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Gait parameters assessed with inertial measurement unit during 6-minute walk test in people after stroke

Gait impairments are among the main issues for stroke survivors as they are often linked with a lack of endurance capacity, balance impairments and functional limitations. These conditions can be carefully assessed by combining an endurance capacity test, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), with the analysis of gait performed by an inertial measurement unit (IMU). We investigated the evolution of gait spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters during the 6MWT and compared it with age-matched healthy subjects. Moreover, gait parameters and 6MWT distance were associated with clinical outcome scales. In a postacute rehabilitation general hospital, we performed an observational study. Subjects with a single cortical stroke were recruited into the stroke group (SG). An age-matched healthy group (HG) was also recruited. All participants performed a 6MWT while wearing an IMU. The outcomes considered were 6MWT distance, gait spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters, and symmetry. Before the test at each subject, in the SG was administered Berg balance scale, Canadian neurological stroke scale and motricity index. 32 subjects were recruited into the SG, and 12 into the HG. Between the paretic and nonparetic limbs of the SG, there were differences in the stance phase and single support phase (P < 0.05). SG gait speed and stride length strongly correlated with balance, strength and disability scales. The SG walked fewer meters than the HG (Δ = −260.90 m; P < 0.001). Adopting an IMU during a 6mwt resulted valuable and effective in providing meaningful information regarding both the disability and functional capabilities of SG subjects.