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Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

1-14-2026

Abstract

Stroke has emerged as a leading health threat, characterized by its rapid onset, high mortality rate, and significant disability. One of the primary effects of stroke is the abnormality in gait, particularly the asymmetry observed in patients, which severely impacts daily activities and mobility. This study aims to compare the symmetry of lower limb muscle activity during gait in individuals who have suffered a stroke. Method: Nine stroke patients were recruited from the Rehabilitation Hospital. A motion-capture system equipped with ten cameras (VICON Motion Systems Ltd, UK) and a split-belt treadmill (Motek, Amsterdam, NL) was synchronized to collect marker trajectories and ground reaction forces at sampling frequencies of 200 Hz and 1000 Hz, respectively. We collected the kinematic and kinetic parameters of the participants' walking gait cycles. Subsequently, a paired sample T-test was conducted using SPSS to compare these parameters, with a significance level set at P < 0.05. The force exerted by the soleus muscle in the paretic leg was significantly lower than that in the non-paretic leg during the 7-15% (p < 0.001, t = 3.235) and 19-51% (p < 0.001, t = 3.235) phases of the gait cycle. Additionally, the force of the medial gastrocnemius was significantly greater in the paretic leg compared to the non-paretic leg during the 0-58% phase (p < 0.001, t = 3.286). Conversely, the force of the lateral gastrocnemius was significantly lower during the 0-15% (p < 0.001, t = 3.255) and 25-47% (p < 0.001, t = 3.255) phases. These results indicate that the lengths of the soleus, medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius, and tibialis posterior muscles were significantly shorter in the paretic leg compared to the non-paretic leg throughout the walking gait cycle. Stroke patients exhibit asymmetric lower limb dynamics, characterized by diminished soleus and lateral gastrocnemius forces, accompanied by compensatory overactivity of the medial gastrocnemius in paretic limbs. The paretic muscles demonstrate reduced lengths throughout the gait cycle, suggesting that neuromuscular compensation and structural adaptations contribute to post-stroke gait asymmetry. These findings underscore the importance of rehabilitation strategies that target force deficits and enhance muscular adaptability to improve gait symmetry.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18122/ijpah.5.1.201.boisestate

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