An exploration of self-evaluation of induced temporal and spatial gait asymmetry in neurotypical young adults.

BACKGROUND

Deeper understanding of how neurotypical adults perceive induced spatial (SGA) and temporal asymmetry (TGA) of their gait can inform augmented feedback-based rehabilitation interventions for post-stroke gait asymmetry.

RESEARCH

OBJECTIVES

1) Describe accuracy of self-evaluation of SGA and TGA; 2) compare the probability of correctly self-evaluating TGA and SGA. 3) compare physical activity levels, plantar sensation, and joint position sense between those who accurately vs inaccurately self-evaluate gait asymmetry.

METHODS

Thirty-three neurotypical adults underwent a unilateral limb-loading protocol to induce asymmetry while walking on a pressure-sensitive mat. Self-evaluation of the presence and direction of asymmetry was collected with a questionnaire and compared to measured asymmetry (taken as ground truth). The probability of correctly self-evaluating asymmetry was investigated with generalized linear mixed modelling. Pairwise comparisons were made and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine whether self-evaluation was more likely to be correct for SGA or TGA. Group differences in physical activity, joint position sense, and plantar sensation were examined using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

RESULTS

Self-evaluation of TGA direction had lower odds to be correct when attention was directed to single limb stance (SLS) than swing time (SwT) (OR = 0.13 [0.04, 0.40]). Self-evaluation of asymmetry had lower odds to be correct for SGA than TGA for both presence (0.09 [0.02, 0.51]) and direction (OR = 0.18 [0.06, 0.58]).

SIGNIFICANCE: These preliminary findings suggest self-evaluation of TGA is more accurate than SGA and directing attention to the swing phase may facilitate more accurate self-evaluation of TGA. These findings provide context for future work that will investigate self-evaluation of gait asymmetry in people with stroke. Such information can inform the development of extrinsic feedback-based interventions for post-stroke gait asymmetry.