[Three dimensional gait analysis and controlling spastic foot on stroke patients]

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this work is to assess the interest of three dimensional gait analysis in measuring the effect of orthesis and of selective tibial neurotomy without visual analysis.

Method: After clinical examination, gait in the two groups was recorded by a three dimensional motion system (Vicon-Oxford Metrics) with free velocity. The gait of ten stroke patients was compared bare-foot and with ankle-foot orthesis. The gait of nine stroke patients was compared bare-foot before and six month after selective tibial neurotomy. Kinematics data were studied in the sagittal plane, and muscular electrical activity was detected on the affected side by a ten-channel telemetry system using surface electrodes. An analogic visual scale ( EVA) was used by the patient, to assess discomfort during walking.

Results: In the "orthesis" group, calf spasticity was 2.5 on the Ashworth scale. With ankle-foot orthesis, the walking discomfort on EVA was significantly reduced from 4.25 to 1.16. Gait speed increased significativelly at 0.42 m s(-1) to 0.59 m s(-1). In swing phase, equinus disappeared. In stance phase equinus and recurvatum were controlled, anterior pelvic tilt decreased and hip extension increased. In the "neurotomy" group, 6 months after the tibial neurotomy, calf spasticity decreased from 3.4 to 0. The walking discomfort on EVA, was significantly reduced from 5.97 to 3.6. Gait speed increased from 0.51 m s(-1) to 0.54 m s(-1). Ankle dorsiflexion on the affected side, was possible during stance for five patients and residual motricity was released during swing phase for two patients. Stance knee recurvatum was corrected in five patients.

Conclusion: Three dimensional analysis specifies the functional gait disability in stroke patients. It specifies the degree of correction provided by orthesis or tibial neurotomy in the various gait cycle phases and the impact on the superior joints.