The utilization of assistive devices during walking post-stroke impacts propulsive forces
Advisor Information
Brian Knarr
Location
MBSC 224
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
6-3-2020 10:30 AM
End Date
6-3-2020 11:45 AM
Abstract
Stroke is the primary cause of long-term adult disability in the United States. Increasing paretic (weak side) propulsion is an important goal of rehabilitation, since it is linked to an increase in walking speed and function. Assistive devices, such as treadmill handrails or a cane, are commonly utilized during rehabilitation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effect of assistive device use, such as cane or handrails, on propulsive forces in individuals with varying experience with assistive devices. Participants with varying levels of functional impairment walked for three conditions on a treadmill: no handrail use, light support handrail use and self-selected handrail device use and three conditions overground: walking with no cane, walking with a cane using light pressure and walking with a cane comfortable. Real-time feedback for the light support handrail and cane conditions was displayed on a screen in front of the subject, to ensure the force on the assistive device was below 5% of their body weight. Overall, the peak propulsion was greater for the overground conditions compared to the treadmill. There was little variation in peak propulsion across treadmill conditions. In contrast, participants who were not device-dependent saw a decrease in peak propulsion with cane usage. These preliminary results suggest that while handrail use might not alter peak propulsion, using a cane can have a negative effect on these forces. The results from this study will provide insight on how best to use assistive device during rehabilitation and to maximize walking recovery.
The utilization of assistive devices during walking post-stroke impacts propulsive forces
MBSC 224
Stroke is the primary cause of long-term adult disability in the United States. Increasing paretic (weak side) propulsion is an important goal of rehabilitation, since it is linked to an increase in walking speed and function. Assistive devices, such as treadmill handrails or a cane, are commonly utilized during rehabilitation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effect of assistive device use, such as cane or handrails, on propulsive forces in individuals with varying experience with assistive devices. Participants with varying levels of functional impairment walked for three conditions on a treadmill: no handrail use, light support handrail use and self-selected handrail device use and three conditions overground: walking with no cane, walking with a cane using light pressure and walking with a cane comfortable. Real-time feedback for the light support handrail and cane conditions was displayed on a screen in front of the subject, to ensure the force on the assistive device was below 5% of their body weight. Overall, the peak propulsion was greater for the overground conditions compared to the treadmill. There was little variation in peak propulsion across treadmill conditions. In contrast, participants who were not device-dependent saw a decrease in peak propulsion with cane usage. These preliminary results suggest that while handrail use might not alter peak propulsion, using a cane can have a negative effect on these forces. The results from this study will provide insight on how best to use assistive device during rehabilitation and to maximize walking recovery.