Targeting effect on gait parameters in healthy individuals and post-stroke hemiparetic individuals

BACKGROUND: A targeting effect may occur in any gait analysis trial where the participant is instructed to step in a particular area or a clearly marked target is in their path. The targeting effect may affect the gait parameters and any variability being studied in regard to the participants. There are few studies examining this effect for healthy subjects and none for special populations. METHODS: This study aimed to investigate if any targeting effects occurred in healthy and stroke-survivor populations. Eight male participants were recruited, four of whom exhibited right-hand side hemiparesis resulting from stroke. Each participant performed a series of gait trials at a comfortable walking pace after being made aware of the force plate in the centre of the walkway. The participants gait was then analysed and compared before and after the target force plate. RESULTS: The results of the trials showed significant variations (p < 0.005) in the spatiotemporal gait parameters in both the healthy and stroke-survivor groups indicating a targeting effect. CONCLUSIONS: The effects were similar in both groups with the step speed and length being slower and shorter for the targeting step compared to the step after the force plate.