Walking function in people with neurological disorders affected by walking speed

Scientists have identified and isolated the effect of walking speed on patients receiving rehabilitation for a neurological disorder.

This study compares gait patterns of able-bodied adults at natural speed with extremely slow overground and treadmill walking speeds.

Eighteen volunteers were evaluated for trunk/lower-limb motion. Electrical activity generated from five lower-limb muscles was recorded. Investigators found significant reductions in cadence, stride, body motion, and muscle action between natural speed and slower walking speeds.

The authors urge clinicians developing treatment plans for gait deficits on overground or treadmills walking to consider the effects of slower gait speed in helping patients with neurological disorders regain a normal walking pattern sooner.

Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development - pg 523