title: Factors associated with community ambulation in chronic stroke.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Loss of independent community ambulation is one of the most disabling consequences of stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of multiple personal and post-stroke factors with community ambulation in persons between 1- and 3-year post-stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a cross-sectional study of 40 community-dwelling stroke patients, >18 years, between 1- and 3-year post-stroke. The main outcome measures used were self-report community ambulation questionnaire, demographic information, 10-M Walk Test, Timed Up and Go test, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Trail-Making Test-Part B, Single Letter Cancellation Test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Age, number of medications and use of a walking aid were found to be significantly associated with community ambulation (p ≤ 0.05). Gait speed, walking balance and balance self-efficacy were also found to be significantly associated with community ambulation (p ≤ 0.05). Balance self-efficacy was the only factor independently associated with community ambulation post-stroke (p ≤ 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Balance self-efficacy may be a significant determinant in the attainment of independent community ambulation post-stroke. This suggests that physical aspects such as gait speed and walking balance should not be considered in isolation when addressing community ambulation post-stroke.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Balance self-efficacy may play a significant role in the attainment of independent community ambulation in a chronic stroke population. Physiotherapy interventions addressing community ambulation post-stroke should consider methods for improving balance self-efficacy in chronic stroke, such as self management programmes.
authors: a Stroke Rehabilitation Team, Baggot Street Community Hospital , Dublin , Ireland and.
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Durcan
authors: a Stroke Rehabilitation Team, Baggot Street Community Hospital , Dublin , Ireland and.
authors: Evelyn
authors: E
authors: Flavin
authors: b School of Physiotherapy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland , Dublin , Ireland.
authors: Frances
authors: F
authors: Horgan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D020377:Self Efficacy; D057566:Self Report; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016138:Walking
keywords: Balance self-efficacy; community ambulation; gait; stroke