Ability to negotiate stairs predicts free-living physical activity in community-dwelling people with stroke: an observational study.
OBJECTIVE
Which clinical measures of walking performance best predict free-living physical activity in community-dwelling people with stroke?


METHODS
Cross-sectional observational study.


METHODS
42 community-dwelling stroke survivors.


METHODS
Predictors were four clinical measures of walking performance (speed, automaticity, capacity, and stairs ability). The outcome of interest was free-living physical activity, measured as frequency (activity counts) and duration (time on feet), collected using an activity monitor called the Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity.


RESULTS
Time on feet was predicted by stairs ability alone (B 166, 95% CI 55 to 278) which accounted for 48% of the variance. Activity counts were also predicted by stairs ability alone (B 6486, 95% CI 2922 to 10 050) which accounted for 58% of the variance.


CONCLUSIONS
The best predictor of free-living physical activity in community-dwelling people with stroke was stairs ability.
Alzahrani
Matar Abdullah
MA
Physiotherapy, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia.
Dean
Catherine M
CM
Ada
Louise
L
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011788:Quality of Life; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*