Self-reported walking ability in persons with chronic stroke and the relationship with gait performance tests.

OBJECTIVE

To assess self-reported walking ability in individuals with chronic stroke and to determine the relationship with gait performance tests.

DESIGN

Descriptive analysis of a convenience sample.

SETTING

A university hospital rehabilitation medicine clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty ambulatory community-dwelling poststroke individuals (mean age, 64 years [range, 44-74 years] and mean time since stroke onset 42 months [range, 6-101 months]).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The Walking Impact Scale (the Walk-12) to assess self-reported walking ability, and the Timed "Up & Go" test, 10-m Comfortable Gait Speed and Fast Gait Speed tests, and 6-Minute Walk Test to assess gait performance.

RESULTS

A majority of the participants (94%) reported limitations in their walking ability. The most common limitations were related to standing or walking, walking speed and distance, effort, and gait quality aspects. The ability to run was reported as most affected, whereas the need for support indoors or outdoors was least affected. Significant correlations (P < .01) were found between the Walk-12 and the 4 gait performance tests (ρ = -0.60 to 0.60).

CONCLUSIONS

Persons with chronic stroke perceive limitations in their walking ability. The relationship between the Walk-12 and the 4 gait performance tests indicates that self-reports and quantitative assessments are associated. Because the Walk-12 reflects broader dimensions than the gait performance tests, it can be a complementary tool when walking ability in persons with chronic stroke is evaluated.