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Gait velocity and joint power generation after stroke: Contribution of strength and balance
Mentiplay, Benjamin F. Williams, Gavin Tan, Dawn Adair, Brooke Yong-Hao, Pua Bok, Chek Wai Bower, Kelly J. Cole, Michael H. Ng, Yee Sien Lim, Lek Syn
Mentiplay, Benjamin F.
Williams, Gavin
Tan, Dawn
Adair, Brooke
Yong-Hao, Pua
Bok, Chek Wai
Bower, Kelly J.
Cole, Michael H.
Ng, Yee Sien
Lim, Lek Syn
Abstract
Objective The aim of the study was to assess the degree to which isometric strength of multiple lower limb muscle groups and balance is associated with gait velocity and joint power generation during gait after stroke. Design Sixty-three participants in a multisite, multinational, cross-sectional, observational study underwent assessment of gait velocity (10-m walk test), standing balance (computerized posturography), and isometric strength (hand-held dynamometry). Twenty-seven participants had joint power generation assessed (three-dimensional gait analysis). Bivariate associations were examined using Spearman’s correlations. Regression models with partial F tests were used to compare the contribution to gait between measures. Results Although all muscle groups demonstrated significant associations with gait velocity (ρ = 0.40–0.72), partial F tests identified that ankle plantar flexor and hip flexor strength made the largest contribution to gait velocity. Ankle plantar flexor strength also had strong associations with habitual and fast-paced ankle power generation (ρ = 0.65 and 0.75). Balance had significant associations with habitual and fast gait velocity (ρ = −0.57 and −0.53), with partial F tests showing that the contribution was independent of strength. Conclusions Ankle plantar flexor and hip flexor strength had the largest contribution to gait velocity. Future research may wish to refocus strength assessment and treatment to target the ankle plantar flexors and hip flexors.
Keywords
stroke, muscle strength, walking, postural balance
Date
2019
Type
Journal article
Journal
American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Book
Volume
98
Issue
10
Page Range
841-849
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Allied Health
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as green open access
License
File Access
Open
Controlled
Controlled