Abstract
Hip abductor torques of 27 hemiplegic patients and 31 healthy controls were measured by a portable weight modulator (Load cell) in order to examine the relationship with the maximum walking velocity. A high positive correlation was observed between body weight and hip abductor torques in both sides. The patients of Brunnstrom stage V or VI showed higher hip abductor torques, compared with those of III or IV. The walking velocities of the patients of Brunnstrom stage III or IV and V or VI were one-third and one half of those of healthy controls, respectively. In the patients of Brunnstrom stage V or VI, a high positive correlation was observed between walking velocity and hip abductor torque. These results suggest that a high hip abductor torque may result in pelvic stability during standing phase of affected limbs, which allowed unaffected limbs to step smoothly, consequently inducing higher walking velocity.
