Postural control during sit-to stand and gait in stroke patients

Objective: To investigate the relationship of sit-to-stand and gait performance in hemiplegic stroke patients. Design: A total of 40 chronic stroke patients with hemiplegia and 22 age-matched healthy subjects were included in this study. Data of a motion analysis system and three force platforms were collected in a rehabilitation unit of a medical center. Results: Laboratory sit-to-stand measurement and gait analysis were evaluated in both groups via three AMTI (Advanced Mechanical Technology Inc.) force platforms and a Vicon 370 system (six high-resolution cameras and one AMTI force plate), respectively. The sit-to-stand and gait parameters of hemiplegic patients were correlated significantly, especially in rising speed and the maximal vertical force of both legs during rising. Conclusions: Hemiplegic stroke patients, who could stand up within 4.5 sec or who had a maximal vertical force difference of less than 30% of body weight between both legs, had better gait performance than the others did.