Background
A targeting effect may occur in any gait analysis trial where the participant
is instructed to step in a particular area or a clearly marked target is in
their path. The targeting effect may affect the gait parameters and any
variability being studied in regard to the participants. There are few
studies examining this effect for healthy subjects and none for special
populations.
Methods
This study aimed to investigate if any targeting effects occurred in healthy
and stroke-survivor populations. Eight male participants were recruited,
four of whom exhibited right-hand side hemiparesis resulting from stroke.
Each participant performed a series of gait trials at a comfortable walking
pace after being made aware of the force plate in the centre of the walkway.
The participants gait was then analysed and compared before and after the
target force plate.
Results
The results of the trials showed significant variations
(
p
< 0.005) in the spatiotemporal gait parameters in
both the healthy and stroke-survivor groups indicating a targeting
effect.
Conclusions
The effects were similar in both groups with the step speed and length being
slower and shorter for the targeting step compared to the step after the
force plate.
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