Assessing Cane Impact on Post-Stroke Walking Velocity and Propulsion
Presenter Type
UNO Graduate Student (Masters)
Major/Field of Study
Biomechanics
Other
Biomechanics
Advisor Information
Associate Professor
Location
CEC RM #201/205/209
Presentation Type
Poster
Poster Size
36x48
Start Date
22-3-2024 2:30 PM
End Date
22-3-2024 3:45 PM
Abstract
Assessing Cane Impact on Post-Stroke Walking Velocity and Propulsion
Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term adult disabilities [1] ), with impairments significantly reducing walking ability and community engagement [2], [3]. The severity of hemiparesis correlates with functional impairment [4] emphasizing the importance of enhancing paretic propulsion post-stroke [4], [5], to improve walking speed. Gait aids, like canes, are commonly used to enhance balance and walking ability, promoting community reintegration [6]. Evaluating how canes affect post-stroke recovery is crucial for interventions aiming to restore independent mobility and reduce reliance on assistive devices. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate how the bilateral propulsion of hemiparetic post-stroke individuals relates to the propulsion force of the cane. We hypothesize that current AD users will exhibit lower paretic propulsive force and slower walking velocity without the cane, whereas previous AD users will demonstrate greater propulsive force and faster walking speed. This is based on research showing that the percentage of body weight applied on the cane correlates with the severity of hemiplegia, decreasing as rehabilitation progresses [7].
Methods: 23 post-stroke participants (8 males, 12 females, age 60.72 ±12.6 yrs., mass = 87.9±17.62 kg) were recruited: no history of assistive device use (N=8), history of assistive device use (N=5), and current dependence on an assistive device (N=7). Participants were included if they were 19-80 years old, had a single-chronic stroke, and were ambulatory. Kinetic and kinematic analysis using a motion capture system was performed and an instrumented cane. subjects were asked to walk in three walking conditions with the cane. Propulsion impulse (PI), braking impulse (BI), and walking speed (WS) were derived for the paretic limb, non-paretic limb, and the cane. linear mixed-effect regression model was used to quantify the change in PI, BI, and WS.
Result and Discussion: Current AD users exhibited significantly greater propulsion on the less affected limb regardless of cane use, indicating no effect on propulsion for either limb. Interestingly, post-stroke AD users walked faster without the cane compared to when using it lightly, contradicting previous research [8]. Previous AD users walked faster without a cane than current AD users, possibly due to not needing it for mobility or the cognitive load of cane-assisted walking [9], [10]. It may also be due to the severity of stroke of current AD users [4].
Assessing Cane Impact on Post-Stroke Walking Velocity and Propulsion
CEC RM #201/205/209
Assessing Cane Impact on Post-Stroke Walking Velocity and Propulsion
Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term adult disabilities [1] ), with impairments significantly reducing walking ability and community engagement [2], [3]. The severity of hemiparesis correlates with functional impairment [4] emphasizing the importance of enhancing paretic propulsion post-stroke [4], [5], to improve walking speed. Gait aids, like canes, are commonly used to enhance balance and walking ability, promoting community reintegration [6]. Evaluating how canes affect post-stroke recovery is crucial for interventions aiming to restore independent mobility and reduce reliance on assistive devices. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate how the bilateral propulsion of hemiparetic post-stroke individuals relates to the propulsion force of the cane. We hypothesize that current AD users will exhibit lower paretic propulsive force and slower walking velocity without the cane, whereas previous AD users will demonstrate greater propulsive force and faster walking speed. This is based on research showing that the percentage of body weight applied on the cane correlates with the severity of hemiplegia, decreasing as rehabilitation progresses [7].
Methods: 23 post-stroke participants (8 males, 12 females, age 60.72 ±12.6 yrs., mass = 87.9±17.62 kg) were recruited: no history of assistive device use (N=8), history of assistive device use (N=5), and current dependence on an assistive device (N=7). Participants were included if they were 19-80 years old, had a single-chronic stroke, and were ambulatory. Kinetic and kinematic analysis using a motion capture system was performed and an instrumented cane. subjects were asked to walk in three walking conditions with the cane. Propulsion impulse (PI), braking impulse (BI), and walking speed (WS) were derived for the paretic limb, non-paretic limb, and the cane. linear mixed-effect regression model was used to quantify the change in PI, BI, and WS.
Result and Discussion: Current AD users exhibited significantly greater propulsion on the less affected limb regardless of cane use, indicating no effect on propulsion for either limb. Interestingly, post-stroke AD users walked faster without the cane compared to when using it lightly, contradicting previous research [8]. Previous AD users walked faster without a cane than current AD users, possibly due to not needing it for mobility or the cognitive load of cane-assisted walking [9], [10]. It may also be due to the severity of stroke of current AD users [4].