The relationship between the forward displacement of the center of pressure and the weight bearing capacity of the paretic limb during sit-to-stand in stroke patients

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the forward displacement of the center of pressure (COP), and the weight-bearing capacity of the paretic lower extremity during sit-to-stand, and the spasticity of patients with stroke. [Subjects] Fourteen patients who were hemiplegic due to stroke participated in this study. [Methods] A foot pressure sensor was used to measure the displacement of COP and the weight bearing ratio in the paretic lower extremity during sit-to-stand movement. The spasticity of the paretic plantar flexor muscle was evaluated using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). [Results] The forward displacement of COP showed a significant relationship with the weight-bearing ratio (rs = -0.60) and the MAS (rs = 0.65). [Conclusions] Our results suggest that the forward displacement of COP is caused by excessive activation of the paretic plantar flexor muscle, which results in disturbance of weight bearing by the paretic limb.