Community ambulation after chronic stroke: A cross-sectional study

Objective: To investigate the association of multiple predictors (gait ability, depression, balance, strength of knee extensors on the paretic side, and mobility) with community ambulation (walking speed >= 0.8 m/ s) of individuals after chronic stroke. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 60 individuals after chronic stroke with a mean age of 59 (+/- 15.75) years. The walking speed (10-m walk test) was used to assess the outcome variable (walking speed >= 0.8 m/s) and the predictors were gait ability (ABILOCO), depression (GDS-15 Geriatric Depression Scale), balance (Berg Balance Scale), strength of knee extensors on the paretic side (modified sphygmomanometer test) and mobility (Timed Up and Go test). Results: All predictors, except depression were independently associated with community ambulation. The mobility was associated with the walking speed, and the model also showed association when it was adjusted with the use of an assistive device. Conclusion: Mobility (p = 0.015; OR = 0.803) and the use of an assistive device (p = 0.006) were associated with the community ambulation in individuals after stroke. This not only suggests that physical aspects, but also environment should be considered when addressing community ambulation after stroke.