factors could improve, in turn, walking confidence. Objective is to explore the relationship between motor impairments and activity limitation measures and walking confidence in people with chronic stroke. Walking confidence was assessed using the modified Gait Efficacy Scale. The independent variables were: strength of the hip flexors and knee flexors/extensors (measured with a dynamometer), lower limb coordination (assessed by the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test), dynamic balance (assessed by the Four-Square Step Test), walking speed (from the 10-m Walk Test), aerobic capacity (from the 6-Minute Walk Test), and self-perceived locomotion ability (assessed by the ABILOCO). Pearson correlation was used to explore the relationships between the variables, and multiple linear regression to identify the independent explainers of walking confidence after stroke. Ninety chronic stroke individuals (35 men), with a mean age of 68 (SD 13) years were assessed. All independent variables were significantly correlated with walking confidence. Regarding the regression analysis, these measures explained 44% ( F = 9.21; P < 0.001) of the variance in walking confidence; however, only walking speed, strength of the hip flexor muscles, aerobic capacity, and perceived locomotion ability showed significance. All motor impairment and activity limitation measures correlated with walking confidence. However, the regression analysis highlighted that only walking speed, aerobic capacity, the strength of the hip flexor muscles, and perceived locomotion were independent explainers of walking confidence after stroke.

Insights into motor performance deficits after stroke: an automated and refined analysis of the lower-extremity motor coordination test (LEMOCOT)

BackgroundThe lower-extremity motor coordination test (LEMOCOT) is a performance-based measure used to assess motor coordination deficits after stroke. We aimed to automatically quantify performance on the LEMOCOT and to extract additional performance parameters based on error analysis in persons with stroke (PwS) and healthy controls. We also aimed to explore whether these parameters provide additional information regarding motor control deficit that is not captured by the traditional LEMOCOT score. In addition, the associations between the LEMOCOT score, parameters of error and performance-based measures of lower-extremity impairment and gait were tested.MethodsTwenty PwS (age: 62 ± 11.8 years, time after stroke onset: 84 ± 83 days; lower extremity Fugl-Meyer: 30.2 ± 3.7) and 20 healthy controls (age: 42 ± 15.8 years) participated in this cross-sectional exploratory study. Participants were instructed to move their big toe as fast and accurately as possible between targets marked on an electronic mat equipped with force sensors (Zebris FDM-T, 60 Hz). We extracted the contact surface area of each touch, from which the endpoint location, the center of pressure (COP), and the distance between them were computed. In addition, the absolute and variable error were calculated.ResultsPwS touched the targets with greater foot surface and demonstrated a greater distance between the endpoint location and the location of the COP. After controlling for the number of in-target touches, greater absolute and variable errors of the endpoint were observed in the paretic leg than in the non-paretic leg and the legs of controls. Also, the COP variable error differentiated between the paretic, non-paretic, and control legs and this parameter was independent of in-target counts. Negative correlations with moderate effect size were found between the Fugl Meyer assessment and the error parameters.ConclusionsPwS demonstrated lower performance in all outcome measures than did controls. Several parameters of error indicated differences between legs (paretic leg, non-paretic leg and controls) and were independent of in-target touch counts, suggesting they may reflect motor deficits that are not identified by the traditional LEMOCOT score.

Yaşlılarda Beden Perküsyonunun Denge veKoordinasyon Üzerine Etkisi

Objective: This study aims to determine the effects of body percussion (BP) on balance and coordination in elderly people. Material and Methods: We analyzed fifty participants by randomly assigning them to intervention and control groups. The intervention group had percussion work for 3 days per week, whereas the control group did not participate in percussion. The groups' static balance was evaluated with Romberg, Single Leg Stance Test, and Functional Reach, while the evaluation of dynamic balance was based on 360° Turn Test and Four Step Square Test. Lastly, the Berg Balance Scale was used to measure the functional balance, along with the ruler drop test for reaction time. Multiple measures such as finger to nose, supination-pronation, knee heel, Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test, and Soda Pop Coordination Test were used to demonstrate the effects on the coordination. The first measurements were made at the beginning of the study, followed by the comparison measurements at the 8th week. Results: The results pointed out that significant intra-group differences were found in the intervention group in terms of the Single Leg Stance Test and the Functional Reach Test (p=0.013 and p=0.000), as well as 360° Turn Test and the Four Square Step Test (p=0.000 and p=0.000). The outcomes of the finger to nose (p=0.032), supination-pronation (p=0.020), and Lower Extremity Motor Coordination (p=0.003) tests significantly improved in the intervention group. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that BP significantly affects coordination and balance in elderly people. BP has promising effects as a physical activity for the elderly.

Wheelchair mobility, motor performance and participation of adult wheelchair users with ARSACS: a cross-sectional study

Purpose Although approximately 45% of adults with Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) are permanent wheelchair users, this sub population has been less studied. The purpose of this study was to document wheelchair mobility, motor performance, and participation in a cohort of adult wheelchair users with ARSACS. Methods We recruited 36 manual and powered wheelchair users with ARSACS, aged between 34 and 64 years, for this cross-sectional study. Participants completed measures regarding wheelchair mobility (Wheelchair Skills Test Questionnaire [WST-Q-F], Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale [WheelCon-F] and Wheelchair Outcome Measure [WhOM-F]), motor performance (Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia [SARA], Disease Severity Index for adults with ARSACS [DSI-ARSACS], Upper Extremity Performance Test for the Elderly [TEMPA], Standardised Finger to Nose Test [SFNT], grip strength, pinch strength, Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test [LEMOCOT], Berg Balance Scale [BBS], Timed Up and Go [TUG] and 10-meter Walk Test [10mWT]), and participation (Barthel Index, LSA-F and LIFE-H). Results were compared between age groups (≤49 years and ≥50 years), types of wheelchair used, and available reference values. Correlations were computed between wheelchair mobility, upper limb function, and participation. Results Participants presented limitations regarding wheelchair skills, motor performance, and participation in daily activities. Despite preserved upper limb strength, wheelchair skills, upper and lower limb coordination, standing balance, and functional independence were generally more impaired after 50 years of age and among powered wheelchair users. Significant moderate correlations were found between wheelchair skills and self-efficacy, upper limb strength and coordination, and participation in daily and social activities. Conclusions This study provided the first data sets describing specific characteristics of manual and powered wheelchair users with ARSACS. It supports a need to offer wheelchair skills training interventions to adults with ARSACS, which could increase their daily and social participation. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Adult wheelchair users with ARSACS present with limited wheelchair skills, significantly impaired motor performance, and reduced participation that generally decreases with age. This profile may serve as comparative data for clinicians to anticipate disease progression. This study provides the first data on distinguishing characteristics between PWC users and MWC users with ARSACS. The main characteristics of PWC users include more severe functional limitations and motor impairments, as well as limited grip strength that contrasts with the general preservation of this function among other adults with ARSACS. There is a need to offer and evaluate wheelchair skills training interventions in the future for adults with ARSACS. The general preservation of grip and pinch strength observed in this population suggests a potential for improvement. Considering the associations found between wheelchair mobility and participation, such interventions may increase users’ daily and social participation.

Acute Effects of Assisted Cycling Therapy on Post-Stroke Motor Function: A Pilot Study.

Background Stroke is the most common cause of long-term disability in the United States (US). Assisted Cycling Therapy (ACT) at cadences of about 80 rpm has been associated with improvements in motor and clinical function in other clinical populations. The acute effects of ACT on motor function of persons with stroke have not been investigated. Objectives The primary purpose of this cross-over trial was to compare the effects of ACT, voluntary cycling (VC), and no cycling (NC) on upper (Box and Blocks Test) and lower extremity motor function (Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test) in adults with chronic stroke (age: 60 ± 16 years; months since stroke: 96 ± 85). The secondary purpose was to examine average cycling cadence and ratings of perceived exertion as predictors of change in motor function following the exercise session. Methods Twenty-two participants (female = 6, male = 16) completed one 20-min session each of ACT (mean cadence = 79.5 rpm, VC (mean cadence = 51.5 rpm), and NC on separate days in quasi-counterbalanced fashion). Results Main effects of intervention did not differ between ACT and VC. Within-intervention analyses revealed significant (p < 0.05) pre- to posttest changes in all outcome measures for ACT but only in the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test on the non-paretic side for VC. Trend analyses revealed a positive relationship between average ACT cadences and improvements in upper and lower extremity motor function (p < 0.05). A positive relationship between average VC cadences and lower extremity function was also revealed (p < 0.05). Conclusion ACT and VC produced similar acute improvements in paretic and non-paretic lower extremity motor function whereas changes in upper extremity motor function were more limited. Faster cycling cadences seem to be associated with greater acute effects.

Relação entre capacidade funcional de hemiparéticos e sobrecarga emocional dos cuidadores: um estudo piloto

Introdução: A hemiparesia é a principal sequela do acidente vascular encefálico, e a principal causadora de incapacidade funcional no indivíduo hemiparético, podendo causar sobrecarga emocional nos cuidadores. Objetivos: Verificar a relação entre a capacidade funcional de indivíduos hemiparéticos e a sobrecarga emocional de seus cuidadores. Métodos: Foram avaliados 12 hemiparéticos (65,2±9,0 anos) e 12 cuidadores (53,2±16,0 anos). Para a avaliação funcional foram utilizados a Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg (EEB), o teste de caminhada de 10 metros (TC10), e o Lower-Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT); e para a avaliação da sobrecarga emocional foi aplicada a Escala Burden Interview (EBI). Resultados: Verificou-se correlações positivas e significantes entre EEB e EBI (r= 0,02; p=0,95), TC10M e EBI (r= 0,38; p=0,22), e LEMOCOT com a EBI (r= 0,51; p=0,08). Conclusão: Houve relação entre a capacidade funcional de indivíduos hemiparéticos e a sobrecarga emocional dos cuidadores.

Relationship between lower limb coordination and walking speed after stroke: an observational study

BackgroundAlthough lower limb muscle strength is associated with walking performance in people after stroke, even when there is good strength, walking speed may remain slower than normal, perhaps due to incoordination. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between walking speed and lower limb coordination in people with good strength after stroke. MethodsAn observational study was conducted with 30 people with stroke and 30 age-matched controls. Inclusion criteria for stroke were good lower limb strength (i.e., ≥Grade 4) and walking speed at >0.6m/s without aids in bare feet (with recruitment stratified so that walking speed was evenly represented across the range). Walking performance was measured as speed during the 10-m Walk Test and distance during the 6-min Walk Test. Coordination was measured using the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test and reported in taps/s. ResultsStroke survivors walked at 1.00 (SD 0.26) m/s during the10-m Walk Test (64% of normal), walked 349 (SD 94) m during the 6-min Walk Test (68% of normal), and performed the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test at 1.20 (SD 0.34) taps/s with the affected side (64% of normal). Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test scores for the affected side were statistically significantly correlated with walking performance in the 10-m Walk Test (r=0.42, p=0.02) and the 6-min Walk Test (r=0.50, p=0.01). ConclusionCoordination was related to walking performance, suggesting that loss of coordination may contribute to slow walking in this group of stroke survivors with good strength.Trial registration: ANZCTR12614000856617 (www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=366827).

An exploratory natural history of ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay: A 2-year follow-up.

To document the decline of upper and lower limb functions, mobility, and independence in daily living activities in adults with autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) over a 2-year period. An exploratory longitudinal design was used. Nineteen participants were assessed on 2 occasions 2 years apart. Assessments included the Standardized Finger Nose Test, Nine-Hole Peg Test, Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test, Berg Balance Scale, 10-m walk test (10mWT), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), and Barthel Index. A significant decline was observed between baseline and follow-up for lower limb coordination, balance, walking abilities (10mWT and 6MWT), and overall disease severity (SARA). All differences were beyond measurement error documented in ARSACS. Results showed no significant decline for upper limb coordination and fine dexterity performance. Although ARSACS is a slow, progressive disease, results showed that mobility, balance, and lower limb performance significantly decreased over the 2-year period and that selected outcome measures were able to capture this decline beyond measurement errors.

Learning Effects of the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test in Individuals with Stroke?

Learning Effects of the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test in Individuals with Stroke?

Validity and reliability of the LEMOCOT in the adult ARSACS population: A measure of lower limb coordination

ObjectiveAutosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) is a neuromuscular disease leading to several impairments, including decrease of lower limb coordination. The Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT) is an outcome measure recently developed for stroke population. The aim of this study was to document: 1) intra- and interrater reliability; 2) the standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change; and 3) the construct validity of the measurements obtained with the LEMOCOT in the adult ARSACS population. ResultsThe LEMOCOT has shown a good intra- and interrater reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient ranging from 0.92 to 0.97 for both dominant and non-dominant side. The construct validity (hypothesis testing) is satisfying where LEMOCOT's score negatively correlated with participants' age (r=−0.74) and the score of the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (r=−0.86) and positively correlated with the balance and mobility tests (r=0.82 with the Berg Balance Scale, r=0.61 with the Six-Minute Walk Test, r=0.57 with the 10-Meter Walk Test). The LEMOCOT was also able to distinguish between patients according to disease stages. ConclusionThe LEMOCOT is a valid and reliable tool to assess lower limb coordination in the ARSACS population for whom the lack of coordination is a common symptom.

Lower-limb motor coordination is significantly impaired in ambulatory people with chronic stroke: A cross-sectional study.

To establish the deficits of motor coordination of the lower limbs after stroke, in comparison with healthy controls, and to investigate whether the magnitude of the deficits would be influenced by the levels of motor recovery. Cross-sectional study. Chronic stroke patients and healthy subjects. Lower-limb motor coordination of both stroke and healthy volunteers was measured using the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT). The motor coordination deficits of the participants with stroke were analysed all together and separated, according to their levels of motor recovery, measured using the Fugl-Meyer lower-limb motor section scores. Ninety-seven individuals with chronic stroke, 55 men, mean age 58 years, were evaluated. Motor coordination was significantly impaired on both paretic (mean: -22 touches; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) -24 to -19; deficit: 61%) and non-paretic (mean -6 touches; 95% CI -8 to -4; deficit: 17%) lower limbs. Significant differences in the LEMOCOT scores were found between the levels of motor recovery (p < 0.01), except between the participants with marked and moderate impairments. Motor coordination of the lower limbs is significantly impaired after stroke, but the deficits of the non-paretic lower limb (17%) appear not to be clinically relevant. These findings suggest that interventions prescribed to improve motor coordination after stroke should focus on the paretic lower limb and/or include bilateral activities.

Predicting mobility outcome in lower limb amputees with motor ability tests used in early rehabilitation.

Retrospective cohort study. Persons with a lower limb amputation can regain mobility using a prosthetic device. For fast and adequate prescription of prosthetic components, it is necessary to predict the mobility outcome early in rehabilitation. Currently, prosthetic prescription is primarily based on empirical knowledge of rehabilitation professionals. In this study, we explored motor ability tests, to be completed without a prosthetic device, which have predictive value for mobility outcome at the end of rehabilitation. For this study, data of 82 patients with a lower limb amputation were included. The Single-limb standing balance test (Balance test), the Lower-Extremity Motor Coordination Test and the Amputee Mobility Predictor Assessment Tool (AMPnoPRO) were used as measures for motor ability. Mobility outcome was measured using the Timed Up and Go Test, the Two-Minute Walking Test and K levels were used. The explained variance of the Balance test, the Lower-Extremity Motor Coordination Test and the AMPnoPRO was, respectively, 0.603, 0.534 and 0.649 on the Two-Minute Walking Test (linear regression); 0.597, 0.431 and 0.624 on the Timed Up and Go Test (linear regression); and 0.432, 0.420 and 0.526 on the K levels (logistic regression). The AMPnoPRO predicted mobility outcome statistically (largest amount of explained variance). Clinical relevance This study explored the possibility of statistically predicting mobility outcome in lower limb amputees at the end of rehabilitation, using motor ability tests conducted in early rehabilitation. This study suggests the use of the AMPnoPRO to predict mobility outcome in lower limb amputees.

How to determine the initial treadmill speed for the aerobic training of chronic hemiparetics?

Objective: To investigate the criteria for establishing the initial treadmill speed and create a functional or cardiorespiratory motor training for hemiparetic individuals. Methods: Fifteen chronic hemiparetic individuals were recruited and qualified by the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT) and submitted to gait evaluation through the Timed Up and Go (TUG), Stress Test (ST), and the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT). Results: The analysis of the LEMOCOT results showed a mean of 26.87 ± 9.76 target hits for the non-paretic side and 15.40 ± 8.46 for the paretic side. In the TUG, the average speed of 0.37 ± 0.14 m/s was found and in the 10MWT, 0.63 ± 0.23 m/s. In the ST the average speed was 0.60 ± 0.25 m/s. There was strong and significant correlation between the TUG, 10MWT, and ST values. Conclusion: The ST and 10MWT are suitable tests to be used as eligibility criteria for the initial speed of aerobic trainings, however the ST is able to reveal the time for which the patient is able to maintain the gait. The TUG did not prove to be a good instrument to establish the initial training speed

How to determine the initial treadmill speed for the aerobic training of chronic hemiparetics?

Objective: To investigate the criteria for establishing the initial treadmill speed and create a functional or cardiorespiratory motor training for hemiparetic individuals. Methods: Fifteen chronic hemiparetic individuals were recruited and qualified by the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT) and submitted to gait evaluation through the Timed Up and Go (TUG), Stress Test (ST), and the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT). Results: The analysis of the LEMOCOT results showed a mean of 26.87 ± 9.76 target hits for the non-paretic side and 15.40 ± 8.46 for the paretic side. In the TUG, the average speed of 0.37 ± 0.14 m/s was found and in the 10MWT, 0.63 ± 0.23 m/s. In the ST the average speed was 0.60 ± 0.25 m/s. There was strong and significant correlation between the TUG, 10MWT, and ST values. Conclusion: The ST and 10MWT are suitable tests to be used as eligibility criteria for the initial speed of aerobic trainings, however the ST is able to reveal the time for which the patient is able to maintain the gait. The TUG did not prove to be a good instrument to establish the initial training speed

Lower Limb Motor Coordination of Stroke Survivors, Based Upon Their Levels of Motor Recovery and Ages

Objective: To describe the motor coordination (MC) of the paretic lower limb of stroke survivors based upon their levels of motor recovery and ages and to compare their LEMOCOT scores with those predicted for healthy subjects of similar ages and genders. Methods: MC was assessed by the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT). The participants were divided, according to their ages and levels of motor recovery, based upon the Fugl-Meyer (FM) lower limb section scores (mild impairments: FM ≥ 23 and severe impairments: FM <23). To compare the LEMOCOT scores of the paretic lower limb with those predicted for healthy subjects, the predicted equations for the non-dominant lower limb of healthy subjects of similar ages and genders were employed. Results/Discussion: Age did not influence the LEMOCOT scores, but the subjects with severe motor impairments always showed lower scores, when compared to those with mild impairments, regardless of their ages. The subjects with mild motor impairments reached 75%, while those with severe motor impairments reached only 20% of the predicted scores for healthy subjects. Conclusions: The findings suggested that the subjects with mild motor impairments had better MC, than those with severe impairments, regardless of their ages. Furthermore, the subjects with mild motor impairments reached 75%, whereas those with severe impairments reached only 20% of the predicted scores for healthy subjects

Measurement properties of the lower extremity motor coordination test in individuals with stroke

To evaluate the construct validity, inter- and intra-rater reliabilities, best scoring method and testing methods (direct vs video observations), and to determine the smallest real difference (SRD) and standard error of the measurement (SEM) of the lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT). Methodological study. Thirty-six stroke subjects. Outcomes include measures of motor recovery, muscular tone, strength, motor coordination, foot tactile sensation, and gait speed. The LEMOCOT scores were able to discriminate between stroke individuals from those predicted for healthy subjects, between the paretic and non-paretic limbs for both the sub-acute and chronic groups and differentiated between individuals with different functional levels and degrees of motor recovery. For the intra- and inter-rater reliabilities, very high and significant coefficients were found for both the paretic and non-paretic lower limbs for both groups (intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) > 0.97, p < 0.0001). Significant differences were found regarding all scoring methods (18.91 < F < 27.49, p < 0.0001), but they were not clinically important and all showed adequate test-retest reliability and acceptable SRD and SEM (< 15%) values. There was also agreement between the scores from the direct and video observations. The LEMOCOT demonstrated adequate measurement properties in stroke subjects and, therefore, could be an appropriate measure for research and clinical purposes.

Motor Recovery, Tonus of the Plantar Flexor Muscles, and Age are Predictors of the Lower Limb Motor Coordination in Stroke Survivors

Motor coordination (MC) or dexterity refers to the ability to perform a motor task in an accurate, rapid, and controlled manner. Adequate coordination of the lower limbs is important for the performance of activities of daily living and for an independent life and in stroke individuals, MC impairments contribute significantly to disability. The Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT) was developed to assess the motor coordination of the lower limbs and is a simple test with good clinical utility, adequate psychometric properties, and has been considered one of the best to assess lower limb MC. Many factors may predict MC, such as age, gender, body mass index, and muscular strength, but these factors may depend upon the characteristics of the investigated sample. Menezes et al. investigated the potential predictors of the lower limb MC, assessed by the LEMOCOT scores, in stroke survivors, and found that motor recovery, tonus of the plantar flexor muscles, and age reached significance (p<0.05), explaining 54% of the variance in the LEMOCOT scores. These findings could help rehabilitation professionals to evaluate MC deficits and plan interventions aimed at improving MC of the lower limbs for stroke subjects, based upon the knowledge of the possible factors that could contribute to MC impairments.