Articular analysis of gait during the swing phase in individuals with neurological sequelae

Authors

  • Edgar Raúl Quezada Calle Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil (Ecuador)
  • María Magdalena Rosado Álvarez Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil (Ecuador) https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2519-4780
  • Orlando Patricio Romero Ibarra Universidad de Guayaquil (Ecuador)
  • José Danny Peralta Machado Universidad de Guayaquil (Ecuador)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v68.116381

Keywords:

Stroke, gait analysis, kinematics, range of motion, articular, neurological rehabilitation

Abstract

Introduction: Gait in individuals with neurological sequelae following a cerebrovascular event is often altered due to joint restrictions that impair functional mobility. The swing phase represents a key moment for detecting such alterations.

Objective: To analyze the degree of joint impairment in the hip, knee, and ankle during the swing phases of gait in individuals with motor impairment secondary to a cerebrovascular event, using angular measurements obtained through digital analysis tools.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 30 participants. A two-dimensional angular analysis in the sagittal plane was applied, assessing the initial, mid, and terminal swing phases. Measurements were processed using Kinovea and compared to established functional reference ranges.

Results: The greatest impairment was found in the knee during the terminal phase, with a difference of 56.5° from the expected functional range. The hip and ankle showed progressive alterations, with maximum differences of 39.5° and 36.5°, respectively. An interdependent pattern between joints was observed, extending beyond isolated segmental impairment.

Discussion: The findings are consistent with previous studies that describe joint stiffness, compensatory mechanisms, and asymmetry in post-stroke patients. The methodology enabled detailed characterization by phase and segment, using low-cost tools with clinical applicability.

Conclusion: The segmented analysis facilitated the identification of clinically relevant joint deficits, providing objective values to guide rehabilitation. The detection of impairments of up to 56.5° highlights the utility of this approach for planning targeted therapeutic interventions based on the specific joint and gait phase involved.

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Published

23-06-2025

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Section

Original Research Article

How to Cite

Quezada Calle, E. R., Rosado Álvarez, M. M., Romero Ibarra, O. P., & Peralta Machado, J. D. (2025). Articular analysis of gait during the swing phase in individuals with neurological sequelae. Retos, 68, 1635-1643. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v68.116381