Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of using a walking aid on temporal and spatial
parameters of gait when used for balance versus support on the dominant and
nondominant hand side. DESIGN: Repeated measures observational study design.
SETTING: University gymnasium. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-seven healthy male and female
adults of mean +/- standard deviation age 44.74 +/- 10.00 years. METHODS: Five
walking conditions (C) were completed by all participants on the GAITRite
pressure mat. Normal walking (C1), walking with a cane in the dominant hand (C2)
and nondominant hand (C3) as if using for balance, walking with a cane in the
dominant hand (C4) and nondominant hand (C5) while allowing approximately 10% of
the body weight through the cane. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Temporal
measurements (swing time, stance time, single limb support time, double limb
support time) as percentage of a gait cycle and the base of support for the left
and the right foot for all 5 walking conditions. RESULTS: A significant
difference (P < .001) was observed between C1, C2, and C3 in percentage swing
time and percentage stance time of the ipsilateral side, and in percentage single
limb support time of the contralateral side. The double limb support time was
significantly different (P </= .04) for both ipsilateral and contralateral sides.
Comparisons among C1, C4, and C5 demonstrated significance (P < .001) for all
variables. Post hoc analysis showed significance between C1 and C4, and C1 and C5
for all variables except percentage stance time of the ipsilateral side and
percentage single limb support of the contralateral side. CONCLUSIONS: In healthy
adults, use of a cane for balance modifies swing and stance parameters of the
ipsilateral side and does not affect the base of support formed by the feet. When
used for support, the cane alters the swing and stance parameters, and also the
base of support formed by the feet.
CI - Copyright (c) 2014 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS