Background Gait speed represents a functional predictor and an impairment severity index in stroke survivors; gait analysis parameters are descriptors of walking strategies used to compensate for the muscle impairment such as vaulting, circumduction and hip hiking. The aim of this study was to assess if there is a relationship between the gait compensatory strategy and gait speed of progression. Methods A sample of 30 patients with post-stroke hemiparesis was assessed for gait compensatory patterns through gait analysis and videorecording. BMI, pain-VAS, Barthel Index, Nottingham Extended ADL Scale, Motricity Index, lower limb muscles strength and aROMs were also included in the assessment. Results In 19 patients it was possible to identify one or more compensatory strategies; in 11 patients no specific gait pattern was found. The vaulting and hip hiking combined gait strategy had an effect on gait speed. Gait speed was directly related to Barthel Index, Nottingham Extended ADL Scale, Motricity Index of the paretic side and in particular with quadriceps and iliopsoas strength and hip extension aROM. Gender, age and paretic side did not influence gait speed. Conclusion Compensatory gait strategies influence gait speed but studies with larger sample size are needed to better highlight their impact.

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic disease of the skeleton characterized by increased risk of fracture. There is a general consensus on the efficacy of physical activity in the prevention of bone loss, falls and fractures, but there is no agreement on the best setting to exercise. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of a 12-months exercise protocol for women with post-menopausal OP when administered as individual home training (IHT) versus gym group training (GGT). The study is a randomized trial with two parallel groups. Sedentary patients with primary post-menopausal osteoporosis are recruited at the Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli of Bologna. In the first group, the 12-month ACTLIFE program is performed as IHT, while in the second as GGT. The program is aimed at improving joint mobility, muscle force, balance, motor coordination and endurance. The study is single blinded. Patients are assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome is the modification of quality of life measured with the Short Osteoporosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ECOS-16). The findings of this study will highlight advantages and disadvantages of exercising in the two different settings and provide evidence on how to increase physical activity in osteoporotic women.

Adherence is important for an exercise program’s efficacy. This study aims at investigating whether the COVID-19 lockdown had different consequences on the adherence to an exercise program specifically designed for women with postmenopausal osteoporosis when administered as individual home training (IHT) or gym group training (GGT). At the start of the lockdown, which imposed the temporary closure of any gym activities, GGT participants were invited to continue to exercise at home. IHT participants continued to exercise at home as usual. Adherence was recorded via logs and measured as the percentage of exercise sessions actually performed out of the total number of scheduled sessions in three 1-month periods: one before (PRE) and two after (M1 and M2) the beginning of lockdown. Before lockdown, IHT (66.8% ± 26.6) and GGT (76.3% ± 26.6) adherence were similar. During lockdown, IHT participation increased (M1: 81.5% ± 31.0; M2: 88.0% ± 28.3), while that of GGT showed no statistical differences (M1: 79.4% ± 34.2; M2: 80.6% ± 36.4). Exercise protocols based on supervised gym practice must consider the possibility of disruptive events, which could cause a sudden interruption of gym activity and include educational initiatives to instruct participants to exercise effectively and safely without a trainer’s direct supervision.