The parameters of gait analysis related to ambulatory and balance functions in hemiplegic stroke patients: a gait analysis study

BACKGROUND: Ambulatory and balance functions are important for maintaining general health in humans. Gait analysis allows clinicians and researchers to identify the parameters to be focused on when assessing balance and ambulatory functions. In this study, we performed gait analysis with pressure sensors to identify the gait-analysis parameters related to balance and ambulatory functions in hemiplegic stroke patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 102 patients with hemiplegic stroke who underwent gait analysis. Correlations between various temporospatial parameters in the gait analysis and the motor and balance functions assessed using functional ambulation category, modified Barthel index, and Berg balance scale were analyzed. RESULTS: Gait speed/height and the lower-limb stance-phase time/height were the only temporal and spatial parameters, respectively, that showed a statistical correlation with motor and balance functions. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of walking speed and stance-phase time of the unaffected lower limb can allow clinicians to easily assess the ambulatory and balance functions of hemiplegic stroke patients. Rehabilitative treatment focusing on increasing gait speed and shortening the stance-phase time of the unaffected side may improve the ambulatory and balance functions in these patients.