The support taken through walking aids during hemiplegic gait

Objective: To assess the effect of different aids on the amount of support hemiplegic subjects took from them. The relationship between the amount of support, severity of hemiplegia and walking ability were also assessed, Design: Hemiplegic subjects' gait and the amount of support they took from the aid were measured as they walked with a normal height stick, a high stick and a tripod. Subjects: Fifteen subjects with a hemiplegia of more than three months' duration who could walk independently were recruited. Outcome measures: Velocity, the gross function section of the Rivermead Motor Assessment, percentage bodyweight taken through the aid, the aid contact rime, the placement of the aid, and the lateral shift of the pelvis when weight bearing were assessed. Results: No differences in the amount of support or walking ability were found with the different aids. There was a significant relationship between severity of hemiplegia and the percentage of bodyweight taken through the aid (r=-0.67), between aid contact time and severity of hemiplegia (-0.53) and between aid contact time and walking ability (-0.53). No relationship between walking ability and other measures of the amount of support was found. Conclusions: Different types of aid did not influence the amount of support taken by hemiplegic subjects. These results contradict the beliefs of many neurological physiotherapists in Britain and the clinical implications are discussed.