Joint Torque Patterns in Stroke Patients Walking with a Robotic Device
Author Information
Author(s): Nathan D Neckel, Natalie Blonien, Diane Nichols, Joseph Hidler
Primary Institution: Center for Applied Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Research (CABRR), National Rehabilitation Hospital
Hypothesis
Hemiparetic stroke subjects would demonstrate significant differences in total joint torques in both the frontal and sagittal planes compared to non-disabled subjects despite walking under normal gait kinematic trajectories.
Conclusion
Despite the Lokomat guiding stroke subjects through physiologically symmetric kinematic gait patterns, abnormal asymmetric joint torque patterns are still generated.
Supporting Evidence
- Stroke subjects exhibited greater knee flexion during pre-swing.
- Stroke subjects produced greater hip extension and knee flexion torques than the control group.
- The impaired limb demonstrated a consistent, large extension torque at toe-off.
Takeaway
The study looked at how stroke patients walk using a robot that helps them move normally, but they still showed unusual movement patterns.
Methodology
A motion analysis system tracked the kinematic patterns of 10 chronic hemiparetic stroke subjects and 5 age-matched controls as they walked in the Lokomat.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small sample size and specific inclusion criteria for stroke subjects.
Limitations
The study only included one test session, and the results may not indicate long-term training effects.
Participant Demographics
10 chronic hemiplegic stroke subjects (average age 56.5 years) and 5 healthy controls (average age 58.8 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.005
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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