Impairments in the mechanical effectiveness of reactive balance control strategies during walking in people post-stroke

• DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1032417
• Publication Date: 2022-10-31T06:26:42Z
• Authors: Chang Liu; Jill L. McNitt-Gray; James M. Finley
• Keywords: Neurotypical; Treadmill

People post-stroke have an increased risk of falls compared to neurotypical individuals, partly resulting from inability generate appropriate reactions restore balance. However, few studies investigated the effect paretic deficits on mechanics reactive control strategies following forward losses balance during walking. Here, we characterized biomechanical consequences perturbations induced by treadmill belt accelerations. Thirty-eight participants and thirteen age-matched speed-matched walked a dual-belt while receiving that loss We computed whole-body angular momentum impulse using segment kinematics reaction forces quantify generation both leading trailing limbs in response sagittal plane. found limb led larger increases perturbation step than non-paretic or individuals. To recover balance, individuals coordinated generated legs decrease relative pre-perturbation step. They first decreased pitch Then, recovery step, they backward limb. In contrast participants, people did not reduce stance perturbed also increase their Lastly, who scored poorer clinical assessments had greater motor impairment made less use momentum. Overall, these results suggest limit ability Future perturbation-based training targeting stepping stroke populations may benefit improving modulate ground better dynamics.