Lower-extremity strength differences predict activity limitations in people with chronic stroke.
BACKGROUND
Body system impairments following stroke have a complex relationship with functional activities. Although gait and balance deficits are well-documented in people after stroke, the overlapping influence of body impairments makes it difficult to prioritize interventions.


OBJECTIVE
This study examined the relationship between prospectively selected measures of body function and structure (body mass index, muscle strength, sensation, and cognition) and activity (gait speed, gait endurance, and functional balance) in people with chronic stroke.


METHODS
This was a cross-sectional, observational study.


METHODS
Twenty-six individuals with mean (SD) age of 57.6 (11) years and time after stroke of 45.4 (43) months participated. Four variables (body mass index, muscle strength difference between the lower extremities, sensation difference between the lower extremities, and Mini-Mental Status Exam score) were entered into linear regression models for gait speed, Six-Minute Walk Test distance, and Berg Balance Scale score.


RESULTS
Lower-extremity strength difference was a significant individual predictor for gait speed, gait endurance, and functional balance. Cognition significantly predicted only gait speed.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors did not include all possible factors in the model that may have influenced gait and balance in these individuals.


CONCLUSIONS
Strength deficits in the hemiparetic lower extremity should be an important target for clinical interventions to improve function in people with chronic stroke.
Kluding
Patricia
P
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, School of Allied Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3056 Robinson Hall, Mailstop 2002, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. pkluding@kumc.edu
Gajewski
Byron
B
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D014110:Touch / Q000502:physiology