Analysis of a Spatiotemporal Gait Asymmetry and Plantar Pressure Patterns for People with Stroke

Objective: This study aims to identify spatiotemporal gait and plantar pressure patterns using a plantar pressure measurement device in stroke.BRBRBackground: Stroke is a chronic disease with a high mortality rate and up to 50% of survivors. A common symptom of hemiplegia in stroke is an asymmetry in gait. This results in muscle and functional weakness in the lower extremity of the paretic side.BRBRMethod: To identify spatiotemporal gait and plantar pressure patterns, 10 individuals with stroke participated in the study. It was conducted in a laboratory with a walkway of 6 m, and four gait cycles were analyzed in the middle of the gait. The insole was divided into seven areas (Heel, Medial-Midfoot, Lateral-Midfoot, Medial-Forefoot, Lateral-Forefoot, Hallux, Toe), the spatiotemporal gait, and plantar pressure patterns of the paretic and non-paretic sides were compared and analyzed.BRBRResults: The collected data were analyzed through Wilcoxon non-parametric statistical test. A Swing phase (%gait cycle) in the spatiotemporal gait parameter was paretic side significantly higher than the non-paretic side (p.05). The results of the plantar pressure parameters are as follows. The peak force in MF, LF, and peak pressure and contact areas were significantly higher in the non-paretic than in the paretic side in MF (p.05).BRBRConclusion: When gaiting in stroke, an asymmetric pattern was found between the paretic and non-paretic sides. The non-paretic side from the HL to the HX sequentially absorbed the impact and showed a gait pattern to obtain propulsion. On the other hand, it was difficult to absorb the impact sequentially and bring gait propulsion on the paretic side.BRBRApplication: This study confirmed the asymmetric pattern between the paretic and non-paretic side during the gait of people with stroke. It is expected that basic data can be used to support the development of exercise programs and exercise assistive devices for the symmetrical gait of stroke afterward.