title: Correlations between Berg balance scale and gait speed in individuals with stroke wearing ankle-foot orthoses - a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The Berg balance scale (BBS) is commonly used to assess balancing ability in patients with stroke. The BBS may be a good candidate for clinical assessment prior to orthotic intervention, if it correlates well with outcome measures such as gait speed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the BBS measured prior to walking with an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) and specific temporal-spatial parameters of gait when walking with an AFO donned.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight individuals with chronic stroke participated in this study. Balancing ability was assessed using the BBS, while temporal-spatial parameters of gait (gait speed, bilateral step length, stride length and step width) were measured using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. The correlations between the BBS and gait parameters were investigated using a non-parametric Kendall's Tau (τ) correlation analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The BBS showed correlations with gait speed (τ = 0.64, p < 0.05), the step length of the affected side (τ = 0.74, p < 0.05), and the stride length (τ = 0.64, p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Assessment of the BBS prior to AFO prescription may potentially help clinicians to estimate the gait speed achievable following orthotic intervention in patients with stroke. Implications for Rehabilitation Assessment of the BBS prior to AFO prescription may help orthotists to estimate the gait speed following an orthotic intervention in patients with stroke. Assessment of the BBS prior to AFO prescription may help orthotists to understand overall balance and postural control abilities in patients with stroke. A larger scale multifactorial analysis is warranted to confirm the results of this pilot study.
authors: a Orthocare Innovations , Mountlake Terrace , WA , USA .
authors: Toshiki
authors: T
authors: Kobayashi
authors: b Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering , The Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Hong Kong , People's Republic of China .
authors: Aaron K L
authors: AK
authors: Leung
authors: c The Hyogo Institute of Assistive Technology , Kobe , Japan , and.
authors: Yasushi
authors: Y
authors: Akazawa
authors: d Centre for Health, Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences Research, University of Salford , Manchester , UK.
authors: Stephen W
authors: SW
authors: Hutchins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000842:Ankle; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002908:Chronic Disease; D061826:Foot Orthoses; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Ankle–foot orthosis; Berg balance scale; hemiplegia; posture; walk