Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters and Walking Characteristics in Community-Dwelling Ambulatory Stroke Survivors

Abstract

Background: Gait dysfunction is a major sequalae of stroke which negatively affect stroke survivors’walking and community re-integration. Understanding the impairments that determine their communityfunctioning willassist in development of effective treatment strategies for them to overcome theirdisability.Aim: The aim of the study was to explore thespatiotemporal gait parameters and walking characteristicsin community-dwelling ambulatory stroke survivors and determined howthey differ across time ofcommencement of ambulation and duration of ambulation post-stroke.Method: This study involved 164 (83males) community-dwelling ambulatory stroke survivors inKano, Nigeria. The spatiotemporal gait parameters wereassessed along 12-meter distance walkingpath. Spatiotemporal symmetry was computed from the spatiotemporal parameters. Lower limb motorimpairment, lower extremity function, and functional ambulation were assessed using Fugyl-Meyerassessment scale, Lower Extremity Functional scale, and Modified Emory functional ambulatoryprofile respectively. Their physical mobility was assessed using Modified Rivermead mobility index,walking confidence using ambulatory self-confidence questionnaire while Berg balance scale was usedto measure balance. Functional mobility and walking endurance was assessed using the Time up andgo test and 6-minute walk test respectively.Walking status was assessed with functional ambulatorycategory.Results: The participants were aged30years and abovewith 61% above 50years. Most (59.8%)participants commenced ambulation within 1-month of stroke with 65.9% being independent infunctional ambulation. Their spatiotemporal, mobility and balance parameters as well as spatiotemporalsymmetry characteristics were severely affected and are significantly inversely related to their times ofcommencement of ambulation post-stroke.Conclusion: Spatiotemporal gait parameters, mobility parametersand balance performances areseverely abnormal in community-dwelling stroke survivors and negatively impact on their walkingability and community functioning.