Psychometric properties of 3-meter backward walk test (3MBWT) in people with Parkinson disease.

Background And Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the 3-meter backward walk test (3MBWT) in individuals with Parkinson Disease (PD) to determine the following: (1) concurrent validity with other gait velocity measures and (2) interrater and intrarater reliability of in-person and video assessment.

Methods: A convenience sample of 25 people with PD participated. Forward gait velocity was measured using a computerized walkway (Zeno Walkway System), the 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and 4-meter walk test (4MWT).

The safety and efficacy of laparoscopic retrograde appendicectomy, base-to-tip approach.

Background: Laparoscopic appendicectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures worldwide. There is limited evidence evaluating the role and safety of laparoscopic retrograde appendicectomy (LRA), base to tip approach, compared to standard laparoscopic antegrade appendicectomy (LAA), tip to base approach. This study aims to assess the safety of LRA compared to LAA in terms of intra-abdominal collection (IAC) rate and using Sunshine Appendicitis Grading System (SAGS).

Reliability and validity of modified Four Square Step Test (mFSST) performance in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex disorder marked with non-motor and motor impairments, including gait abnormalities and postural instability. As a result of balance dysfunction and postural instability, falls and injuries are common composite impairments of PD. The modified Four Square Step Test (mFSST) replaces the canes utilized in the traditional Four Square Step Test (FSST) with tape to evaluate dynamic standing balance while stepping in multiple directions.

Gait asymmetry pattern following stroke determines acute response to locomotor task.

Background: Given the prevalence of gait dysfunction following stroke, walking recovery is a primary goal of rehabilitation. However, current gait rehabilitation approaches fail to demonstrate consistent benefits. Gait asymmetry, prevalent among stroke survivors who regain the ability to walk, is associated with an increased energy cost of walking and is a significant predictor of falls post-stroke.

Pelvic excursion during walking post-stroke: A novel classification system.

Background: Researchers and clinicians often use gait speed to classify hemiparetic gait dysfunction because it offers clinical predictive capacity. However, gait speed fails to distinguish unique biomechanical characteristics that differentiate aspects of gait dysfunction.

Research Question: Here we describe a novel classification of hemiparetic gait dysfunction based on biomechanical traits of pelvic excursion.

Effects of hip abduction and adduction accuracy on post-stroke gait.

Background: Gait instability often limits post-stroke function, although the mechanisms underlying this instability are not entirely clear. Our recent work has suggested that one possible factor contributing to post-stroke gait instability is a reduced ability to accurately control foot placement. The purpose of the present experiments was to investigate whether post-stroke gait function is related to the ability to accurately abduct and adduct the hip, as required for accurate foot placement.

Lower Extremity Strength Is Correlated with Walking Function After Incomplete SCI.

Background: Lower extremity strength has been reported to relate to walking ability, however, the relationship between voluntary lower extremity muscle function as measured by isokinetic dynamometry and walking have not been thoroughly examined in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI).

Objective: To determine the extent to which measures of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and rate of torque development (RTD) in the knee extensor (KE) and plantar flexor (PF) muscle groups correlate with self-selected overground walking speed and spatiotemporal characteristics of walking.

Methods: Twenty-two subjects with chronic (>6 months) iSCI participated in a cross-sectional study.

Feasibility of lower-limb muscle power training to enhance locomotor function poststroke.

Poststroke motor control is characterized by greatly reduced muscle power generation. To date, the extent to which muscle power limits walking performance or whether its remediation should be a primary component of locomotor rehabilitation has yet to be established. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and the effects of Poststroke Optimization of Walking using Explosive Resistance training, an intervention aimed at improving poststroke muscular and locomotor function.

Quantifying human movement across the continuum of care: From lab to clinic to community.

Unlabelled: The ability to precisely quantify human movement within the laboratory setting provides researchers with data that comprehensively describe movement dysfunction in clinical cohorts. Furthermore, these data can be effectively utilized to identify potential underlying mechanisms as targets for therapeutic intervention. Although the utility of these methodologies is evidenced by the number of laboratories incorporating these techniques to understand clinical pathologies, the direct translation to clinical practice remains elusive and there exists an information gap between researchers studying these populations and the clinicians developing treatment for the individuals.

Rehabilitation of walking after stroke.

Rehabilitation of walking after stroke has been investigated with a variety of interventions, which will be outlined in this review. To date, the majority of interventions have demonstrated a positive, but similar effect in the primary clinical outcome of self-selected walking speed. Consistent among the most successful interventions is a focus on the intensity of the intervention and the ability to progress rehabilitation in a structured fashion.