Walking speed at the acute and subacute stroke stage: A descriptive meta-analysis.

Gait disorders are one of the leading patient complaints at the sub-acute stroke stage (SSS) and a main determinant of disability. Walking speed (WS) is a major vital and functional index, and the Ten-Meter Walk Test is considered the gold standard after stroke. Based on a systematic review of the literature, studies published between January 2000 and November 2021 were selected when WS was reported (ten-meter walk test for short distance and/or 6-min walking distance for long distance) within 6 months following a first ischemic and/or hemorrhagic stroke (SSS) in adults prior to receiving specific walking rehabilitation. Following PRISMA guidelines, a meta-analysis was conducted on two kinds of WS: the principal criterion focused on short-distance WS (ten-meter walking test) and the secondary criteria focused on long-distance WS (6-min test) and meta-regressions to study the association of WS with balance, cognitive disorders and autonomy. Nine studies comprising a total of 939 data on post-stroke patients were selected. The weighted average age was 61 years [95% IC [55-67] and males represented 62% ± 2.7 of patients [57-67]. Average short-distance WS was 0.36 ± 0.06 m.s-1 [95% CI (0.23-0.49)]. Average long-distance WS was 0.46 ± 0.1 m.s-1 [95% CI (0.26-0.66)]. The funnel plot revealed asymmetry of publication bias and high heterogeneity of the nine studies (I 2 index 98.7% and Q-test p < 0.0001). Meta-regressions of secondary endpoints could not be performed due to a lack of study data. At the SSS, WS would be lower than data in general population published in literature, but above all, lower than the WS required for safe daily autonomy and community ambulation after stroke. WS must be a priority objective of stroke rehabilitation to increase walking function but also for survival, autonomy, social participation and health-related quality of life.

Effects of multimodal training program on muscle deoxygenation in women with breast cancer: A randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: Chemotherapy and/or radiation are the most often delivered treatments to cancer patients. Usually during the adjuvant treatment, patients complain about fatigue. In addition, physical exercise during adjuvant treatment of cancer seems to have beneficial effects. The aim of this investigation was to assess the effects of multimodal aerobic and strength exercises programs on muscle deoxygenation of patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy treatment. Methods: Thirty-two women with breast cancer (20 patients as the training group and 12 patients as the control group) undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy participated in the study. The training group took part in 6 weeks of supervised intermittent aerobic cycling, home-based walking, isometric and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) exercise training programs. The Outcome measures were muscle deoxygenation (ΔHHb), Maximal Voluntary isometric Contraction (MViC) and Endurance Time (ET) before and after the training period. Results: Compared to the control group, a significant increase in ΔHHb (P < 0.01) accompanied with an increase in ET (P < 0.01) and MViC (P < 0.01) of the quadriceps was obtained in the training group. However, no significant differences of MViC, ET and ΔHHb were observed in the control group. Conclusion: Multimodal aerobic and strength exercise programs enhance muscle oxygen utilization, which may partly explain the improvement in muscular strength and endurance, and the reduction of muscle fatigue in patients with breast cancer during an adjuvant chemotherapy period.

Effects of combined supervised intermittent aerobic, muscle strength and home-based walking training programs on cardiorespiratory responses in women with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this investigation was to study the effects of supervised combined intermittent aerobic, muscle strength and home-based walking training programs on cardiorespiratory fitness in women with breast cancer during adjuvant chemotherapy treatment. METHODS: Thirty-two women with breast cancer undertaking adjuvant chemotherapy participated in the study (trained group n=20 and control group n=12). The trained group carried out 6weeks of supervised intermittent cycling aerobic, muscle strength and home-based walking training programs. The self-selected walking speed (WS), walking distance covered (WD), heart rate (rHR), blood lactate ([La]b) concentration and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed in the two groups during the 6-min walking test before and after the training period. RESULTS: Compared to controls, a significant increase in the WS (P<0.01) and the WD (P<0.01) accompanied by a significant decrease in resting rHR (P<0.01), exercising HR6' (P<0.01), [La]b (P<0.05), HR6'/WS (P<0.01) and [La]b/WS ratios (P<0.01) was reported in the trained group. However, a significant decrease both in WD (P<0.01) and WS (P<0.01) has been observed in the controls. No significant difference was observed in resting HR, exercising HR6', [La]b, HR6'/WS, and [La]b/WS ratios were observed in the control group. A significant improvement was observed for RPE in training group (P<0.05). However, no difference was shown in controls. CONCLUSION: Combined training based on intermittent aerobic exercise, muscle strength and walking improve cardiorespiratory responses and reduce the perception of fatigue in women with breast cancer.

Electromyographic Pattern during Gait Initiation Differentiates Yoga Practitioners among Physically Active Older Subjects.

During gait initiation, postural adjustments are needed to deal with balance and movement. With aging, gait initiation changes and reflects functional degradation of frailty individuals. However, physical activities have demonstrated beneficial effects of daily motor tasks. The aim of our study was to compare center of pressure (COP) displacement and ankle muscle co-activation during gait initiation in two physically active groups: a group of walkers (n = 12; mean age ± SD 72.6 ± 3.2 years) and a yoga group (n = 11; 71.5 ± 3.8 years). COP trajectory and electromyography of leg muscles were recorded simultaneously during five successive trials of gait initiation. Our main finding was that yoga practitioners had slower COP displacements (p < 0.01) and lower leg muscles % of coactivation (p < 0.01) in comparison with walkers. These parameters which characterized gait initiation control were correlated (r = 0.76; p < 0.01). Our results emphasize that lengthy ankle muscle co-activation and COP path in gait initiation differentiate yoga practitioners among physically active subjects.

Does sleeve gastrectomy improve the gait parameters of obese patients?

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated the effect of bariatric surgery on gait parameters, which constitute an important aspect of quality of life. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on kinematic gait parameters 6 months after surgery. SETTING: University Hospital, France, public practice. METHODS: This prospective, nonrandomized study was conducted in patients undergoing SG between January 2013 and December 2013. The primary endpoint was the difference in functional parameters of the patient's 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) before and 6 months after SG. Secondary outcomes were surgical data, weight loss, and quality of life score. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were included. Mean preoperative body mass index was 46.3±7.1 kg/m2 (35.2-71.0). On the preoperative 6 MWT, the mean distance traveled was 467 m (267-606) at an average speed of 4.6 km/hr (2.67-6.06). Three patients were unable to complete the 6 MWT. At 6 months postoperatively, mean body mass index was 34.4±6.0 kg/m2 (24.8-53.8). On the 6-month postoperative 6 MWT, the mean distance traveled was 515 m (280-652) at an average speed of 5 km/hr (2.82-6.50; P<.01). All patients completed the test. A decrease in muscle and joint pain and an increased range of motion of the joints were observed (P<.01). All domains of the Short Form 36 questionnaire were significantly improved (P< .01). CONCLUSION: SG significantly improves walking as well as range of motion of the joints. It also allows reduction of pain, facilitating the mobilization of obese patients that may be responsible for more marked weight loss after bariatric surgery. Quality of life improves and weight loss occurs after the SG.

Gait cycle and plantar pressure distribution in children with cerebral palsy: clinically useful outcome measures for a management and rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Information on altered foot pressures during ambulation would clarify how far limb deformities modify walking patterns in cerebral palsy (CP), and whether such data can inform prognosis and guide rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: To compare patterns of plantar pressures during walking between children with CP and their able-bodied (AB) peers. METHODS: Twenty-five children/adolescents (10 with hemiplegia, 5 with diplegia, and 10 AB, respective ages 13.0 ± 1.9, 13.0 ± 0.6 and 14.0 ± 0.7 years) walked a 12 m line at a self-selected speed. Spatio-temporal parameters and peak in-shoe plantar pressures were recorded for both feet, using the Parotec analysis system. RESULTS: Walking speeds (m·-1) differed significantly between groups (0.65 ± 0.13, hemiplegia, 0.93 ± 0.22 diplegia and 1.26 ± 0.05 AB), with shorter stride lengths in CP. Contact time, double support time and step duration were also shorter in hemiplegia. Plantar pressures differed substantially and consistently between AB and CP, with increased medial heel pressures in hemiplegia, and reduced hallux and lateral heel pressures but increased lateral, medial mid-foot and first metatarsal pressures in diplegia. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial alterations in spatio-temporal parameters (greater in hemiplegia than in diplegia) and plantar pressure distribution reflect attempts to compensate for poor stability of posture in CP. Further study of these adaptive changes holds clinical promise in providing data relevant to the design of orthotics, determinations of prognosis and the planning of neurorehabilitation.

Reproducibility of gait cycle and plantar pressure distribution in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Gait cycle and pressure distribution patterns can now be recorded quite simply and reproducibly with inexpensive in-sole pressure recorders. However, it is not known whether such readings are sufficiently stable to provide useful information in monitoring children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HCP). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to asses the reproducibility of gait cycle and plantar pressure in HCP. METHODS: Fourteen children with HCP (Gross Motor Function Classification System level I or II) undertook two walking trials (4 × 12 meters at self-selected speeds) with a one-week inter-test interval. Spatio-temporal gait cycle parameters and peak plantar pressures were measured at each visit, using Parotec in-shoe pressure sensors. RESULTS: In the unaffected limb, satisfactory reproducibility was found for measurements of velocity, step frequency, time of double support, and step duration, but not for step amplitude or contact time. However, in the affected limb, only velocity and step duration showed moderate reproducibility. Likewise, all of 8 pressure measurements were reproducible for the unaffected limb, but pressures for the affected limb were only consistent at 4 sites (metatarsals 4-5, lateral heel, lateral mid-foot and hallux). CONCLUSIONS: Since plantar pressures are unstable only in the affected limb, the cause of variation is likely immediate spasm during movement of this limb rather than a more permanent change of posture. Some spatio-temporal parameters and plantar pressure readings have sufficient stability in both unaffected and affected limbs to allow their use when evaluating gait and planning therapy for children with HCP.

Isokinetic testing of evertor and invertor muscles in patients with chronic ankle instability.

Ankle sprains are among the most common sport-related injuries and can lead to chronic ankle instability. Impaired sensorimotor function of the ankle musculature is often suggested as a cause. The current study sought to assess and compare the isokinetic performance and electromyographic patterns of evertor and invertor muscles in patients with chronic ankle instability and in a control group. Twelve patients with chronic ankle instability and twelve healthy subjects were included. Isokinetic eccentric and concentric testing at various angular velocities was performed for eversion and inversion movements. The corresponding myoelectric activities of the fibularis longus and tibialis anterior muscles were quantified from surface electromyographic recordings by computing average root mean square values. Patients had lower myoelectric activity of the evertor and invertor muscles than controls did; this difference could account for the eccentric weakness associated with ankle instability. Functional strength ratios revealed a dynamic strength imbalance in unstable ankle patients and that may contribute to recurrent injury. Our findings suggest that rehabilitation programs for unstable ankle patients must be focused on the motor control of eccentric contractions of the ankle evertors and invertors, to boost these muscles' contribution to ankle stabilization.

Follow-up of ankle stiffness and electromechanical delay in immobilized children: three cases studies.

Clinical manual tests refer to increased ankle stiffness in children immobilized due to hip osteochondritis. The aim of the present study was to investigate musculo-articular stiffness via different techniques in immobilized children to confirm or not and quantify these observations. Ankle stiffness was quantified monthly during the long immobilization period in three diseased children and compared to healthy age-matched children. Sinusoidal perturbations were used to evaluate musculo-articular (MA) stiffness of the ankle plantar-flexors. The stiffness index (SI(MA-EMG)) was the slope of the linear relationship between angular stiffness and plantar-flexion torque normalized with electromyographic activity of the triceps surae (TS). The stiffness of the ankle plantar-flexors was also indirectly evaluated using the TS electromechanical delay (EMD). SI(MA-EMG) was greater for diseased children, and this higher stiffness was confirmed by the higher EMD values found in these immobilized children. Furthermore, both parameters indicated that ankle stiffness continues to increase through immobilization period. This study gives a quantitative evaluation of ankle stiffness changes through the immobilization period imposed to children treated for hip osteochondritis. The use of EMD measurement to indirectly evaluate these stiffness changes is also validated. This study shed for the first time some light into the patterns of muscle modifications following immobilization in children.

Effects of a 12-week Tai Chi Chuan program versus a balance training program on postural control and walking ability in older people.

UNLABELLED: Lelard T, Doutrellot P-L, David P, Ahmaidi S. Effects of a 12-week Tai Chi Chuan program versus a balance training program on postural control and walking ability in older people. OBJECTIVE: To compare the respective effects of 2 balance training programs: a Tai Chi (TC) program and a balance training program on static postural control and walking ability. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: General community. PARTICIPANTS: Older subjects (N=28) participated in the study. INTERVENTIONS: The TC group (n=14; mean age +/- SD, 76.8+/-5.1y) and the balance training group (n=14; 77.0+/-4.5y) were both trained for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Static postural control was assessed via measurement of center of pressure sway under eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions. Walking speed over a 10-meter course was also assessed. RESULTS: After the 12-week training period, there were no significant differences in walking speed or postural parameters in either the EO or EC conditions for the TC and balance training groups. Performance in the EC condition was lower than in the EO condition in pretest and posttest for the balance training and TC groups. The Romberg quotient (EO/EC ratio) was significantly higher after the balance training program than the TC program (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: We cannot conclude that the balance training program has better effects than the TC program on postural control or walking ability. None of the outcome measures showed significant change posttraining in either the TC or the balance training groups. However, the differences described in the Romberg quotient after the training period between the TC and the balance training groups suggest that TC should be helpful to limit the deleterious effects of eye closure on postural balance.

[A case of ectrodactyly: a private pilot with a single finger on each hand]. / Acquisitions des performances dans un cas d'ectrodactylie.

We report the case of a man with bilateral monodactyly whose sole remaining (third) finger on each hand is sensitive and mobile, and whose wrist motor control is normal. Opposed to the palm, the finger provides sufficient clamp function to manipulate medium-sized objects, while bi-manual grip is used for either very thin or voluminous items. Some gestures, such as using a crank, are achieved by simple palm pressure. His foot deformations have no functional consequences. His excellent driving skills suggested that he would be capable of learning to fly an airplane after two years of training with a private instructor, the Inspector of Civil Aviation and Medical Council of the Civil Aeronautic Board gave him the all-clear. Without the need for special equipment, this man is able to write, to drive a car with a manual gearbox, and now to fly passenger-carrying single-engine planes throughout the world.