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Expert Clinical Perspectives: Patterns and assessment of spastic hemiplegic gait
Expert Clinical Perspectives: Patterns and assessment of spastic hemiplegic gait
Abstract: 
Hemiparetic gait disorders are common in stroke survivors. A circumductory gait is often considered the typical hemiparetic gait. In clinical practice, a wide spectrum of abnormal gait patterns is observed, depending on the severity of weakness and spasticity, and the anatomical distribution of spasticity. Muscle strength is the key determinant of gait disorders in hemiparetic stroke survivors. Spasticity and its associated
involuntary activation of synergistic spastic muscles often alter posture of involved joint(s) and subsequently the alignment of hip, knee, and ankle joints, resulting in abnormal gait patterns. Due to combinations of various levels of muscle weakness and spasticity and their interactions with ground reaction force, presentations of gait disorders are variable. From a neuromechanical perspective, a stepwise visual gait analysis approach is proposed to identify primary underlying causes. In this approach, the pelvic and hip joint movement is examined first. The pelvic girdle constitutes three kinematic determinants. Its abnormality determines the body vector and compensatory kinetic chain reactions in the knee and ankle joints. The second step is to assess the ankle and foot complex abnormality. The last step is to examine abnormality of the knee joint. Assessment of muscle strength and spasticity of hip, knee, and ankle/foot joints needs to be performed before these steps. Lidocaine nerve blocks can be a useful diagnostic tool. Recognizing different patterns and identifying the primary causes are critical to developing clinical interventions to improve gait functions.

The objectives of this activity are to: (1) understand the pathomechanics of hemiparetic gait and be able to apply these to the clinical examination; (2) use observational gait analysis to assess pelvic, ankle, foot, and knee joint abnormalities in hemiparetic gait; and (3) use observational gait analysis to develop an approach to management of hemiparetic gait.


ACCREDITATION STATEMENT
The AANEM is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

DISCLOSURE INFORMATION
The author did not have any conflicts of interest.  

CREDIT DESIGNATION
The AANEM is accredited by the American Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to providing continuing education for physicians. AANEM designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.  Credit expires  2/24/2027.
Author
Sheng Li MD, PhD
Summary
Availability: On-Demand
Expires on Feb 24, 2027
Cost: Member: $0.00
Non-Member: $15.00
Credit Offered:
1 CME Credit
1 CEU Credit


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