Device for Improving Double Limb Support, Step Length Symmetry, and Gait Speed in Hemiparetic Patients

Document Type

Poster Session

Publication Date

10-2017

Keywords

stroke, hemiparesis, gait

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2017.08.158

Abstract

Research Objectives: To investigate the clinical efficacy of a Gait Enhancing Mobile Shoe (GEMS), the GEMS was tested on stroke patients and response was evaluated by looking at gait speed, step length symmetry, and double limb support symmetry.

Design: An Interventional, Single Group Assignment, Open Label study with a primary purpose of treatment was performed.

Setting: The study was performed at the University of South Florida.

Participants: 5 subjects who had a stroke at least 1.2-7 years prior were included. No patients withdrew due to adverse effects.

Interventions: Subjects received 12 sessions with supervised use of the GEMS in a clinical setting, which included six, 5 minute walking periods per bout with breaks between bouts.

Main Outcome Measure(s): The main outcome measures set before the study began were gait speed, step length symmetry, and double limb support symmetry.

Results: After 12 sessions with the GEMS, the effect of the GEMS was a 22%mean improvement in step length symmetry (p < 0.01), a 21% mean improvement in double limb support (p < 0.05), and a 21% mean improvement in gait speed (p < 0.05). Statistics calculated using a repeated-measures ANOVA. Clinicians were not blinded.

Conclusion/Discussion: The GEMS functions as an effective device in treating stroke hemiparesis in post-acute stroke subjects.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

Yes

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, v. 98, issue 10, p. e52

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