Allied Healthcare, Quality of Life, Palliative Care, Patient Perspectives
Abstract
Objective: To systematically analyze the spatiotemporal, kinematic, and electromyographic gait movement disorders in patients with partial SCI for targeted rehabilitation strategies. Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-changing event that pro-foundly affects an individual ’ s motor, sensory, and autonomic functions, often leading to severe impairments in gait and mobility [1]. While complete SCI has been extensively studied, there is a signi fi cant gap in research focusing on partial SCI, where some neurological function remains. Partial SCI patients often experience de fi cits in balance, coordination, speed, and ef fi ciency during walking, which impacts their independence, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life [2]. Methods: This prospective study involved thirty patients with partial SCI and thirty age-and gender-matched healthy controls. The SCI patients had undergone surgical instrumentation for SCI management, and gait analysis with full body marker protocol was conducted six weeks postoperatively (SMART DX-7000, BTS Bioengineering, Milan, Italy). EMG data was captured for key muscle groups, including the erector spinae, quadriceps, hamstrings, and tibialis anterior. Results: Our study found signi fi cant differences between SCI patients and healthy controls across various gait parameters. SCI patients demonstrated a marked reduction in gait speed (73%) and cadence (44%) (p < 0.001), with step length and stride length signi fi cantly decreased. Spe-ci fi cally, the right step length decreased by 54% and the left by 38% (p < 0.01). Kinematic analysis revealed increased trunk and pelvis tilt ranges, indicating compensatory movements to maintain balance. Ankle plantar fl exion range was reduced suggesting impaired propulsion and reduced clearance during the gait cycle. EMG results revealed reduced muscle activation, particularly in the erector spinae and tibialis anterior, impairing stability and foot clearance during gait. Conclusions: Targeted interventions aimed at improving core stability, joint mobility, and muscle re-education. Our study emphasizes the value of 3D gait analysis in understanding gait dysfunction in partial SCI patients. Rehabilitation strategies that address muscle strength, joint fl exi-bility, and postural stability could signi fi cantly improve gait ef fi ciency and overall functional outcomes for these individuals.