Relationship between Lower Limb Loading Force and Standing up, Standing Postural Control and Walking Ability of Hemiplegic Patients

Abstract

In this study we investigated the applicability and limits of using commercially available bathroom scales for measuring lower limb loading force. The subjects were 53 hemiplegic stroke patients. We measured their walking, standing, and standing up abilities, and the maximum value of their lower limb loading force of the right and left legs separately in the sitting position. No significant differences were found in lower limb loading forces among those who could walk outside, those who could walk inside, those who could keep a standing position without using upper limb, and those who could keep a standing position with upper limb. However, when the ability of each action was high the lower leg loading force was significantly strong, suggesting that this method of measuring values of lower limb loading force could be used as an index for judging whether or not each action is possible. Although this method could be used to judge whether or not walking and keeping a standing position were possible, its limitations were also shown and it would be inappropriate to use it as a detailed functional assessment.