Gait Kinematics in Spastic Hemiplegic Patients - A Descriptive Study

BACKGROUND Gait impairment in stroke has a significant impact on the quality of life of stroke survivors. Instrumental gait analysis helps to identify gait impairments and determine appropriate treatment strategies and monitor the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. The objective of the study was to determine the gait kinematics in spastic hemiplegic patients using the Instrumental Gait Analysis (IGA) system. METHODS The present descriptive study was done in the Gait Laboratory of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medical College Kottayam. A sample size of 100 subjects was obtained fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Gait analysis was carried out in the gait laboratory using the iSen3.08 system and STT-IWS sensors and kinematic data collected. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to find out the mean and standard deviation for the quantitative data and qualitative data was expressed as frequency and percentage. RESULTS Reduction in peak hip extension in the late stance phase and peak hip flexion in the swing phase was observed. There was reduced knee flexion during the loading response phase and knee hyperextension at midstance. Knee flexion was reduced during the late stance phase and swing phase. In the majority of subjects, the ankle remained in plantar flexion at initial contact and there was reduced ankle plantar flexion during terminal stance and reduced ankle dorsiflexion in the swing phase. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of hemiplegic gait helps to plan efficient treatment strategies and provides appropriate interventions. The analysis of gait provides insight into the need for various interventional strategies like therapeutic exercises, medical management, neurolysis, orthotic assistances and surgical interventions. This enhances ambulation potential and provides better quality of life. KEY WORDS Stroke, Hemiplegia, Gait, Kinematics.