Article

An experimental, cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: To investigate
effects of using a visuotemporal cue on the walking ability of independent
ambulatory subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) as compared with healthy
subjects. SETTING: A tertiary rehabilitation center, Thailand. METHODS: Forty
independent ambulatory subjects with SCI and healthy subjects participated in the
study (20 subjects per group). All of them were assessed for their walking speed,
stride length, cadence and percents of step symmetry under two conditions,
including walking at their fastest speed with and without a visuotemporal cue
along a 10 m walkway. RESULTS: When walking with a visuotemporal cue, walking
speed, stride length and cadence of the subjects were significantly increased
from the uncued condition (P<0.01). However, the healthy subjects showed a
significantly greater increase in walking speed and cadence, whereas, subjects
with SCI demonstrated significantly higher improvement in stride length as
compared with the other group (P<0.001). In addition, the effects of the
visuotemporal cue were significantly greater in those with less severity of SCI
(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The findings confirm the benefits of using a visuotemporal
cue to improve variables relating to walking ability in subjects with intact
integrative capability of the brain but with different levels of sensorimotor
deterioration. The findings suggest the use of a visuotemporal cue to improve the
effectiveness of programs in sport and exercise sciences, and rehabilitation treatments.

Langue : ANGLAIS