Strength of lower limb related to gait velocity and cadence in stroke patients

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between two temporal components of gait (velocity and cadence) and the standardized static strength of seven lower extremity muscle groups of the paretic side of 20 patients who were hemiplegic following cerebrovascular accidents. Velocity and cadence were calculated from a timed gait trial over an eight-metre expanse of floor. Static strength was tested by a hand-held dynamometer, and the scores standardized against body weight. The muscles tested were hip flexors, extensors and abductors; the knee flexors and extensors; and the ankle dorsiflexors and plantar flexors. Correlations were significant (p < 0.05) between both gait variables and the standardized strength of the hip extensor, knee flexor, ankle dorsiflexor, and ankle plantar flexor muscle groups. Also significant were the correlations between cadence and the standardized strength of the hip abductor and knee extensor muscles. These relationships suggest that the strength of some muscle groups of the paretic lower extremity may be of functional importance and worthy of measurement.