Gluteus Maximus Muscle Atrophy

Stroke is the leading cause of acquired disability in adults. Stroke causes death in 10% of patients, disability and functional handicap in 60% of cases. Sequelea of hemiplegia include spasticity resulting in great difficulty and slowness in walking, gait instability, increasing the risk of falls. Deambulation may need help (cane, crutch, tripod cane, walker). Lower limb spasticity includes hypertonia of extensors (gluteus maximus, quadriceps, posterior gastrocnemius) resulting in equinovarus. A neurology deficit may be present on ipsilateral lower limb flexors. Hence the patient walks with rubbing of the tip of the foot (tip-toeing gait), resulting in a "mowing wheatslike" movement of the leg as described in the French literature. Walking is then slowed down, unstable, with increased risk of falls. In post stroke, during the period of rehabilitation and beyond, it is advisable to wear sports shoes although custom-made shoes improve walking and are reimbursed by the French social security system after prior agreement. Most of patients only wear conventional shoes.