Journal
JOURNAL OF STROKE & CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES
Volume 29, Issue 9, Pages -Publisher
ELSEVIER
DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105035
Keywords
Stiff-knee; Gait; Stroke; Kinematics; Electromyography
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Funding
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science [18K17772]
- Science Research Promotion Fund in the Promotion and Mutual Aid Corporation for Private School of Japan
- Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research [18K17772] Funding Source: KAKEN
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Background and Purpose: Stiff-knee gait, which is a gait abnormality observed after stroke, is characterized by decreased knee flexion angles during the swing phase, and it contributes to a decline in gait ability. This study aimed to identify the immediate effects of pedaling exercises on stiff-knee gait from a kinesiophysiological perspective. Methods: Twenty-one patients with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis and stiff-knee gait were randomly assigned to a pedaling group and a walking group. An ergometer was set at a load of 5 Nm and rotation speed of 40 rpm, and gait was performed at a comfortable speed; both the groups performed the intervention for 10 min. Kinematic and electromyographical data while walking on flat surfaces were immediately measured before and after the intervention. Results: In the pedaling group, activity of the rectus femoris significantly decreased from the pre-swing phase to the early swing phase during gait after the intervention. Flexion angles and flexion angular velocities of the knee and hip joints significantly increased during the same period. The pedaling group showed increased step length on the paralyzed side and gait velocity. Conclusions: Pedaling increases knee flexion during the swing phase in hemiparetic patients with stiff-knee gait and improves gait ability. (c) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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