Clarifying the biomechanics of cane-assisted gait in stroke patients is important for developing better rehabilitation approach. However, the kinetics of cane-assisted gait has not been clarified since the kinetic analysis is difficult in the nonaffected side holding the cane. In the present study, cane-assisted gait was measured by using force platforms, a motion capture system and an instrumented cane with a triaxial force sensor. The inverse dynamic analysis of both affected and unaffected legs in cane-assisted gait in post stoke hemiplegic patients was performed by using a three-dimensional musculoskeletal model. Participants were two stroke patients with moderate hemiplegia admitted to a rehabilitation center. Cane-assisted gait was measured twice per person (soon after the participants were able to walk at least 10 m without physical assistance and before the discharge from the rehabilitation center). Our results demonstrated that there was an increase in the hip and knee joint moment of the affected leg and in the hip external rotation moment in the unaffected leg as walking velocity increased during rehabilitation. The inverse dynamic analysis of both affected and unaffected leg is effective for understanding the mechanics of the cane-assisted gait in stroke patients.
