Relationship between Lower Limb Loading Force and Standing up, Standing Postural Control and Walking Ability of Hemiplegic Patients

Abstract

In this study we investigated the applicability and limits of using commercially available bathroom scales for measuring lower limb loading force. The subjects were 53 hemiplegic stroke patients. We measured their walking, standing, and standing up abilities, and the maximum value of their lower limb loading force of the right and left legs separately in the sitting position. No significant differences were found in lower limb loading forces among those who could walk outside, those who could walk inside, those who could keep a standing position without using upper limb, and those who could keep a standing position with upper limb. However, when the ability of each action was high the lower leg loading force was significantly strong, suggesting that this method of measuring values of lower limb loading force could be used as an index for judging whether or not each action is possible. Although this method could be used to judge whether or not walking and keeping a standing position were possible, its limitations were also shown and it would be inappropriate to use it as a detailed functional assessment.

Relationship between weight bearing ratio in sitting and physical function assessment in healthy adults

“…Previous studies have reported the relationship between the bilateral total of the WBR in the sitting position and the ability to stand up, transfer, and walk 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ) . The results of this study showed that not only the results of total WBR in sitting but also the results of both pivot and non-pivot legs reflect the results of one-sided performance tests in those with relatively high physical function.…”

“…WBR in the sitting position has been shown to be related to the ability to stand up, keep standing, and walk. It is also a determinant of the degree of independence in transfers and walking 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ) . Therefore, WBR in the sitting position would be a highly useful evaluation method that can be performed safely even in patients with unstable standing.…”

“…Unlike WBR in the standing position, WBR in the sitting position has been shown to reflect knee extensor muscle strength, even in those with relatively high physical function. In addition, studies examining the relationship between WBR in sitting and independence in the ability to stand up, transfer, and walk have examined the relationship between the bilateral total WBR in sitting and their ability to perform these tasks 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ) . These abilities would have been related to the total WBR in sitting since those are abilities that require bilateral support.…”

Relationship between muscle activity characteristics and physical therapy parameters during posterior gait assistance with knee-ankle-foot orthosis in severe acute stroke hemiplegic patients

“…A moderate correlation was observed between rectus femoris activity in the first half of the stance phase during walking and two physiotherapy indicators, the BBS and FMS. The relationship between muscle strength on the paralyzed side and basic functional movements such as walking ability, walking speed, and standing movement speed, has been well documented 5,6) . In addition, leg extension muscle strength is reported to be more closely associated with walking ability and speed than knee extension muscle strength 16,17) .…”

“…Several studies have found that functional mobility on the paralyzed side is closely associated with activities of daily living (ADL) and basic movement ability 5,6) . In clinical practice, we see patients with the same level of functional and Brunnstrom Recovery Stage (BRS) mobility on the affected side but with differences in ADL and balance.…”