The effect of gastrocnemius muscle spasticity on gait symmetry and trunk control in patients with chronic stroke

Aim: The study, was planned to determine the effect of gastrocnemius muscle spasticity in gait symmetry and trunk control in patients with chronic stroke. Materials and Methods: 29 individuals between the ages of 40 and 70 who were diagnosed with stroke at least 6 months ago were included in the study. The sociodemographic data of patients was questioned with descriptive questionnaire. Gastrocnemius muscle spasticity with MAS, trunk control with TIS, and gait symmetry with Kinect V2 camera-based software of the patients were evaluated. Results: There was a numerical difference in gait symmetry between individuals those gastrocnemius muscle spasticity severity was less than 2 and with 2 or more than 2 according to MAS, but was found that not statistically significant (p>0.05). In total TIS score and coordination subparameter, significant difference was found between individuals with gastrocnemius muscle spasticity severity less than 2 and those with 2 or more than 2 (p<0.05). There was not significant difference in static sitting balance and dynamic sitting balance subparameter between individuals with gastrocnemius muscle spasticity less than 2 and those with 2 or more than 2 (p>0.05). It was determined that total TIS score and coordination subparameter was negative correlated with severity of gastrocnemius muscle spasticity. Conclusion: According to results of our study, gastrocnemius muscle spasticity management should be included in the rehabilitation program improve trunk control and gait in individuals with stroke. We think that our study will shed light intervention studies on improve trunk control and of gait in individuals with stroke.