Canes may not improve spatiotemporal parameters of walking after stroke: a systematic review of cross-sectional within-group experimental studies. Issue 10 (8th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Avelino, Patrick R.; Nascimento, Lucas R.; Menezes, Kênia K. P.; Ada, Louise; Teixeira-Salmela, Luci F.
• Is Part Of: Disability and rehabilitation. Volume 44:Issue 10(2022)
• Page Start: 1758
• Page End: 1765
• Publication Date: 2022-05-08
• Subjects: Canes -- gait -- stroke -- systematic review -- walking; People with disabilities -- Periodicals; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1808088
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8288

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: To examine whether using a cane would improve spatiotemporal parameters of walking, i.e., speed, stride length, cadence, and symmetry after stroke. Material and methods: Searches were conducted in eight databases. The experimental condition was walking with a cane. Four outcomes were of interest: walking speed, stride length, cadence, and symmetry. Results: Twelve studies were included. Results from nine studies suggested that individuals with stroke walked 0.01 m/s (SD 0.06) slower with a single-point cane, compared with no cane. Two studies suggested a reduction in cadence (MD-5 steps/min, SD2) and an increase in stride length (MD 0.08 m, SD 0.01). Three studies suggested that individuals walked 0.06 m/s (SD 0.07) slower with a four-point cane, compared with no cane. Four studies suggested that individuals walked 0.06 m/s (SD 0.04) faster with a single- point cane compared with a four-point cane. Results regarding other outcomes were inconclusive. Conclusions: Results showed no worthwhile improvements in spatiotemporal parameters of walking with a single-point cane and a slight reduction with a four-point cane, compared with no cane. Individuals walked slightly faster with a single-point cane compared with a four-point cane, but the evidence is insufficient to support this superiority. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: A single-point cane may not improve spatiotemporal parameters of walking after stroke. Walking with a four-point cane may slightly decrease spatiotemporal parameters of walking. Canes may be prescribed without the fear of negatively impairing walking kinematics.