Changes in Arm Swing During Walking After Stroke
Author Information
Author(s): De Vlieger Daan, Defour Arne, Bar-On Lynn, Cambier Dirk, Swinnen Eva, Van der Looven Ruth, Van Bladel Anke
Primary Institution: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
Hypothesis
An increase in upper limb range of motion can be identified with increasing walking speed, but participants with an altered arm-to-leg swing ratio and more impaired clinical parameters will have less potential to adapt their arm swing movement.
Conclusion
Persons post-stroke show different changes in arm swing kinematics at the paretic compared to the non-paretic side when increasing walking speed.
Supporting Evidence
- The non-paretic arm showed expected speed-dependent kinematic adaptations.
- The paretic arm only showed an increase in shoulder abduction and elbow flexion.
- More upper limb impairment was related to a larger increase in mean elbow flexion during faster walking.
Takeaway
After a stroke, people can change how they swing their arms when they walk faster, but it can be harder for those with more arm problems.
Methodology
Twenty-five persons post-stroke walked on a treadmill at comfortable and fast speeds while their shoulder and elbow movements were recorded and analyzed.
Limitations
Results may not be generalizable to all persons post-stroke due to the high functional level of participants.
Participant Demographics
10 females and 15 males, average age 53 years, average 40.72 months post-stroke.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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