[Temporal, kinetic and kinematic asymmetry in gait initiation in one subject with hemiplegia].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the temporal, kinetic and kinematic asymmetry of gait initiation in one subject with hemiplegia with an equinus varus foot.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A kinetic analysis with two AMTI force plates and a kinematic analysis with an ELITE optoelectronic system of gait initiation were performed in one subject with hemiplegia.

RESULTS

The duration of the gait initiation phases was asymmetrical. The monopodal phase was shorter when the affected lower limb was supporting than when the healthy one was supporting. The propulsion resulted from the force exerted on the healthy lower limb. The distribution of body weight on the lower limbs was asymmetrical. Body weight support was more important on the healthy side than on the affected side. Maximal extension of the ankle on the hemiplegic side occurred during the swing phase. Ground clearance was increased by elevating the knee higher on the affected side than on the healthy side during the swing phase. Initial contact with the floor was performed with the foot flat on the affected side.

CONCLUSION

This preliminary study has shown that gait initiation in one subject with hemiplegia was asymmetrical in kinetics and kinematics. The results concerning kinematics have not been reported previously for gait initiation in subjects with hemiplegia. The study of gait initiation should allow for better understanding postural and movement control strategies developed by patients with hemiplegia.