Effect of different walking aids on walking capacity of patients with poststroke hemiparesis.

摘要: OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of 3 different walking aids on capacity, temporo-spatial gait parameters, and patient satisfaction. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: University Hospital Geneva. PARTICIPANTS: Hemiparetic inpatients (N=25) with impaired gait, at an early stage rehabilitation, unfamiliar any tested. INTERVENTIONS: On consecutive days subjects used, in random order, 1 aids: 4-point cane, simple cane ergonomic handgrip, Nordic stick. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maximal distance 6 minutes, parameters determined a commercial electronic analysis system, patients' preference subjective ranking scale. RESULTS: Walking was greatest followed by velocity highest which also indicated as preferred aid patients. There no significant difference step length symmetry. CONCLUSIONS: The handgrip not only patients, but most efficient among commonly used aids. It appears justified to take into account when prescribing aid.