Obstacle crossing following stroke improves over one month when the unaffected limb leads, but not when the affected limb leads
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2014-01-01
Source Title
Gait and Posture
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ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD
Melbourne Authors
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Physiotherapy, Melbourne School of Health Sciences
Department of Medicine
Department of Medicine
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Journal Article
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Said, C. M., Galea, M. & Lythgo, N. (2014). Obstacle crossing following stroke improves over one month when the unaffected limb leads, but not when the affected limb leads. Gait and Posture, 39 (1), pp.213-217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2013.07.008.
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© 2013 Elsevier B.V.
The research outputs in this collection have been funded in whole or in part by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
© 2013 Elsevier B.V.
The research outputs in this collection have been funded in whole or in part by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
Abstract
While it is well established that obstacle crossing is impaired following stroke, it is not known whether obstacle crossing improves as gait improves following stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine whether obstacle crossing changed over a one month time period in people with a recent stroke. Twenty participants receiving rehabilitation following a recent stroke were tested on two occasions one month apart. Participants received usual care rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, between the tests. The main outcome measure was obstacle crossing speed as participants stepped over a 4-cm high obstacle. Secondary measures were spatiotemporal variables. Data were collected via a three dimensional motion analysis system. When leading with the affected limb no changes in obstacle crossing speed or spatiotemporal variables were observed over the one month period. When leading with the unaffected limb, crossing speed significantly increased (p=.002), and affected trail limb swing time (p=.03) and crossing step double support time reduced (p=.016). While not significant, the lead and trail limb pre-obstacle distance increased (p=.08), and lead swing time (p=.052) reduced. Change in obstacle crossing speed did not correlate with change in level gait speed. Obstacle crossing does not necessarily improve over a one month time period in people receiving rehabilitation following stroke. These findings suggest that there may be a need for more targeted training of obstacle crossing, particularly when leading with the affected limb.
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Keywords
stroke, gait disorder, neurologic, rehabilitation, obstacle crossing