Article

PURPOSE: To determine the validity of walking speed, muscle strength, function of
the hemiparetic lower limb and self-perceived balance to predict and discriminate
independent community walkers (ICW) within the first 6 months post-stroke.
METHODS: Inpatients with a first ischemic stroke (<3 months),
able to walk, were
evaluated (T0) and re-evaluated after 6 months post-stroke (T1). Comfortable,
fast speed and the difference between fast and comfortable speed, muscle strength
of knee flexors and extensors, sensory-motor function of the hemiparetic lower
limb and self-perceived balance were assessed at T0 and T1. At T1, a
self-reported question was used to discriminate ICW versus Dependent Community
Walkers (DCW). ROC curve analysis was used to determine valid predictive (T0) and
discriminative (T1) cut-offs of ICW. RESULTS: Only 25.7% of the 35 participants
were ICW at T1. Valid predictive cut-offs at T0 were found for fast speed
(>/=0.42 m/s) and Falls Efficacy Scale (<57). Valid discriminators were found at
T1 for fast speed (>0.84 m/s) and FES (<18.50). CONCLUSION: Fast speed and
self-perceived balance appear to be important characteristics of ICW at 6 months
and may be useful early predictors of the potential for patients to achieve this.
Further research is needed to ensure the precision of these functional cut-offs.

Langue : ANGLAIS