Table_1_Effect of gait training using Welwalk on gait pattern in individuals with hemiparetic stroke: a cross-sectional study.DOCX

IntroductionWe aimed to explore the effect of gait training using Welwalk on gait patterns by comparing differences in gait patterns between robotic-assisted gait training using Welwalk and gait training using an orthosis in individuals with hemiparetic stroke.MethodsThis study included 23 individuals with hemiparetic stroke who underwent gait training with Welwalk combined with overground gait training using an orthosis. Three-dimensional motion analysis on a treadmill was performed under two conditions for each participant: during gait training with Welwalk and with the ankle-foot orthosis. The spatiotemporal parameters and gait patterns were compared between the two conditions.ResultsThe affected step length was significantly longer, the step width was significantly wider, and the affected single support phase ratio was significantly higher in the Welwalk condition than in the orthosis condition. The index values of abnormal gait patterns were significantly lower while using Welwalk than in the orthosis condition. The following four indices were lower in the Welwalk condition: contralateral vaulting, insufficient knee flexion, excessive hip external rotation during the paretic swing phase, and paretic forefoot contact.DiscussionGait training using Welwalk increased the affected step length, step width, and single support phase while suppressing abnormal gait patterns as compared to gait training using the ankle-foot orthosis. This study suggests that gait training using Welwalk may promote a more efficient gait pattern reacquisition that suppresses abnormal gait patterns.Trial registrationProspectively registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (https://jrct.niph.go.jp; jRCTs042180152).</p

Kinematic analysis of preparation for transferring from wheelchair to bed

This study aimed to clarify the kinematics, particularly of the shoulder and hip joints, during preparation for manual wheelchair-to-bed transfer (i.e. when flipping up the arm and foot supports). This cross-sectional study included 32 able-bodied individuals. The kinematics of the shoulder and hip joints when the arm and foot supports were flipped up of manual wheelchair, were evaluated using a markerless inertial sensor-based motion capture system. We found that flipping the arm support upwards involved a large amount of abduction, internal and external rotation, flexion, and extension at the shoulder joint, whereas flipping the foot support upwards involved a large amount of flexion at the hip joint. The findings suggest that it is necessary to consider the range of motion required to flip up the arm and foot supports of manual wheelchairs, particularly in those with limited shoulder and hip range of motion such as older people, neuromuscular disorders, and orthopedic disorders.</p