Sensory-motor adaptation during overground walking: implications for rehabilitation strategies of stroke survivors

• Grant number: 25/00707-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Ana Maria Forti Barela
• Grantee: Ana Maria Forti Barela
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa. Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul (UNICSUL). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Darcy Reisman

Abstract

Locomotor adaptation is the process of modifying a gait pattern acquired during a period of trial-and-error practice as the performer is exposed to a disturbance. This adaptation is considered part of a learning process and represents an important way of re-establishing new motor patterns. The overall aim of this research project is to examine locomotor adaptation over the ground in response to the addition of unilateral mechanical load in post-stroke individuals. To this end, individuals who have suffered a stroke and individuals with no locomotor impairment (control group), matched for age and gender, will be assessed by walking on the ground without (baseline and deadaptation phases) and with (adaptation phase) a mechanical load added to one of their ankles to disrupt one of their legs. Reflective markers will be attached on specific landmarks to define the pelvis, thighs, legs and feet segments, and surface electrodes will be attached to the main muscles of the lower limbs to monitor the muscle activation pattern. The primary variables will be step length symmetry index and peak knee flexion during the swing period. The secondary variables will be mean walking speed, muscle activation pattern and hip, knee, and ankle joints angle pattern in the sagittal plane. Specific computer software will be used to acquire, process and analyze the assessed data. (AU)