Long-term changes in hemiplegic gait

To evaluate long-term effects of stroke disability on walking, the spatiotemporal gait kinematics of eight hemiplegic subjects were compared with similar measures obtained from the same subjects 10 years earlier. Matched t tests revealed significant differences in stride time and in total and braking double support on the affected side. The ratio of time spent in support on the two lower limbs was also significantly different. Velocity, however, remained unchanged. These findings suggest an accentuated hemiplegic pattern but with quicker, shorter steps indicative of a cautious gait. The latter has been associated with compromised balance in the elderly.