Gait Parameters In Individuals Research Articles

An assessment of the relationship between the items of the observational Wisconsin Gait Scale and the 3-dimensional spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters in post-stroke gait

BackgroundThere are few reports in the literature investigating the relationship between observational gait scales used to assess individuals after a stroke and objective data acquired from 3-dimensional gait analysis (3DGA). Research questionThe objective of this study was to compare the relationship between the specific items of the Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS) and the matching 3-dimensional (3D) spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters in individuals after a stroke. In this way we evaluated whether using the simple, inexpensive, easy-to-use, observational WGS can fully substitute for the very costly and time-consuming 3DGA. MethodsThe study group comprised 50 participants who had experienced a stroke and were in the chronic stage of recovery. The study participants’ gait was evaluated by means of the WGS; spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters were examined in the Gait Laboratory with the use of the BTS Smart system. The 3D recording of gait was performed using 2 video cameras positioned in such a way that it was possible to obtain images in the frontal and the sagittal plane. ResultsThe findings show strong (0.7 ≤ |R| < 0.9; p < 0.001) or very strong (0.9≤ |R| < 1; p < 0.001) correlation between the specific items of the WGS and the matching 3D gait parameters. Significance: The WGS is a diagnostic tool useful for conducting observational gait analysis in people with post-stroke hemiparesis and in situations when the costly objective methods of gait assessment cannot be applied for various reasons, the scale may be an effective tool enabling the assessment of gait. The WGS may be particularly useful in the subacute period of stroke as video recording of walking takes considerably less time than 3DGA.The study has been registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: ACTRN12617000436370.

Forced Use of the Paretic Leg Induced by a Constraint Force Applied to the Nonparetic Leg in Individuals Poststroke During Walking

Background. Individuals with stroke usually show reduced muscle activities of the paretic leg and asymmetrical gait pattern during walking. Objective. To determine whether applying a resistance force to the nonparetic leg would enhance the muscle activities of the paretic leg and improve the symmetry of spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with poststroke hemiparesis. Methods. Fifteen individuals with chronic poststroke hemiparesis participated in this study. A controlled resistance force was applied to the nonparetic leg using a customized cable-driven robotic system while subjects walked on a treadmill. Subjects completed 2 test sections with the resistance force applied at different phases of gait (ie, early and late swing phases) and different magnitudes (10%, 20%, and 30% of maximum voluntary contraction [MVC] of nonparetic leg hip flexors). Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the muscles of the paretic leg and spatiotemporal gait parameters were collected. Results. Significant increases in integrated EMG of medial gastrocnemius, medial hamstrings, vastus medialis, and tibialis anterior of the paretic leg were observed when the resistance was applied during the early swing phase of the nonparetic leg, compared with baseline. Additionally, resistance with 30% of MVC induced the greatest level of muscle activity than that with 10% or 20% of MVC. The symmetry index of gait parameters also improved with resistance applied during the early swing phase. Conclusion. Applying a controlled resistance force to the nonparetic leg during early swing phase may induce forced use on the paretic leg and improve the spatiotemporal symmetry of gait in individuals with poststroke hemiparesis.

Acute effects of anesthetic lumbar spine injections on temporal spatial parameters of gait in individuals with chronic low back pain: A pilot study

This study examined whether epidural injection-induced anesthesia acutely and positively affected temporal spatial parameters of gait in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) due to lumbar spinal stenosis. Twenty-five patients (61.7±13.6years) who were obtaining lumbar epidural injections for stenosis-related LBP participated. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, Medical Outcomes Short Form (SF-36) scores, 11-point Numerical pain rating (NRSpain) scores, and temporal spatial parameters of walking gait were obtained prior to, and 11-point Numerical pain rating (NRSpain) scores, and temporal spatial parameters of walking gait were obtained after the injection. Gait parameters were measured using an instrumented gait mat. Patients received transforaminal epidural injections in the L1-S1 vertebral range (1% lidocaine, corticosteroid) under fluoroscopic guidance. Patients with post-injection NRSpain ratings of “0” or values greater than “0” were stratified into two groups: 1) full pain relief, or 2) partial pain relief, respectively. Post-injection, 48% (N=12) of patients reported full pain relief. ODI scores were higher in patients with full pain relief (55.3±21.4 versus 33.7 12.8; p=0.008). Post-injection, stride length and step length variability were significantly improved in the patients with full pain relief compared to those with partial pain relief. Effect sizes between full and partial pain relief for walking velocity, step length, swing time, stride and step length variability were medium to large (Cohen’s d>0.50). Patients with LBP can gain immediate gait improvements from complete pain relief from transforaminal epidural anesthetic injections for LBP, which could translate to better stability and lower fall risk.

PERFORMANCE OF THE GAIT IN INDIVIDUALS WITH HTLV-1: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

HTLV-1 is frequently associated with myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), which in turn brings several functional alterations to the individual, including changes in gait. Objective: To systematize the scientific findings on the temporo-spatial gait parameters in individuals with HTLV-1. Methodology: This is a systematic review of the scientific literature. The primary search of the articles was performed in the Pubmed, Scielo and Bireme databases, and observational studies were included that evaluated gait changes in individuals with HTLV-1. The search strategy was conducted by two researchers apart and the divergences resolved by consensus. Results: Firstly, it has found 40 studies and considering them, it was included two studies that investigated the changes in gait performance among the individuals with HTLV-1, within a total of 97 individuals. Conclusion: This systematic review identified changes in gait pattern among individuals with tropical spastic paraparesis/myelopathy associated to HTLV-1; functional changes in muscle groups of the lower limbs and slowing gait speed are among the main findings, but the lack of published work on the subject makes it difficult to access information. Therefore, it is suggested that new approaches be made for a better understanding of this topic.

Gait patterns in association with underlying impairments in polio survivors with calf muscle weakness

The objective was to identify gait patterns in polio survivors with calf muscle weakness and associate them to underlying lower extremity impairments, which are expected to help in the search for an optimal orthosis.Unilaterally affected patients underwent barefoot 3D-gait analyses. Gait pattern clusters were created based on the ankle and knee angle and ankle moment shown in midstance of the affected limb. Impairment clusters were created based on plantarflexor and knee-extensor strength, and ankle and knee joint range-of-motion. The association between gait patterns and underlying impairments were examined descriptively. The Random Forest Algorithm and regression analyses were used to predict gait patterns and parameters.Seven gait patterns in 73 polio survivors were identified, with two dominant patterns: one with a mildly/non-deviant ankle angle, ankle moment and knee angle (n=23), and one with a strongly deviant ankle angle and a mildly/non-deviant ankle moment and knee angle (n=18). Gait pattern prediction from underlying impairments was 49% accurate with best prediction performance for the second dominant gait pattern (sensitivity 78% and positive predictive value 74%). The underlying impairments explained between 20 and 32% of the variance in individual gait parameters.Polio survivors with calf muscle weakness who present a similar impairment profile do not necessarily walk the same. From physical examination alone, the gait pattern nor the individual gait parameters could be accurately predicted. The patient’s gait should therefore be measured to help in the prescription and evaluation of orthoses for these patients.

The effects of gaze stabilization on gait parameters in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of gaze fixation on head stabilization and gait during straight over ground walking in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Eight individuals with PD (Age: 62.3±8.1 years) volunteered for the study. Full body kinematic data were collected at 120Hz using a Vicon motion capture system. Two visual conditions were used to determine the effects of gaze fixation: FREE gaze and FIXED gaze. During FIXED gaze, participants were required to fixate on a still target 13m ahead. During FREE gaze, participants were free to visually scan the environment. Five straight walking trials were performed in each experimental condition for a total of ten walking trials. Head segment stabilization strategies as well as gait parameters were compared between conditions. Step width, step length, stride time, cadence, double support time, centre of mass (CoM) velocity and CoM medial-lateral deviation were calculated for two strides of each over ground walking trial. Comparisons of mean values and variability were made using repeated measures ANOVAs. Results revealed that maintaining a FIXED gaze had no significant effect on head stabilization strategies or gait parameters with the exception of a significant increase in step width variability (p=0.003). CoM velocity was not significantly different between FREE and FIXED gaze conditions (FREE: 1.17±0.20m/s; FIXED: 1.16±0.19m/s). CoM medial-lateral deviation was observed to be greater in FIXED (47.1±36.9cm) compared to FREE (26.9±15.1cm), though not significantly. These results suggest that gaze fixation to a target in front while walking increases step width variability and CoM M-L deviations indicative of reduced postural stability. This is an important consideration for use of visual cues to promote gait in PD.

Gait Parameters of Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Gait Parameters of Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Post-stroke hemiparesis: Does chronicity, etiology, and lesion side are associated with gait pattern?

Background: Studies that evaluate gait rehabilitation programs for individuals with stroke often consider time since stroke of more than six months. In addition, most of these studies do not use lesion etiology or affected cerebral hemisphere as study factors. However, it is unknown whether these factors are associated with post-stroke motor performance after the spontaneous recovery period.Objective: To investigate whether time since stroke onset, etiology, and lesion side is associated with spatiotemporal and angular gait parameters of individuals with chronic stroke.Methods: Fifty individuals with chronic hemiparesis (20 women) were evaluated. The sample was stratified according to time since stroke (between 6 and 12 months, between 13 and 36 months, and over 36 months), affected cerebral hemisphere (left or right) and lesion etiology (ischemic and hemorrhagic). The participants were evaluated during overground walking at self-selected gait speed, and spatiotemporal and angular gait parameters were calculated.Results Differences between gait speed, stride length, hip flexion, and knee flexion were observed in subgroups stratified based on lesion etiology. Survivors of a hemorrhagic stroke exhibited more severe gait impairment. Subgroups stratified based on time since stroke only showed intergroup differences for stride length, and subgroups stratified based on affected cerebral hemisphere displayed between-group differences for swing time symmetry ratio.Conclusion: In order to recruit a more homogeneous sample, more accurate results were obtained and an appropriate rehabilitation program was offered, researchers and clinicians should consider that gait pattern might be associated with time since stroke, affected cerebral hemisphere and lesion etiology.

Effect of investigator observation on gait parameters in individuals with and without chronic low back pain

Despite the ubiquity of gait assessment in clinic and research, it is unclear how observation impacts gait, particularly in persons with chronic pain and psychological stress. We compared temporal spatial gait patterns in people with and without chronic low back pain (CLBP) when they were aware and unaware of being observed. This was a repeated-measures, deception study in 55 healthy persons (32.0±12.4 yr, 24.2±2.7kg/m2) and persons with CLBP (51.9±17.9 yr, 27.8±4.4kg/m2). Participants performed one condition in which they were unaware of observation (UNW), and three conditions under investigator observation: (1) aware of observation (AWA), (2) investigators watching cadence, (3) investigators watching step length. Participants walked across an 8.4m gait mat, while temporal spatial parameters of gait were collected. The Medical Outcomes Short Form (SF-12), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were completed. Significant condition by group interactions were found for velocity and step length (p<0.05). Main effects of study condition existed for all gait variables except for step width. Main effects of group (healthy, LBP) were significant for all variables except for step width (p<0.05). Regression analyses revealed that after accounting for age, sex, and SF-12 mental component score, BDI scores predict velocity changes during walking from the UNW to AWA conditions. These findings show that people change their gait patterns when being observed. Gait analyses may require additional trials before data can reliably be interpreted and used for clinical decision-making.

Comparison of the Combined Effects of Hip and Knee Muscle Strengthening vs. Knee Muscle Strengthening Alone on Pain, Function and Gait Parameters in Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective: This randomized controlled study aimed to find out the combined effects of hip and knee muscle strengthening vs. knee muscle strengthening alone on pain, function and gait in knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Individuals with unilateral knee osteoarthritis (n=40; male, 18; female, 22) were randomized to participate hip and knee muscle strengthening exercise (n=20; mean age, 53.1 years) or knee muscle strengthening exercise (controls, n=20; mean age, 54.2 years). Participants were randomized to receive 18 sessions (45-min sessions a day/3 days/week for 6 weeks) of either hip and knee muscle strengthening exercises or knee muscle strengthening exercise alone. The numeric rating scale (NRS) and reduced Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index were used to measure the pain intensity and knee function, respectively. Gait parameters were measured using the computer dynography (CDG). Results: The hip and knee muscle strengthening exercise group has shown a significantly greater reduction of pain and improvement of knee function as compared to the knee muscle strengthening exercise group (p Conclusion: This study concluded that the addition of hip muscle strengthening along with knee muscle strengthening reduces pain and improves function, and gait parameters in individuals with knee OA.

Quantitative gait analysis in parkin disease: Possible role of dystonia.

Parkin disease (PARK2, OMIM 602544) is an autosomal-recessive early-onset parkinsonism characterized by an early occurrence of lower limb dystonia. The aim of this study was to analyze spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic gait parameters in patients with parkin disease in the OFF and ON conditions compared to healthy age-matched controls. Fifteen patients with parkin disease and 15 healthy age-matched controls were studied in a gait analysis laboratory with an integrated optoelectronic system. Spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic gait parameters at a self-selected speed were recorded in the OFF and ON conditions. A jerk index was computed to quantify the possible reduction of smoothness of joint movements. Compared to controls, parkin patients had, either in the OFF or in the ON conditions, significant reduction of walking velocity, increased step width, and decreased percentage of double support. Kinematic analysis in both conditions showed: increased ankle dorsiflexion and knee flexion at the initial contact; maximal flexion and increased range of motion in mid stance; increased hip flexion and max extension in stance at pelvis; and increased mean tilt antiversion. Kinetics showed increased hip and knee power generation in stance in either condition. The jerk index was increased at all joints both in OFF and ON. There were no correlations between individual gait parameters and clinical ratings. Parkin patients have an abnormal gait pattern that does not vary between the OFF and the ON conditions. Variations recorded with instrumented analysis are more evident for kinematic than kinetic parameters at lower limbs. Severity of dystonia does not correlate with any individual kinematic parameter. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome Subtypes and Cognitive Profiles.

The motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome, characterized by slow gait and cognitive complaints, is a simple and easily accessible clinical approach to identify older adults at high risk for transitioning to dementia. This study aims to define subtypes of MCR based on individual quantitative gait variables and to compare their neuropsychological profiles and risk factors as well risk for incident cognitive impairment. MCR was diagnosed in 314 community-residing, nondemented, older adults aged 65 and older (56% women) based on the presence of cognitive complaints and slow gait velocity (MCRv). Four new subtypes of MCR were defined by substituting slow gait with short stride length (MCRsl), slow swing time (MCRsw), high stride length variability (MCRslv), and high swing time variability (MCRswv). MCR subtypes were not mutually exclusive. A total of 25 participants (8%) met criteria for MCRv, 20 for MCRsl (6.4%), 15 for MCRsw (4.8%), 16 for MCRslv (5.1%), 12 for MCRswv (3.8%), and 266 participants (84.7%) did not meet criteria for any MCR subtype. At baseline, MCRv was associated with deficits in attention and language as well as in overall cognitive status. MCRswv was associated with deficits in all cognitive domains including memory. Obesity and sedentariness were risk factors of MCRv, MCRsl, and MCRsw. MCRv status predicted incident cognitive impairment in global cognition (odds ratio: 3.59, p = .016), whereas MCRswv status predicted incident cognitive impairment in memory (odds ratio: 4.24, p = .048). MCR subtypes based on individual gait parameters show commonalities and differences in cognitive profiles and risk factors. Future studies should investigate whether the MCR subtypes predict different subtypes of dementia.

Comparison of spatial and temporal variables of gait between individuals above and below 65 years with bilateral knee osteoarthritis

Background:Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knees is a chronic degenerative disease that causes changes in the articular cartilage, the most common musculoskeletal disease worldwide (Blanco et al., 1998). The World Health Organization estimates that 25% of those over 65 years suffer from pain and disability associatedwith this disease. Symptoms of kneeOA are related to pain joint, loss of muscle strength of the lower extremities, gait disturbance and decreased aerobic capacity (Fransen et al., 2001). Considering that this disease increases with advancing age, it is important to evaluate the influence of aging on parameters of gait in individuals with knee OA. Purpose:To compare the parameters of gait in individuals above and below 65 years with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Twenty individuals of both sexes with bilateral knee OA grades I-III according to the classification of Kellgren and Lawrence were evaluated and divided into group 1 (n= 10): individuals with OA below 65 years (45–55 years) and group 2 (n= 10): individuals with OA over 65 years (65–75 years) who live in the city of Ribeirao Preto, Brazil, which signed a consent form agreeing to participate in this study, approved by the Committee of Ethics of the Clinical Hospital, Medicine School of Ribeirao Preto. Participants underwent a radiograph of bilateral knees and all were diagnosed with some degree of OA (I–III in both knees) by an experienced radiologist. For analysis of gait variables (speed and step length) the equipmentGAITRitePlatinum26′ Portable Walkway System was used. The participants were instructed to walk (simulating habitual gait) on the carpet of the equipment, the gait starting 1 meter before and finishing 1 meter after the carpet to exclude acceleration and deceleration (repeating the task 3 times). For statistical analyses the T test of Student with level of significance p≤ 0.05 was used. Results: Subjects in group 1 presented amean (±standard deviation) value of speed gait of 1.08± 0.11m/s and left step length of 56.92± 3.34 cm and right step length of 57.42± 3.14 cm, with no significant difference compared to group 2 who presented mean value of speed gait of 1.02± 0.14m/s and left step length of 57.96± 5.39 cm and right step length of 56.80± 5.54 cm. Conclusion(s):Neither the aging process or OA presence promoted changes in gait parameters in individuals with OA. It can be concluded that aging was not a factor that promoted changes in variables of gait of subjects with knee OA. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate and to compare gait parameters between subjects with and without OA with different age ranges. Implications: The better understanding of the impact of aging process on gait aspects in individuals with knee OA is important to help in the elaboration of physical therapy intervention.

Balance and ankle muscle strength predict spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy

AimsThe aims of this study were to evaluate aspects of balance, ankle muscle strength and spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and verify whether deficits in spatiotemporal gait parameters were associated with ankle muscle strength and balance performance. Materials and methodsThirty individuals with DPN and 30 control individuals have participated. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were evaluated by measuring the time to walk a set distance during self-selected and maximal walking speeds. Functional mobility and balance performance were assessed using the Functional Reach and the Time Up and Go tests. Ankle isometric muscle strength was assessed with a handheld digital dynamometer. Analyses of variance were employed to verify possible differences between groups and conditions. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to uncover possible predictors of gait deficits. ResultsGait spatiotemporal, functional mobility, balance performance and ankle muscle strength were affected in individuals with DPN. The Time Up and Go test performance and ankle muscle isometric strength were associated to spatiotemporal gait changes, especially during maximal walking speed condition. ConclusionFunctional mobility and balance performance are damaged in DPN and balance performance and ankle muscle strength can be used to predict spatiotemporal gait parameters in individuals with DPN.

Effects of isokinetic eccentric training on knee extensor and flexor torque and on gait of individuals with long term ACL reconstruction: A controlled clinical trial

This study investigated the effects of the isokinetic eccentric training (IET) on the knee extensor and flexor torque and kinematic gait parameters in individuals with ACL reconstruction. Sixteen men with ACL reconstructed (ACLr) whose torque and the gait were evaluated, before and after 12 weeks of IET, was compared to a control group (14 individuals). Student t, MANOVA and ANOVA tests were performed with 5% of significance. The training increased the isometric, concentric at 30 and 120º/s (p &lt; .05) and eccentric at 30º/s (p &lt; .01) extensor torque on the affected limb (AL), and eccentric at 30 and 120º/s (p &lt; .01), on the non-affected limb (NAL). In the flexors, there was an increase on the torque: isometric, concentric at 30º/s and eccentric at 30 and 120º/s (p &lt; .01) in AL and in eccentric at 30 (p &lt; .05) and 120º/s (p&lt; .01) in NAL. With respect to the angular and spatio-temporal variables gait, there was no difference between pre-and post-training in LCAr group. Compared to control group, the cycle time, in two members, was lower in LCAr group, and stride length and cadence were higher in the AL of the LCAr (p &lt; .05). Moreover, the knee flexion-extension angles (minimum and maximum) remained lower in LCAr, pre- and post-training (p &lt; .01). The torque gain associated with eccentric isokinetic training did not affect the kinematic parameters of gait in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction.

Spatial-Temporal Gait Characteristics in Individuals With Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis

Systematic literature review and meta-analysis. To systematically review and critically evaluate the literature to determine how basic gait characteristics are altered in individuals with hip osteoarthritis (OA). Hip OA is a progressive musculoskeletal condition that leads to pain, stiffness, and functional limitation in activities such as walking. Understanding gait dysfunction in people with hip OA may contribute to more effective management of the disease. Eleven electronic research databases were searched. Studies comparing basic gait parameters in individuals with hip OA to healthy controls and the affected to the contralateral limb of individuals with hip OA were included. The studies were critically appraised for methodological quality. Available data were extracted, and meta-analysis was performed, with standardized effect sizes (Cohen d) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals computed for gait speed, cadence, step and stride length, stance, swing and double-stance duration, and step width. The final analysis included 30 articles. Self-selected gait speed was 26% slower in individuals with hip OA relative to controls, which was explained by shorter stride length. Consistent evidence was found for greater asymmetry in individuals with hip OA than controls, with shorter step length and stance duration in the affected compared to the contralateral limb. Individuals with hip OA walk at a slower speed and exhibit greater gait asymmetry than controls. Gait speed and asymmetry can be readily assessed clinically and represent a simple way of objectively evaluating gait dysfunction and monitoring treatment progress in individuals with hip OA.

Effects of two different exercise programs on gait parameters in individuals with Parkinson's disease: A pilot study

To date, little attempt has been made to compare or evaluate the effects of different physical exercise programs on gait disorders in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). This pilot study is aimed at obtaining preliminary data of the effects of two different exercise programs on gait parameters in people with PD by means of a biomechanical three-dimensional motion analysis. Twenty-five individuals with idiopathic PD participated either in a land-based (LB) or in a LB plus water-based (LWB) exercise program for 16 weeks. The efficacy of both exercise programs was quantified by means of a biomechanical gait analysis from which spatiotemporal and sagittal plane kinetic (gait speed, stride length, cadence, stride time, simple support time, double support time) and kinematic (angles of the hip, knee, and ankle joints) variables were recorded. Once the intervention ended, significant changes were observed in stride length and single/double support time variables in all the patients. The intergroup analysis revealed the existence of significant differences only in the gait Speed and hip Angle parameters. Few significant improvements in the amplitude of lower limb joints were found. These results suggest that land-based and land-plus-water-based exercise programs can be considered as a useful physical rehabilitation alternative, both equally capable of improving gait impairment on Parkinson's disease.

Backward walking treadmill therapy can improve walking ability in children with spastic cerebral palsy

The aim of this study was to determine whether an 8-week period of backward walking (BW) training on the treadmill can improve the gross motor function measure (GMFM), weight-bearing symmetry, and temporospatial gait parameters in individuals with spastic cerebral palsy. Twelve participants aged 5-15 years with spastic cerebral palsy participated in this study. The BW training was conducted on a treadmill for up to 20 min, with three sessions per week for 8 consecutive weeks. Before each treadmill training session, lower limb stretching was included in the session. Interlimb differentials of vertical ground reaction force while standing, temporal-distance gait parameters, and scores of dimension D and dimension E of the GMFM were determined. Participants showed statistically significant improvements in a measure of GMFM (P<0.01) and weight-bearing symmetry value (P<0.05), forward walking velocity (P<0.05), and step/stride length (P<0.05 or P<0.01). This pilot study suggests that BW therapy on a treadmill may help to improve walking abilities and other gross motor skills in this sample of patients.

Effect of Obstacle Negotiation Training on Gait Parameters in Individuals with Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease

Background and purpose: Gait disturbances are very common in Parkinson's disease. The reduction of stride length is considered the most prominent feature of Parkinson's gait often accompanied by lower walking speed 6,7. Traditional gait training generally fails to fully address these deficits. Thus, the main objective of this study was to check the effectiveness of obstacle negotiation training on gait parameters in individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Subject and method: 24 subjects with Idiopathic Parkinson's disease were randomly allocated to one of the two groups: Experimental group (group 1, n = 12) received 6 sessions of conventional therapy along with obstacle negotiation training and the control group (group 2, n = 12) received only the conventional training. Performance of both the groups was evaluated on 10m walkway (normalized stride length, cadence and walking speed). Results: The post intervention gait parameters of experimental group were more statistically significant over control group with p Conclusion: Obstacle negotiation training has a significant impact in improving normalized stride length, cadence and walking speed in Idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

Effects of Progressive Resistance Training Integrated with Foot and Ankle Compression on Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters of Individuals with Stroke

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of progressive resistance training (PRT) integrated with foot and ankle compression on the gait ability of post-stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Participants were randomly allocated to two groups: the PRT group (n=14) and the control group (n=14). Subjects in the PRT group received training for 30 minutes, five days per week, for a period of six weeks. Gait ability was evaluated using the RsScan system. [Results] Use of PRT integrated with foot and ankle compression resulted in significant improvements in temporal parameters (gait velocity, step time, and double limb support) and spatial parameters (step length, stride length, and heel-to- heel base of support). [Conclusion] Progressive resistance training integrated with foot and ankle compression improved the gait ability of stroke patients. These results suggest the feasibility and suitability of integration of PRT with foot and ankle compression for individuals with stroke.