Gait alterations induced by unloaded body weight in individuals with stroke while walking on moveable and fixed surfaces

Author(s)

Barela, Ana ^[1] ; Celestino, Melissa ^[1] ; Gama, Gabriela ^[1] ; Russo-Junior, Douglas ^[1] ; Santana, Dinah ^[1] ; Barela, Jose ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Cruzeiro Univ, Inst Phys Act & Sport Sci, Rua Galvao Bueno, BR-01506000 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[2] Sao Paulo State Univ, Inst Biosci, Dept Phys Educ, 24-A, 1515, BR-13506000 Rio Claro, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MEDICAL ENGINEERING & PHYSICS; v. 95, p. 9-14, SEP 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

This study examined the effects of the support surface (i.e., treadmill or ground) and the quantity of body weight unloading provided by a partial body weight support (PBWS) system on the spatiotemporal gait characteristics of individuals with stroke. Fifteen individuals, aged 57.2 +/- 9.8 years, with chronic stroke walked on a treadmill and on the ground with 0%, 10%, and 20% of PBWS. Inertial sensors placed on the participants' feet registered 3-D acceleration and 3-D angular velocity during walking, and some gait parameters were calculated. Overall, individuals with stroke walked with shorter and slower strides and spent more time in contact with the support surface when walking on the treadmill compared to when walking on the ground. The duration of double limb support decreased when the percentage of PBWS increased. Stride length and speed were more variable in the paretic limb than in the non-paretic limb. Treadmill walking was more consistent and less similar to ordinary walking than walking on the ground. The gait pattern of individuals with stroke was modulated according to the support surface on which walking was performed, and the use of a PBWS system seems suitable to develop walking proficiencies on a daily basis. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/08883-7 - Influence of partial body weight support on the locomotor adaptability of hemiparetic individuals due to stroke
• Grantee: Douglas Vicente Russo Junior
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 15/25376-9 - Locomotor adaptation of individuals with hemiparesis due to stroke: influence of partial body weight support
• Grantee: Ana Maria Forti Barela
• Support type: Regular Research Grants