Trunk kinematics in hemiplegic gait and the effect
of walking aids

Tyson, S

Abstract

Objective: To establish baseline measurements of trunk movements during
hemiplegic gait, to assess the relationship between trunk movements and
walking ability, and to investigate the effect of walking aids on the trunk
movements.
Method: Twenty subjects with a chronic hemiplegia from a stroke, who could
walk independently, were recruited. Lateral and vertical movements of the
pelvis, and symmetry of these movements were measured using CODA (a
three-dimensional movement analysis system) as the subjects walked at their
own pace without an aid. They were also tested as they walked with a stick
and a tripod to assess the effect of different walking aids. Mean values for
the trunk movements and symmetry were calculated, Pearson’s correlations
assessed the relationship between each trunk movement and gait velocity (a
measure of overall walking ability), and the influence of the different aids was
assessed using a one-way repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: Lateral displacement was large (mean = 9.9 cm, SD 3.9) and
orientated to the sound side, vertical displacement was small
(mean = 2.45 cm, SD 1.4). The movements showed marked asymmetry which
favoured the hemiplegic side in that there was less movement of, or towards
this side. There was a significant relationship (at 5% level) between walking
ability and lateral movements (r = 0.6), but not vertical movements (r = 0.41).
No significant differences were found with the different aids.
Conclusion: These results give baseline values for trunk movements during
hemiplegic gait and the relationship between the movements and walking
ability. The use of walking aid and the type of walking aid did not affect the
subjects’ trunk movements or walking ability.

Citation

of walking aids. Clinical Rehabilitation, 13, 295-300

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 1999
• Deposit Date: Mar 23, 2010
• Journal: Clinical Rehabilitation
• Print ISSN: 0269-2155
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 13
• Pages: 295-300