Effect of stroke on step characteristics of obstacle crossing

Abstract

Objective: To compare spatial and temporal measures during lead limb obstacle crossing between subjects with stroke and healthy subjects. Design: Experimental, observational, with matched controls. Setting: Geriatric rehabilitation unit in a tertiary referral hospital. Participants: Distance data were available for 19 subjects with stroke and 19 able-bodied subjects. Temporal data were available for 16 subjects with stroke and 16 able-bodied subjects. Subjects with stroke were inpatients and had to be able to walk 10 meters without assistance or gait aid. Intervention: Subjects were required to step over high and wide obstacles, ranging from 1 to 8cm, and trials were videotaped. Main Outcome..