Gait Posture, 2012 · DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2012.01.004 · Published: May 1, 2012
This study examines how people with incomplete spinal cord injuries coordinate their arm and leg movements while walking on a treadmill. Researchers looked at the timing, amplitude, and consistency of hip and shoulder movements to understand how these movements are related. The study found that individuals with iSCI demonstrate altered, but reproducible, coordination patterns, particularly at slower walking speeds, which might be compensatory strategies.
Findings suggest that rehabilitation programs should focus on restoring normal inter-extremity coordination patterns to improve walking function after iSCI.
Understanding altered coordination patterns can help identify compensatory strategies used by individuals with iSCI to enhance balance and forward propulsion during walking.
The study highlights the role of neural components in regulating arm swing and inter-extremity coordination, providing insights for developing targeted interventions.