Estimating highest capacity propulsion performance using backward-directed force during walking evaluation for individuals with acquired brain injury.
Kelli LaCroix, Lauren Horelka, Clif Hung and 1 others
PMID 39103946WHAT IT FOUND
A new robotic treadmill test measuring forward walking power correlated strongly with endurance and fast walking, but not comfortable speed.
The standard sit-to-stand test did not correlate with this power measure, suggesting it is a poor proxy for walking propulsion capacity in people with acquired brain injury.
Key findings
01The new maximum walking propulsion force measure showed a strong correlation with the 6-minute walk test and a moderate correlation with fast walking speed, but a poor correlation with comfortable walking speed.
02The Five Times Sit-to-Stand test was not significantly correlated with the new propulsion force measure, indicating it does not reflect the same walking capability.
03An equation using 6-minute walk distance, comfortable walking speed, age, and weight predicted 76% of the variation in propulsion force, offering a potential surrogate measure without robotic equipment.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The sample size was very small (14 participants), limiting the generalizability of the correlations and the predictive equation. Participants had only a brief 5-minute familiarization with the robotic treadmill, which may have negatively affected their performance due to the unfamiliarity of the device. Seven of the fourteen participants used assistive devices during the overground tests, which may have influenced the relationship between overground walking and the robotic force measure. The study was cross-sectional, so it cannot determine if improving propulsion force actually leads to better walking outcomes.
Declared interests
Funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Moody Endowment. No other conflicts of interest were reported.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that the Five Times Sit-to-Stand test is a valid measure of walking propulsion strength. The study found no significant correlation between this test and the new propulsion force measure, suggesting it assesses different physical capabilities.