Gait adaptations after vestibular stimulation in children with congenital visual impairments: a comparative study

Abstract

Purpose. The study is based on the hypothesis that individuals with congenital total or partial loss of vision develop more effective gait adjustments compared with those who are sighted, after stimulation of the vestibular system. Therefore, they are able to manage their motor control better. The aim was to investigate the way individuals with congenital total or partial vision loss adjust their gait following vestibular stimulation, compared with sighted blindfolded individuals. Methods. The total of 10 children with congenital visual impairments constituted the experimental group and 10 children with normal vision (blindfolded with special mask) formed the control group. We performed gait analysis (forward and backward gait direction) with a three-dimensional gait analysis system. The walking speed (m/s) of each group, before and after the vestibular stimulation, during forward and backward gait, was analysed. Results. The average walking speed of the children in the experimental group, statistically, revealed no significant differences before and after the vestibular stimulation. conversely, in the control group, statistically significant differences in the mean walking speed before and after the vestibular system stimulation were found. Conclusions. children with congenital total or partial blindness may adapt their gait strategy more adequately, after vestibular stimulation, during forward and backward gait, as compared with sighted blindfolded children. consequently, the first group is in the position to manage their motor control more sufficiently.

Immediate effect of kinesio tape on gait symmetry in patients with stroke: a preliminary study

“…It is well accepted that vision and vestibular sensation are the main factors that influence the control of movement and maintaining postural balance in both young adults and neurological patients [9,32,33]. However, by using the anticipatory and reactive controls, healthy young adults are able to adjust themselves to the external perturbation or certain sensory deprivation [32].…”

“…Kinematic deviations are associated with a reduction of the affected hip, knee, ankle angles amplitude in the sagittal plane. It is generally accepted that the speed and distance of walking are important for the clinical endpoints in pathologic conditions [8,9]. However, the different changes that occur on the affected and unaffected sides produce an asymmetrical gait pattern in patients with stroke.…”