Inter-limb centre of pressure symmetry during gait among stroke survivors

The purpose of the present study was to describe the spatial-temporal parameters of the centre of pressure (COP) trajectory during the single-support phase of gait among stroke survivors and relate these parameters to the severity of sensorimotor impairment. Fifty-seven participants were asked to walk at their preferred and fast speed over a pressure sensitive mat. Outcome measures included anterior-posterior(AP) COP displacement. AP-COP velocity, medial-lateral (ML) COP variability and foot region COP time. The results demonstrated an asymmetrical AP-COP displacement in favour of the non-paretic limb for the majority of participants. The inter-limb difference scores for AP-COP displacement and AP-COP velocity were related to the severity of sensorimotor impairment and greater among gait aid users. ML-COP variability was greater under the non-paretic limb, possibly suggesting difficultly with paretic limb swing phase. Reduced or absent forefoot COP time suggests difficulty with forward progression and modified foot function during push-off. The inter-limb difference in COP parameters highlights the asymmetrical nature of post-stroke gait and the challenge of maintaining single limb support. We view this information as potentially important to clinicians as an outcome measure for gait rehabilitation. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.