Outcome measure of locomotion recovery after stroke: comfortable versus maximum walking speed

ObjectiveTo assess the value of comfortable and maximum walking speed of outcome measuring for locomotion recovery after stroke.Methods10m walking speed of 32 stroke subjects who were able to walk independently were tested in the freely chosen and maximum. The motor function of the paretic lower limb and balance were evaluated with the Fugl-Meyer Assessment,Berg Balance Scale and ambulatory item of Functional Independence Measure. The level of association between gait speeds and the clinical variables were examined with Pearson's correlation coefficients.ResultsComfortable walking speed were significantly positively related to maximum walking speed(r=0.953,P0.001),and balance, motor function of the lower limb and ambulatory function were significantly positively related to comfortable and maximum walking speed(r=0.742-0.834,P0.001).The relationship between comfortable walking speed and clinical variables was higher(r=0.787-0.834,P0.001).Conclusions Both comfortable and maximum walking speed can reflect locomotion recovery after stroke, but comfortable walking speed is more pragmatic,securer and more sensitive.