Symmetry Is Associated With Interlimb Coordination During Walking and Pedaling After Stroke

We examined these associations: (1) propulsive symmetry with interlimb coordination during walking, (2) work symmetry with interlimb coordination during pedaling, and (3) work symmetry and interlimb coordination with clinical impairment. Methods: Nineteen individuals with chronic stroke and 15 controls performed bilateral, lower limb pedaling with a conventional device and a device with a bisected crank and upstroke assistance. Individuals with stroke walked on a split-belt treadmill. Measures of symmetry (%Propulsionwalk, %Workped) and interlimb phase coordination index (PCIwalk, PCIped) were computed. Clinical evaluations were the lower extremity Fugl-Meyer (FMLE) and walking speed. Associations were assessed with Spearman's rank correlations. Results: Participants with stroke displayed asymmetry and impaired interlimb coordination compared with controls (P ≤ 0.001). There were significant correlations between asymmetry and impaired interlimb coordination (walking: R2 = 0.79, P walking). Pedaling a device with a bisected crank shaft may have therapeutic value. Video Abstract available for more insight from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A365).
Source: Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy - Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research