Role of Asymmetry of Gait Parameters and its Relation with Falls in Ambulatory Stroke Patients

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is neurovascular disease caused by disruption of blood flow to brain, result in neurological deficit. As a consequence of stroke there will be loss of leg strength and impaired balance that may affect walking ability. Gait parameters are also affected as a consequences of stroke. Overall affection of gait parameters and its relation with fall has been found in the study. OBJECTIVE: The study is conducted to find out relationship between Gait parameters and its effect on fall incidences in ambulatory stroke Patients MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: Total 97 patients were screened as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic data was taken. At the time of discharge from the hospital step length, stride length, cadence, Gait velocity, DGI and mFES scores were taken. After 3 months follow up patients were divided in to faller and non-faller Group and correlation was found between Gait parameters and its impact on fall. RESULT: Total 97 Recovering stroke Patients were enrolled in the study. Mean age for the patients is 57.17 years and MMSE score is 27.83. Average Gait velocity for 97 patients is 0.21 and cadence is 69.93. Mean value for DGI is 15.12 and mFES is 65.50.Gait velocity shows weak positive correlation(r=.272**) with cadence and low degree positive correlation with mFES (r= .207*) Gait velocity has not statistically significant correlation with stride length (r=.089)Gait velocity has moderate correlation with Step length (r= .425**) and DGI (r=271**)Cadence has moderate Negative correlation with Stride length (r=-.649**) and step length (r= -.503**) and moderate positive correlation with DGI (r= .584**)Cadence has negative correlation with mFES which is not significant statistically Stride length has moderate positive correlation with Step length (r= .761**)