Temporal But Not Spatial Gait Parameters Associated With Lower Balance Capacity in Moderate-High Functioning Persons With Stroke.

Background And Purpose: Falls are a major health concern after stroke. Spatial and temporal gait asymmetry and variability can contribute to instability and increased fall risk in persons with stroke (PwS). We aimed to quantify gait spatiotemporal symmetry and variability parameters in PwS undergoing rehabilitation in the subacute stage of the disease, by comparison to healthy participants, and to examine the associations between these parameters and patients' reactive and proactive balance capacity.

Characteristics of upper-extremity reactions to sudden lateral loss of balance in persons with stroke.

Background: Upper-extremity reactions are part of a whole-body response to counterweight the falling center of mass after unexpected balance loss. Impairments in upper-extremity reactions due to unilateral hemiparesis may contribute to stroke survivors propensity for falling. We aimed to characterize upper-extremity (paretic and non-paretic sides) reactive movements in response to lateral balance perturbations in Persons with Stroke vs.

Characteristics of proactive balance and gait performance in subacute stroke patients demonstrating varying reactive balance capacity: A research study.

Background: Persons with stroke (PwS) demonstrate impaired reactive balance control placing them at increased risk of falls. Yet, tests used in clinical practice to assess this risk usually rely on proactive balance control.

Objective: To investigate differences in proactive balance in PwS with varying reactive balance capacity.

Inter-observer Reliability and Concurrent Validity of Reactive Balance Strategies after Stroke.

Background: Falls are a common complication in persons with stroke (PwS). Reliable assessment of balance responses to unexpected loss of balance has the potential to identify risk for falls.

Objectives: To examine inter-observer reliability of balance responses to unannounced surface perturbations in PwS and to explore the concurrent validity of a balance recovery assessment protocol.

Insufficient Balance Recovery Following Unannounced External Perturbations in Persons With Stroke.

. Persons with stroke (PwS) are at increased risk of falls, especially toward the paretic side, increasing the probability of a hip fracture. The ability to recover from unexpected loss of balance is a critical factor in fall prevention.