The relationship between compensatory behavior and balance control during walking in stroke survivors
Presenter Type
UNO Graduate Student (Masters)
Major/Field of Study
Biomechanics
Advisor Information
Mukul Mukherjee
Location
CEC RM #128
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
22-3-2024 10:30 AM
End Date
22-3-2024 11:45 AM
Abstract
Following a stroke, many survivors suffer continuing gait and balance deficits despite rehabilitative efforts. Such deficits can lead to abnormal gait characteristics that may have a direct impact on dynamic balance during gait. While there is a vast body of research focused on improving gait and balance in stroke, the relationship between abnormal characteristics (e.g., circumduction and hip hiking) and balance has yet to be conclusively defined. Some studies suggest that circumduction and hip hiking are coping strategies to manage deficits elsewhere, such as a lack of ankle propulsion, i.e., they are compensations. Others have indicated that these strategies, rather than being compensations, are instead a trait of the pathology. In either case, these strategies can lead to instability while walking such that the risk of fall increases when utilizing such strategies. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between these ‘compensatory’ behaviors and balance metrics (e.g., step width and margin of stability). Data from 20 subjects was collected using an infrared motion capture system while stroke survivors walked at their preferred walking speed on a treadmill for 5 minutes. Results indicated that, for all variables, the absolute difference between paretic and less paretic limbs was statistically significant from zero. Correlations also revealed a significant, moderately positive relationship between paretic margin of stability and paretic circumduction. There was no significant relationship between paretic margin of stability and paretic hip hiking. Overall, an increased comprehension of the relationship between dynamic balance during walking and ‘compensatory’ behavior in stroke could have significant clinical impacts. An understanding of how to address the presence of these strategies could allow for more effective rehabilitative approaches that help improve quality of life for survivors.
The relationship between compensatory behavior and balance control during walking in stroke survivors
CEC RM #128
Following a stroke, many survivors suffer continuing gait and balance deficits despite rehabilitative efforts. Such deficits can lead to abnormal gait characteristics that may have a direct impact on dynamic balance during gait. While there is a vast body of research focused on improving gait and balance in stroke, the relationship between abnormal characteristics (e.g., circumduction and hip hiking) and balance has yet to be conclusively defined. Some studies suggest that circumduction and hip hiking are coping strategies to manage deficits elsewhere, such as a lack of ankle propulsion, i.e., they are compensations. Others have indicated that these strategies, rather than being compensations, are instead a trait of the pathology. In either case, these strategies can lead to instability while walking such that the risk of fall increases when utilizing such strategies. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between these ‘compensatory’ behaviors and balance metrics (e.g., step width and margin of stability). Data from 20 subjects was collected using an infrared motion capture system while stroke survivors walked at their preferred walking speed on a treadmill for 5 minutes. Results indicated that, for all variables, the absolute difference between paretic and less paretic limbs was statistically significant from zero. Correlations also revealed a significant, moderately positive relationship between paretic margin of stability and paretic circumduction. There was no significant relationship between paretic margin of stability and paretic hip hiking. Overall, an increased comprehension of the relationship between dynamic balance during walking and ‘compensatory’ behavior in stroke could have significant clinical impacts. An understanding of how to address the presence of these strategies could allow for more effective rehabilitative approaches that help improve quality of life for survivors.