Correlation Analysis Between Plantar Pressure And Walking Ability In Hemiplegic Stroke

ObjectiveTo explore the correlation between plantar pressure with walking function(walking velocity)in hemiplegic stroke patients.MethodsThirty hemiplegic patients with stroke (hemiplegic group) and thirty age-matched healthy persons (control group) were recuited. Gait and balance function training and assessment system (model:AL-600) were used to quantify the walking velocity, peak plantar pressure at heel-strike and push-off periods and displacement of center of pressure (DCOP) of all subjects during walking. The asymmetry of gait was calculated. Two independent sample t-test were used to compare the walking velocity, peak plantar pressure and DCOP for the two groups. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated relating the walking velocity and peak plantar pressure and DCOP.ResultsCompared with control group, walking velocity, the peak plantar pressure at heel-strike and push-off periods and DCOP of hemiplegic group reduced. In hemiplegic group, the asymmetry of peak plantar pressure and DCOP increased. Walking capacity of hemiplegic group was positively correlated with peak plantar pressure and DCOP.ConclusionAmong hemiplegic stroke patients,the peak plantar pressure at heel-strike and push-off periods decreased.Their capacity of weight transfer decreased,and the severity increased as movement disorders increased.