Variability of Leg Kinematics during Overground Walking in Persons with Chronic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

• DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5538
• Publication Date: 2018-03-29T18:55:20Z
• Authors: Won Joon Sohn; Andrew Q. Tan; Heather B. Hayes; Saahith Pochiraju; Joan Deffeyes; Randy D. Trumbower
• Keywords: Cadence; Motor Control

Incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) often leads to partial disruption of pathways that are important for motor control walking. Persons with iSCI present deficits in walking ability part because inconsistent leg kinematics during stepping. Although kinematic variability is normal walking, growing evidence indicates excessive may limit and increase reliance on assistive devices (AD) after iSCI. The purpose this study was assess the effects iSCI-induced impairments overground We hypothesized results greater foot joint displacement compared controls. further larger persons limited speed ADs. To test these hypotheses, subjects walked overground. Kinematic quantified as step-to-step placement (end-point), hip-knee, hip-ankle, knee-ankle space (angular coefficient correspondence [ACC]). characterized sensitivity cadence, auditory cue, AD. Supporting our hypothesis, exhibited than controls, which scaled (p < 0.01). Significant correlation between ACC end-point variability, speed, both markers performance. Moreover, hip-knee hip-ankle discriminated AD use, indicating capture AD-specific strategies. conclude increased indicative impairment severity serve therapeutic targets restore