We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Changes in lower limb muscle activation and gait function according to cane dependence in chronic stroke patients.
- Authors
Kang, Young Sic; Cho, Ki Hun
- Abstract
<bold>Background: </bold>Few quantitative analyses have been performed on muscle activation and gait function according to cane dependence.<bold>Objective: </bold>The purpose of this study was to measure changes in the lower limb muscle activation and gait function according to reduced cane dependence using a weight-bearing feedback cane (WBFC) that had been designed to quantitatively measure cane dependence in stroke patients during walking.<bold>Methods: </bold>Twenty-four subjects were recruited from a local rehabilitation hospital. The WBFC measured the average weight support (AWS, kg) loaded on the cane during walking through a Bluetooth connection to laptop software. All subjects walked 20 m using a WBFC set in the three levels of weight support (WSR, 100%, 60%, and 20%) based on the measured AWS. Paretic lower limb muscle activation and gait function (velocity, cadence, paretic side stride length, and symmetry index) were measured using wireless surface EMG and a 3-axis accelerometer during walking.<bold>Results: </bold>The paretic side lower limb muscle activation of the 20% WSR on the cane was significantly higher than that of the 100% WSR on the cane (p< 0.05). Gait functions of the 20% WSR on the cane were significantly lower than those of the 100% WSR on the cane (p< 0.05).<bold>Conclusion: </bold>These findings suggest that indiscreet weight support on the cane during walking can interfere with lower limb muscle activation and gait function. Therefore, in a clinical setting, reducing cane dependence during stroke gait training should be carefully considered.
- Subjects
STROKE; STAFFS (Sticks, canes, etc.); MUSCLES; GAIT in humans; LEG; WALKING; DISEASE complications
- Publication
Technology & Health Care, 2021, Vol 29, Issue 1, p133
- ISSN
0928-7329
- Publication type
journal article
- DOI
10.3233/THC-192075