Value of walking speed at the evaluation of motor function recovery in hemiparetic patients after stroke

ObjectiveTo identify the value of walking speed at the evaluation of motor function recovery in hemiparetic patients after stroke.MethodsFifty-five cases were assessed in the study. The walking speed, motor function, strengths of the paretic lower limb,balance and ambulation of ADL function were evaluated with the 10m Maximum Walking Speed Test,Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Motricity Index, Berg Balance Scale and ambulation item of Functional Independence Measure. The level of association between walking speed and the clinical variables were examined with Pearson's correlation coefficients.ResultsIn the slow group, the gait-related clinical scores were related to walking speed (Pearson's r=0.581-0.770,P0.05),while that in the moderate group and fast group were not (Pearson's r=0.016-0.380,P0.05).The correlation between the gait-related clinical scores and walking speed was weakened when walking speed above 44.8m/min(or 41.3% of normal values).ConclusionWalking speed plays an independent role as an indicator of improved performance.