1. Canes may not improve spatiotemporal parameters of walking after stroke: a systematic review of cross-sectional within-group experimental studies.
- Author
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Avelino, Patrick R., Nascimento, Lucas R., Menezes, Kênia K. P., Ada, Louise, and Teixeira-Salmela, Luci F.
- Subjects
WALKING speed ,MEDICAL databases ,PSYCHOLOGY information storage & retrieval systems ,STROKE ,STAFFS (Sticks, canes, etc.) ,MEDICAL information storage & retrieval systems ,GAIT in humans ,SYSTEMATIC reviews ,PHYSICAL therapy ,TREATMENT effectiveness ,DIAGNOSIS ,MEDLINE ,AMED (Information retrieval system) - Abstract
To examine whether using a cane would improve spatiotemporal parameters of walking, i.e., speed, stride length, cadence, and symmetry after stroke. Searches were conducted in eight databases. The experimental condition was walking with a cane. Four outcomes were of interest: walking speed, stride length, cadence, and symmetry. Twelve studies were included. Results from nine studies suggested that individuals with stroke walked 0.01 m/s (SD 0.06) slower with a single-point cane, compared with no cane. Two studies suggested a reduction in cadence (MD-5 steps/min, SD2) and an increase in stride length (MD 0.08 m, SD 0.01). Three studies suggested that individuals walked 0.06 m/s (SD 0.07) slower with a four-point cane, compared with no cane. Four studies suggested that individuals walked 0.06 m/s (SD 0.04) faster with a single- point cane compared with a four-point cane. Results regarding other outcomes were inconclusive. Results showed no worthwhile improvements in spatiotemporal parameters of walking with a single-point cane and a slight reduction with a four-point cane, compared with no cane. Individuals walked slightly faster with a single-point cane compared with a four-point cane, but the evidence is insufficient to support this superiority. A single-point cane may not improve spatiotemporal parameters of walking after stroke. Walking with a four-point cane may slightly decrease spatiotemporal parameters of walking. Canes may be prescribed without the fear of negatively impairing walking kinematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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