Impact of Action Observation Therapy on Circumduction Gait in Stroke Patients

Background: Circumduction gait is a common compensatory movement pattern used by stroke patients, which significantly affects mobility and quality of life. Action observation therapy (AOT), an emerging rehabilitation approach based on the mirror neuron system, has shown promise in motor recovery. This study explores the impact of AOT on circumduction gait in poststroke individuals. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of AOT in reducing circumduction gait and improving overall gait kinematics in stroke survivors. Methods: A pre-post experimental study was conducted involving 30 stroke patients exhibiting circumduction gait. Participants were divided into an intervention group (n = 15) receiving AOT alongside conventional physiotherapy and a control group(n = 15) undergoing physiotherapy alone. The AOT group watched videos of normal gait patterns and actively attempted to imitate them. Gait parameters, including hip circumduction angle, stride length, and step width, were assessed pre- and postintervention using the footprint method and motion analysis (by Kinovea software; developed by Joan Charmant and Contributors, Kinovea Open Source Project, Bordeaux, France). Results: Patients in the AOT group demonstrated significant improvements in gait symmetry, reduced circumduction angle, increased stride length, and reduced step width compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that AOT facilitates motor relearning and reduces compensatory gait deviations. Conclusion: AOT is an effective adjunct to conventional stroke rehabilitation, aiding in correcting circumduction gait. Its implementation may enhance functional recovery and mobility in stroke patients, ultimately improving independence and quality of life. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate these findings.