Crossing Obstacles of Different Heights in Hemiplegic Stroke Patients

Objective: To evaluate the changes of gait patterns during crossing obstacles of different heights in hemiplegic stroke patients and to compare gait characteristics with those of healthy control subjects. Method: Subjects were 13 hemiplegic stroke patients and 9 age-matched healthy adults. Subjects stepped over obstacles with each height of 3, 8 and 13 cm. The threedimensional gait analysis was performed. Temporospatial, kinematic and kinetic parameters were measured in both lead and trail limb. The pre- and post-obstacle distance, preand post-obstacle swing time and toe clearance were also measured. Results: With increase in height of obstacles, ratio of single limb support time, angle of hip, knee flexion in swing phase and hip extensor moment increased in both lead and trail limbs. In the lead limb, post-obstacle distance and toe clearance also increased (p