Motor function and joint position sense in relation to gait performance in chronic stroke patients.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the association between joint position sense (JPS) and motor function of the lower extremity and gait performance of patients with chronic stroke.


METHODS
Single-group cross-sectional design.


METHODS
University gait laboratory.


METHODS
Twenty-one patients with stroke onset of more than 6 months.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
The isometric strength, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) motor status, and JPS of the lower extremity were tested. Spatiotemporal gait characteristics were measured using a 6-camera motion analysis system, with patients walking at their comfortable speeds while using their usual devices.


RESULTS
Lower-extremity muscle strength and FMA motor score correlated significantly with the spatiotemporal characteristics of gait and contributed significantly to the variance in gait velocity, stride length, and double-stance time. The JPS was not related to gait performance, except that the ankle JPS contributed significantly to the variance in gait velocity and stride length.


CONCLUSIONS
For patients with chronic stroke, motor function was significantly related to gait performance. Although the JPS was not, that of the ankle joint made a significant contribution. When enhancing gait performance is desired, improving the motor function is recommended, and the role of JPS should also be taken into consideration.
Lin
Sang-I
SI
Department of Physical Therapy, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan. lin31@mail.ncku.edu.tw
D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013028:Space Perception; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation