Gait analysis of aquatic walking with additional weight in people post-stroke

PURPOSE: To examine the kinematic and spatioternporal gait variables of aquatic walking with additional weight applied on the affected limb in people post-stroke. METHODS: Twenty-one individuals post-stroke with hemiparesis (age 66 ??? 11 yrs, 5 females: 16 males) participated in this study. A repeated measures comparative design was used to compare the aquatic gait patterns among three different walking conditions for aquatic walking. Participants walked in water at chest depth (xiphoid process) under each walking condition. Kinematic and spatiotemporal gait variables were processed and analyzed by using Vicon Motus Video v 9.2. RESULTS: The use of additional weight, regardless of position showed increase in gait speed and foot-off percentage of the less-affected limb compared to no weight condition (all Ps < 0.05). Knee weight condition showed a significant decrease in sagittal plane knee range of motion of the less-affected limb compared to no weight condition (P < 0.05). Ankle weight condition showed significant decrease in peak knee flexion and sagittal plane ankle range of motion of the less-affected limb compared to no weight condition (both Ps < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of additional weight could provide stability during gait training in people post-stroke. The study findings suggest that the use of additional weight on the affected limb for people post-stroke may reduce compensatory movement patterns and demonstrate a similar walking pattern to that seen on land. Depending on the level of function, the use of additional weight could provide benefits to restore healthy gait patterns in people post-stroke