Sensorimotor control during walking in stroke patients and healthy controls

The validity of sensorimotor balance control during walking was studied using foot placement and adjustment for foot placement during single stance. Nine stroke patients and 18 healthy controls performed a 2 minute walk test. Foot placement and adjustment for ‘incorrect’ foot placement (single stance control) were studied as a measure for gross and fine sensorimotor balance control during walking. Foot placement and single stance control was reduced in stroke patients and mostly affected in the paretic side. Walking speed had no effect on the foot placement and single stance control. Hence, foot placement and single stance control are valid measures to indicate the sensorimotor balance control during walking.