A classification system for the prognosis of walking capability in stroke patients based on movement analysis protocols

A classification system supporting the prognostic reasoning in the early phase of stroke recovery is described. Such a system is based upon biomechanical parameters extracted from four movement analysis protocols for the sitting posture. In particular the centre of pressure (COP) together with related measures are collected at different time points of the recorded movements. A statistical analysis performed on 46 patients and 13 normal subjects demonstrated the relevance of such parameters if compared with already assessed clinical tests. A further processing of such parameters by means of inductive techniques has allowed the construction of a classification system helping clinicians to formulate a prognostic judgement in respect of the walking ability, and to classify the patients