Sympathetic nervous system activity measured by skin conductance quantifies the challenge of walking adaptability tasks after stroke
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2018
Abstract
Background Walking adaptability tasks are challenging for people with motor impairments. The construct of perceived challenge is typically measured by self-report assessments, which are susceptible to subjective measurement error. The development of an objective physiologically-based measure of challenge may help to improve the ability to assess this important aspect of mobility function. The objective of this study to investigate the use of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity measured by skin conductance to gauge the physiological stress response to challenging walking adaptability tasks in people post-stroke. Methods Thirty adults with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis performed a battery of seventeen walking adaptability tasks. SNS activity was measured by skin conductance from the palmar surface of each hand. The primary outcome variable was the percent change in skin conductance level (ΔSCL) between the baseline resting and walking phases of each task. Task difficulty was measured by performance speed and by physical therapist scoring of performance. Walking function and balance confidence were measured by preferred walking speed and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, respectively. Results There was a statistically significant negative association between ΔSCL and task performance speed and between ΔSCL and clinical score, indicating that tasks with greater SNS activity had slower performance speed and poorer clinical scores. ΔSCL was significantly greater for low functioning participants versus high functioning participants, particularly during the most challenging walking adaptability tasks. Conclusion This study supports the use of SNS activity measured by skin conductance as a valuable approach for objectively quantifying the perceived challenge of walking adaptability tasks in people post-stroke.
Publication Title
Gait and Posture
Volume
60
First Page
148
Last Page
153
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1016/j.gaitpost.2017.11.025
PubMed ID
29216598
ISSN
09666362
E-ISSN
18792219
Citation Information
Clark, Chatterjee, S. A., McGuirk, T. E., Porges, E. C., Fox, E. J., & Balasubramanian, C. K. (2018). Sympathetic nervous system activity measured by skin conductance quantifies the challenge of walking adaptability tasks after stroke. Gait & Posture, 60, 148–153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2017.11.025