Journal
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
Volume 42, Issue 5, Pages 705-711Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1508508
Keywords
Stroke; gait; symmetry; recovery; longitudinal; rehabilitation
Categories
Funding
- Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
- Ontario Stroke Network [OSN1101-000117]
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) [MSH-141983]
- Heart and Stroke Foundation (HSF)
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
- Canada Foundation for Innovation
- Ministry of Research and Innovation
- Ontario Innovation Trust
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Purpose: To describe the change in spatiotemporal gait asymmetry after discharge from stroke rehabilitation and examine the relationship with change in other clinical outcome measures. Methods: Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study was conducted. Swing time and step length symmetry, balance, mobility, gait speed, and motor impairment were assessed at discharge and 6 months later. Participants (n = 61) were classified by shift in symmetry status (Asymmetric-to-Symmetric, Symmetric-to-Asymmetric, No Shift) and magnitude of difference scores (Improved, Worse, No Difference). Correlations between change in spatiotemporal symmetry and the other clinical measures of physical status were calculated. Results: At discharge, 61% (37/61) and 36% (22/61) of participants were asymmetric in swing time and step length, respectively. Of this subgroup, 43% (16/37) and 50% (11/22) shifted to symmetric gait by follow-up. In contrast, only six individuals significantly improved in swing and/or step symmetry according to minimal detectable change. Change in spatiotemporal symmetry was not significantly correlated with change in the clinical outcome measures. Conclusions: Despite overall gains in physical function and decreased prevalence of asymmetry, most individuals with stroke do not improve in swing or step symmetry following discharge from rehabilitation. Further research is necessary to elucidate factors that affect recovery of gait quality.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available