Correlations between ankle–foot impairments and dropped foot gait deviations among stroke survivors

Abstract: Background: The purpose of this paper is to 1) evaluate the relationship between ankle kinematics during gait and standardized measures of ankle impairments among sub-acute stroke survivors, and 2) compare the degree of stroke-related ankle impairment between individuals with and without dropped foot gait deviations.Methods: Fifty-five independently ambulating stroke survivors participated in this study. Dropped foot was defined as decreased peak dorsiflexion during the swing phase and reduced ankle joint motion in stance. Standardized outcome measures included the Chedoke–McMaster Stroke Assessment (motor impairment), Modified Ashworth Scale (spasticity), Medical Research Council (muscle strength), passive and active range of motion, and isometric muscle force.Findings: Foot impairment was not related to peak dorsiflexion during swing (r=−0.17, P=0.247) and joint motion during stance (r=0.05, P=0.735). Active (r=0.45, P
Source: Clinical Biomechanics - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Tags: Regular Papers Source Type: research