Changes in center of pressure displacement with the use of a foot drop stimulator in individuals with stroke. Issue 7 (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nolan, Karen J.; Yarossi, Mathew; Mclaughlin, Patrick
• Is Part Of: Clinical biomechanics. Volume 30:Issue 7(2015)
• Page Start: 755
• Page End: 761
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Osteopathic medicine -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Osteopathic Medicine -- Periodicals; 612.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2015.03.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-0033

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="author" id="ab0005"> <title id="st0005">Abstract</title> <sec> <title id="st0010">Background</title> <p id="sp0005">Center of pressure measured during gait can provide information about underlying control mechanisms and the efficacy of a foot drop stimulator. This investigation evaluated changes in center of pressure displacement in individuals with stroke with and without a foot drop stimulator.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="st0015">Methods</title> <p id="sp0010">Individuals with stroke-related foot drop (n = 11) using a foot drop stimulator and healthy controls (n = 11). Walking speed and bilateral center of pressure variables: 1) net displacement; 2) position and maximum displacement; and 3) mean velocity during walking.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="st0020">Findings</title> <p id="sp0015">On the affected limb with the foot drop stimulator as compared to the affected limb without the foot drop stimulator: 1) increased anterior/posterior maximum center of pressure excursion 8% during stance; 2) center of pressure at initial contact was 6% more posterior; 3) medial/lateral mean, maximum and minimum center of pressure position during stance all significantly decreased; 4) anterior/posterior net displacement increased during stance and single support; and 5) anterior/posterior velocity of the center of pressure increased during stance.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="st0025">Interpretation</title> <p id="sp0020">Individuals with stroke using a foot drop stimulator contacted the ground more posterior at initial contact and utilized more of the anterior/posterior plantar surface of the foot on the affected limb during stance. With the foot drop stimulator there was a shift in center of pressure toward the medial side possibly indicating an improvement in equinovarus gait where there is a tendency to load the lateral foot throughout stance. For individuals with stroke a foot drop stimulator can improve displacement of the center of pressure which indicates improved forward progression and stability during walking.</p> </sec> </abstract>