Differences in uneven-surface walking characteristics: high-functioning vs low-functioning people with stroke

Abstract

Background: Differences in gait parameters between even- and uneven-surface walking in people with stroke (PwS) with different functional abilities remain unclear. Objectives: We aimed to assess whether there are differences in the adjustments of gait parameters on uneven surfaces between PwS based on their even-surface gait speed (≥0.8 and < 0.8 m/s). Methods: We calculated the root mean square (RMS) of trunk acceleration and maximum joint angles and co-contraction indexes of the lower limbs during even- and uneven-surface walking between the high-functioning group (HG) (n = 38; ≥0.8 m/s) and low-functioning group (LG) (n = 24; <0.8 m/s). Results: Compared to the HG, the LG showed a greater reduction in gait speed (p =.015). Meanwhile, the RMS of trunk acceleration increased in the HG but remained unchanged in the LG on uneven surfaces. The increase in knee flexion angle during the swing phase was smaller in the LG than in the HG on uneven surfaces (p