Article

For individuals with lateral postural imbalance after stroke, the
decision to adopt a cane for walking often is not based on objective findings.
OBJECTIVE: The authors investigated the explanatory value of 2 posturographic
criteria for lateral postural imbalance on the walking abilities of poststroke
subjects. METHODS: Indices of postural asymmetry (percentage of body weight on
the less loaded lower limb) and instability (mediolateral variance of
center-of-pressure displacements) were measured in 40 healthy individuals and 52
patients (mean 94.2 days after first hemispheric stroke), who stood still on a
double force platform. Cut-off values (mean +/- 2 standard deviations) were
calculated and compared. The predictive value of both postural indices on walking
abilities with or without a cane was analyzed. RESULTS: Of the patients, 34.6%
were unstable along the mediolateral axis (variance >7 mm(2)), and 44.2% were
asymmetrical (body weight <40%); 30% needed a technical aid and 35% walked
without a cane. The probability of being able to walk without a cane was less
than 5% if the paretic lower limb was not loaded more than 40%. The postural
instability index was less informative. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that
patients who do not load more than 40% of their body weight on their paretic
lower limb may benefit from the prescription of a cane.

Langue : ANGLAIS