Characterizing inter-limb synchronization after incomplete spinal cord injury: A cross-sectional study.
Gait Posture
; 85: 191-197, 2021 03.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33610130
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) demonstrate greater postural sway and increased dependency on vision to maintain balance compared to able-bodied individuals. Research on standing balance after iSCI has focused on the joint contribution of the lower limbs; however, inter-limb synchrony in quiet standing is a sensitive measure of individual limb contributions to standing balance control in other neurological populations. It is unknown if and how reduced inter-limb synchrony contributes to the poor standing balance of individuals with iSCI. RESEARCH QUESTION How does an iSCI affect inter-limb synchrony and weight-bearing symmetry in standing?METHODS:
Eighteen individuals with non-progressive motor iSCI and 15 age- and sex-matched able-bodied individuals (M-AB) were included in the study. Participants stood in a standardized position on two adjacent force plates in eyes open and closed conditions for 70 s per condition. Net centre-of-pressure (COP) root mean square (RMS), net COP velocity, COP inter-limb synchrony (i.e. cross-correlation between left and right COP), and weight-bearing asymmetry (i.e. vertical force from each limb over total vertical force) were calculated. Muscle strength of the lower limbs was assessed with manual muscle testing.RESULTS:
Individuals with iSCI demonstrated reduced inter-limb synchrony when standing with eyes open and eyes closed, but did not differ to M-AB with respect to weight-bearing asymmetry. They also produced greater net COP RMS and velocity when compared to M-AB. Muscle strength of the two lower limbs demonstrated an overall asymmetry in individuals with iSCI.SIGNIFICANCE:
Individuals with iSCI demonstrated impaired balance control as evidenced by reduced inter-limb synchrony and greater COP RMS and velocity compared to M-AB individuals. This increased understanding of how balance control is impaired following iSCI may inform balance assessment and intervention for this population. Future work examining the association between inter-limb synchrony and the occurrence of falls in iSCI is warranted.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Traumatismos de la Médula Espinal
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Soporte de Peso
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Extremidad Inferior
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Equilibrio Postural
Tipo de estudio:
Observational_studies
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Prevalence_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Adult
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Aged
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Aged80
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Female
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Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Gait Posture
Asunto de la revista:
ORTOPEDIA
Año:
2021
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Canadá