Article

Hereditary spastic paraparesis (HSP) is a group of neurological
disorders characterised by slowly progressive increasing muscle tone,
predominantly in the lower limbs, with relatively preserved power.
This leads to
progressive difficulties in motor control and walking.
The purpose of
this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrotherapy treatment when used
as a means to increase locomotor function in individuals with late onset HSP.
This paper discusses the analysis of the effect on gait characteristics. METHODS:
Nine people with HSP were asked to participate in pre- and post-hydrotherapy gait
analyses. Ground reaction force and motion trajectories were recorded and used to
calculate spatiotemporal gait parameters, joint angles and moments. RESULTS: The
normalised joint kinematics and kinetics profile revealed that the biomechanics
of people with HSP were similar to that of controls for most of the joints, but
with lower range of motion. Walking speed increased significantly (11%) after the
course of hydrotherapy. Though part of this was achieved through increased ROM
there was also a further increase in hip internal rotation and in peak hip
extension moment. CONCLUSIONS: Although participants had increased walking speed
and step length, it appears that hydrotherapy increases the ability to perform
compensatory strategies rather than resulting in a more typical kinematic and
kinetic approach.
CI - Copyright (c) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS