Current Physiotherapy Evidences for Various Gait Training interventions for Knee Hyperextension among Post Stroke Survivors - A Systematic Review

Abstract

Stroke patients often exhibit dissimilarities in their gait patterns. One of the dissimilarities is the hyperextension of the knee. Knee hyperextension is common deviation seen among 48-68% of ambulating hemiparetic patients. Genu recurvatum, commonly referred to as "knee hyperextension," occurs when the ground reaction force passes anterior to the knee joint, causing full knee extension (0°) or even greater. Several potential aetiologies contribute to knee hyperextension, including diminished activation of the knee extensors, inadequate eccentric control of these muscles, quadriceps and plantar flexor spasticity, hamstring weakness, and proprioceptive deficits. Over time, this condition may compromise walking speed, reduce gait efficiency, increase energy expenditure, and may be associated with knee pain. Although various Neurophysiological rehabilitation strategies exist to correct hemiparetic gait, they generally address gait abnormalities without specifically targeting knee hyperextension. Therefore, the aim of this review is to identify gait rehabilitation approaches that focus on reducing knee hyperextension in post-stroke patients. The study reviewed evidence that targeted gait interventions that effectively prevent and reduce knee hyperextension in individuals recovering from stroke.