Prevalnace of Knee Pain in Chronic Stroke Patients with Weight Bearing Asymmetry

Background : Stroke is sudden loss of neurological function caused by an interruption of the blood flow to the brain. Stroke survivors experience a long-term balance and mobility problems. Generally the nonparetic limb bears more weight than the paretic limb; this is known as weight bearing asymmetry. Walkingdysfunction is most commonly reported limitation after stroke and can markedly affect independence,quality of life, and participation. As a resut of weight bearing asymmetry and persisting stroke-related gaitdeviations there can be development of secondary musculoskeletal complications.Materials & Methodology : A cross-sectional study with stroke (n=100) patient was done in duration of 6months. Patient with pain in knee before stroke, hemispatial neglect, who couldn’t follow verbal commands,unable to stand independently, were excluded. Weight bearing asymmetry was checked with the help of 2weighing scales. Pain was assessed with the help of McGill pain questionnaire.Results : It was found that mean age of patients was 52.89 years, mean height was 1.67, mean weight was65.18kgs, and mean BMI was 23.45 (normal). Mean time since stroke was 24.21 months, mean weight onright lower limb was 32.46 kg and mean weight on left lower limb was 32.26 kg and mean McGill pain scorewas 23.40. Correlation analyses revealed a moderate positive relationship between weight and weight onright lower limb (r=-0.51, p<0.01) also weight and weight on left lower limb (r=-0.57, p<0.01). A moderatenegative relationship between weight on right lower limb and weight on left lower limb (r=--0.41, p<0.01).Finally, it was found that out of 100 chronic stroke patients, 48 patients had knee pain in non-paretic limbwith weight bearing asymmetry.Conclusion : There is impact on knee joint in chronic stroke patient with weight bearing asymmetry.