Research article summary (published 31 Jan 2007):

Balance during obstacle crossing following stroke.

Full Abstract

Difficulty negotiating obstacles may contribute to the high falls rate following stroke. This study examined the impact of stroke on balance during obstacle crossing. Centre of mass (COM) and centre of pressure (COP) were measured as 12 stroke subjects and 12 unimpaired subjects stepped over a 4 cm high obstacle at self-selected speed. Unimpaired subjects also walked at speeds matched to their yoked stroke subject. Compared with unimpaired subjects at matched speed, at unaffected lead toe clearance, anterior-posterior (AP) separation between COM and COP increased in stroke subjects, which might indicate instability. Step lengths before and after the obstacle tended to be reduced which could increase the risk of losing balance forwards. The COM AP velocity was reduced at affected lead toe off following stroke, which may minimise instability. Following stroke the COM and COP were positioned more posteriorly during affected lead toe clearance, which might also assist stability.

Author information

Author/s: Said, Catherine M (CM); Goldie, Patricia A (PA); Patla, Aftab E (AE); Culham, Elsie (E); Sparrow, William A (WA); Morris, Meg E (ME);

Affiliation: Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, Heidelberg West, 3081, Victoria, Australia. Cathy.Said(-atsign-)austin.org.au

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Gait & posture (Gait Posture), published in Netherlands. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Jan; vol 27 (issue 1) : pp 23-30

Dates: Created 2007/12/18; Completed 2008/04/10; Revised 2008/11/21;

PMID: 17276066, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Accidental Falls Adult Aged Aged, 80 and over Case-Control Studies Female Foot - physiopathology Gait - physiology Heel - physiopathology Humans

Humans Male Middle Aged Postural Balance - physiology Risk Factors Sensation Disorders - physiopathology Stroke - physiopathology Time Factors Toes - physiopathology Walking - physiology

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