Control of lead and trail limbs during obstacle crossing following stroke

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Obstacle crossing is compromised following stroke. The purpose of this study was to quantify modifications during obstacle clearance following stroke. SUBJECTS: Twelve subjects with stroke and 12 subjects without stroke participated in the study. METHODS: Kinematic variables were measured while participants crossed a 4-cm-high obstacle. Subjects with stroke walked at a self-selected speed; subjects without stroke walked at a comparable speed and at a self-selected speed. RESULTS: Several modifications were observed following stroke with both groups walking at self-selected speeds. The affected lead limb was positioned closer to the obstacle before crossing. Affected t..