The authors investigated anticipatory postural adjustments in persons with unilateral stroke using external perturbations. Nine individuals with stroke and five control subjects participated. The electromyographic activity of 16 leg and trunk muscles was recorded. The onsets of muscle activity during the anticipatory phase of postural control were analyzed. The individuals with stroke did not show an anticipatory activation of leg and trunk muscles on the affected side; instead, the muscle onsets were seen after the perturbation, during the balance restoration phase. However, an anticipatory activation of muscles on the unaffected side was seen in individuals with stroke, and it was observed earlier compared with healthy controls (p < .05). The individuals with stroke showed a distal to proximal order of anticipatory activation of muscles on the unaffected side. The outcome of the study provides a basis for future investigations regarding ways of improving balance control in people with stroke.
Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) experience difficulties with memory and task execution. Walking while performing a secondary task could affect gait of individuals with MCI and increase fall risk. The aim of the study was to investigate gait in individuals with MCI performing motor and cognitive secondary tasks. Eight individuals with MCI and eight age-matched healthy older adults walked over the GAITRite walkway under three different conditions: with no secondary task, while carrying a glass of water in their dominant hand (motor task), and while reciting alphabet [cognitive task (CT)]. Gait velocity, cadence, step length, and stride length were calculated. With no secondary task individuals with MCI as compared with the healthy older adults walked slower (P < 0.001) and with shorter step and stride length. When a secondary task was added, gait performance of the individuals with MCI deteriorated even more. The largest decline in gait was seen during the performance of the CT as compared with motor task (P < 0.001). The outcome provides a basis for future studies of the effect of the secondary motor task and CT in the identification of MCI as well as in planning rehabilitation interventions.
Turning while walking is a common daily activity. Individuals with unilateral impairment frequently perform turns asymmetrically. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of a discomfort-inducing textured insole on symmetry of turning. Nine healthy individuals performed turns to the right while walking with no insole, immediately after the insole was inserted in the right shoe, and after walking for six minutes with the insole. The duration of turning, displacements of pelvic markers, and perceived level of discomfort were evaluated. Utilizing the insole was associated with the increased level of perceived discomfort (p < 0.05). Moreover, using the insole was linked to changes in the displacement of two pelvic markers and larger asymmetry index while turning immediately after the insole was inserted in the right shoe as compared to no insole condition (p < 0.05). The duration of right turning increased immediately after the insole was inserted (p < 0.05) and after walking with the insole for six minutes. The results indicate that the textured insole creates asymmetry of turning in healthy individuals. The outcome provides a background for future studies focused on using a textured insole to minimize the asymmetry of turning commonly seen in individuals with unilateral impairment.
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