Sagittal plane kinematic analysis of the six-minute walk test: a classification of hemiplegic gait
Straudi, S.; Manca, M.; Aiello, E.; Ferraresi, G.; Cavazza, S.; Basaglia, N.
European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine 45(3): 341-347
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1973-9095 PMID: 19174756 Document Number: 630256
The aim of this study was to propose a kinematic classification of gait according to six minute walk test performance. Thirty-four hemiplegic subjects were enrolled. Six-minute walk test (SMWT), gait analysis and Walking Handicap Scale score (WHS) were measured. A k-means cluster analysis was used to classify the sample into three sub-groups which were homogeneous in spatio-temporal parameters, kinematic variables, and which reflected three meaningful levels of walking competency. Three clusters were identified: low-functioning walkers (Cluster 1) walked for 88-172 m; intermediate-functioning walkers (Cluster 2) walked for 180-302 m and high-functioning walkers (Cluster 3) were able to cover 349-430 m. The authors found homogeneous gait profiles in these subgroups. Between-group differences on kinematic data and WHS scores were also underlined. Cluster analysis was able to identify consistent gait characteristics of spatio-temporal, walking endurance and sagittal plane kinematic profiles in hemiplegic subjects and is useful for categorizing the levels of walking competency in these subjects.