Gait asymmetry and step to step variability post stroke.
Published: 2004
Language: eng
Number of pages: 114
Description: Variables related to balance control during walking, could assist therapists in monitoring recovery and highlighting fall risk. This study focuses on two of these variables: asymmetry and step to step variability. The objectives were to determine if: (1) asymmetry and variability differed between stroke and control subjects and (2) whether task conditions (e.g. walking fast or distracted) influenced these measures. Findings indicate that stroke patients display greater asymmetry across tasks and this asymmetry was related to slower maximal walking speeds. Step to step variability was higher in the patient group in step length and velocity variability but did not vary across task conditions. The results provide some evidence that these measurements were patient specific and may not be appropriate for all stroke patients. The use of a fast walking task should be a screening tool in gait assessments in order to highlight who may require further detailed gait assessments.
Notes: Adviser:  Bill McIlroy.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2004.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 43-03, page: 0841.

MICR copy on microfiche (2 microfiches).