Asymmetry in the Complexity of Gait in Younger Stroke Populations: A Preliminary Study
Advisor Information
Mukul Mukherjee
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
3-3-2017 12:30 PM
End Date
3-3-2017 1:45 PM
Abstract
Stroke is the leading cause of disability and has been viewed as a pathology affecting the aged. However, recently there has been a significant increase in the prevalence under the age of 65. Nearly 795,000 Americans suffer from stroke each year and 25% occur in those younger than 65. This population accounts for approximately one-half of the $2.2 trillion in United States stroke-related expenditures projected over the next four decades. A majority of stroke survivors walk with impairment due to a deterioration in bilateral coordination which leads to a loss of symmetry in temporal/ spatial domains. These asymmetries pose issues including a reduction in speed, efficiency of walking and dynamic balance, as well as musculoskeletal imbalances which lead to pain. As a result, symmetric gait has been shown to be more efficient, and this restoration a pertinent subject matter in rehabilitation. Despite the differences in gait found between healthy age groups, little has been studied in varying age groups of stroke. The purpose of this ongoing study is to determine whether varying ages of stroke survivors learn a gait paradigm differently. Twenty stroke survivors were assigned to one of two groups based upon age: Younger (21-60) and older (61+). Using a split-belt paradigm intended to induce locomotor adaptation, spatio-temporal variables indicated differences between the way each group learns the same task. The different approach to learning based upon age is indicative that rehabilitative strategies employed should also differ based upon age of the survivor.
Asymmetry in the Complexity of Gait in Younger Stroke Populations: A Preliminary Study
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Stroke is the leading cause of disability and has been viewed as a pathology affecting the aged. However, recently there has been a significant increase in the prevalence under the age of 65. Nearly 795,000 Americans suffer from stroke each year and 25% occur in those younger than 65. This population accounts for approximately one-half of the $2.2 trillion in United States stroke-related expenditures projected over the next four decades. A majority of stroke survivors walk with impairment due to a deterioration in bilateral coordination which leads to a loss of symmetry in temporal/ spatial domains. These asymmetries pose issues including a reduction in speed, efficiency of walking and dynamic balance, as well as musculoskeletal imbalances which lead to pain. As a result, symmetric gait has been shown to be more efficient, and this restoration a pertinent subject matter in rehabilitation. Despite the differences in gait found between healthy age groups, little has been studied in varying age groups of stroke. The purpose of this ongoing study is to determine whether varying ages of stroke survivors learn a gait paradigm differently. Twenty stroke survivors were assigned to one of two groups based upon age: Younger (21-60) and older (61+). Using a split-belt paradigm intended to induce locomotor adaptation, spatio-temporal variables indicated differences between the way each group learns the same task. The different approach to learning based upon age is indicative that rehabilitative strategies employed should also differ based upon age of the survivor.