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Differences in leg length discrepancy and weight distribution between the healthy and unhealthy sides of hemiplegic stroke patients

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Abstract

Weight distribution is often measured for the evaluation of balance. The present study was designed to evaluate the correlation between leg length discrepancy (LLD) and balance as measured by weight distribution after stroke. Twenty-two patients who were hemiplegic after stroke (twelve men and ten women) participated in this weight-distribution measurement and the LLD measurement study. A tape measure was used to measure LLD between the unhealthy and healthy sides. The balance was measured in three different positions (weight distribution while standing quietly, while sit to standing, and while in a maximal weight-shifting position) using the Messen Tairuieren Dokumentieren system. The degree of weight distribution on the unhealthy side was less than on the healthy side in all the positions. The functional and anatomical leg length discrepancy in the lower limb of the unhealthy side was longer than that of the healthy side. In all positions, these LLDs were significantly correlated with balance on the unhealthy side compared with that on healthy side. The present study in part found that after stroke, hemiplegic patients could become more unbalanced because of asymmetry in weight distribution and decreased limits of stability caused by leg length discrepancy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Health Science & Nanophysiotherapy, Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School, Yongin University, Yongin, 449-714, Korea

    Hye-Joo Jeon, Mee-Young Kim & Jeong-Uk Lee

  2. Department of Physical Therapy, College of Public Health & Welfare, Yongin University, Yongin, 449-714, Korea

    Junghwan Kim

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  1. Hye-Joo Jeon
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  2. Mee-Young Kim
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  3. Jeong-Uk Lee
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  4. Junghwan Kim
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Correspondence to Junghwan Kim.

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These authors contributed equally to this work.

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Jeon, HJ., Kim, MY., Lee, JU. et al. Differences in leg length discrepancy and weight distribution between the healthy and unhealthy sides of hemiplegic stroke patients. Toxicol. Environ. Health Sci. 5, 221–226 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13530-013-0179-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13530-013-0179-0

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