Self-selected walking speed predicts ability to run following traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
To identify factors that predict running ability following traumatic brain injury (TBI), and to quantify performance thresholds for these predictors.


METHODS
Cross-sectional cohort study.


METHODS
One hundred fourteen people with TBI.


METHODS
Self-selected walking speed, the high-level mobility assessment tool, postural stability (lateral center of mass displacement), ankle power generation at push-off and quality of gait performance (Gait Profile Score).


RESULTS
All predictor variables were all strongly associated with the ability to run. However, only self-selected walking speed contributed significantly to the final result. Investigation of performance thresholds for self-selected walking speed indicated that following TBI, people who walk at speeds of 1.0 m/s or higher are 16.9 times more likely of being able to run than for those who walk at speeds of less than 1.0 m/s.


CONCLUSIONS
Self-selected walking speeds higher than 1.0 m/s greatly increase the likelihood of running following brain injury. The 1.0 m/s threshold, although slower than able-bodied self-selected walking speeds, may be an important indicator of the ability to run in this population.
Physiotherapy Department, Epworth Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Dr Williams); and Centre for Health Exercise and Sports Medicine, School of Physiotherapy (Drs Williams and Morris) and Department of Mechanical Engineering (Dr Schache), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Gavin
G
Williams
Anthony G
AG
Schache
Meg E
ME
Morris
D000054:Acceleration; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019540:Area Under Curve; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D012647:Self-Assessment; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult