Effects of stiff-knee during walking of individuals with stroke

Abstract

Usually, individuals after a stroke present difficulty to walk, and the gait pattern of this population is different from their peers in most cases. As one of the differences presented by individuals with stroke is the limitation to move the knee joint (stiff-knee), it is important to investigate the consequences of this limitation during gait. In this way, the main goal of this project is to investigate the effects of stiff-knee during gait of individuals with stroke. At least, 10 individuals with stroke and 10 individuals with no known gait impairment (control group) will participate in this study. All participants will be assessed walking on a 9-m long walkway with reflective markers attached on specific body landmarks to define pelvis, thighs, shanks, and feet. A movement analysis system (VICON) will register these markers. Surface electrodes will be placed bilaterally on the following muscles to register electromyografic signals (EMG): gastrocnemius lateralis and medialis, femoral biceps, semitendinosus, medial and lateral vastus lateralis and medialis, rectus femoris. Participants from both groups (stroke and control) will walk at self-selected comfortable speed, and the control group will also walk with a limitation of knee flexion. All acquired data will be recorded and analyzed afterwards with specific softwares.