A novel and simple test of gait adaptability predicts gold standard measures of functional mobility in stroke survivors

The ability to adjust the on-going walking pattern in response to environmental and task goals is key to regaining independent mobility in the community following stroke. However, reports indicate few stroke survivors can independently climb stairs and inclines, and walk the speeds and distances required for mobility in the community [1,2]. Further reports indicate that after a stroke most falls are caused by trips, slips, or misplaced steps while walking [3,4]. This suggests that an inability to adapt the walking pattern in response to the environment may be a key factor limiting recovery of independent mobility in stroke survivors.

Source: Gait and Posture - September 28, 2015 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Hollands Kl, Pelton Ta, van der Veen S, Alharbi S, Hollands Ma Tags: Full length Article Source Type: research