Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy, The Graduate School of Sahmyook University, Seoul, Korea | [b] Institute of the SMART Rehabilitation, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Korea | [c] Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Korea
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Seungwon Lee, Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, 01795, Korea. Tel.: +82 2 3399 1630; Fax: +82 2 3399 1639; E-mail: swlee@syu.ac.kr.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Symmetry of gait is an important component of rehabilitation in stroke patients. Insufficient weight-bearing causes gait asymmetry. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the immediate effects of sufficient weight-bearing on the forefoot during the stance phase using visual feedback. METHODS: Twenty-seven individuals with stroke enrolled in this study. All patients were evaluated for gait parameters with and without visual feedback. Visual feedback was provided through a smart application and a beam projector screen that showed a weight shift as a change in color. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were evaluated, resulting in values for a calculated symmetry index, in addition to heel % and toe % temporal values. RESULTS: Velocity and cadence were significantly decreased when visual feedback was provided (p< 0.05). Spatiotemporal parameters, except for bilateral step length, swing time of affected side, and single-limb support of less affected side, showed significant improvement (p< 0.05). The gait pattern of subjects was more symmetrical with visual feedback compared to non-visual feedback (p< 0.05). The toe-on time significantly improved on the affected side with visual feedback (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that visual feedback aids in the improvement of gait symmetry, forefoot weight-bearing on the affected side, and spatiotemporal parameters.
