The effect of a slider shoe on hemiplegic gait.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of a slider shoe on the gait speed and energy efficiency of hemiplegic gait.

DESIGN

A-B-A single-case design to compare walking with and without the slider shoe. Results were assessed graphically using the 2SD method.

SETTING

Stroke unit of an NHS general hospital in the UK.

SUBJECTS: Four acute stroke patients undergoing gait rehabilitation.

INTERVENTION: Walking practice with and without a slider shoe worn over the real shoe of the weak leg.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Gait speed (10-m walk test) and energy efficiency (Physiological Cost Index).

RESULTS

All subjects showed an improvement in speed and efficiency when wearing the slider shoe compared with the baseline phase (A1). Three subjects showed a sustained improvement in efficiency and two showed a sustained improvement in speed in the second baseline phase (A2).

CONCLUSION

A slider shoe may improve the speed and efficiency of hemiplegic gait for people in the early stages of gait rehabilitation. Further investigation is warranted.