Factors associated with community ambulation in chronic stroke

Abstract

Purpose: 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). Conclusion: 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.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• 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.

• Balance self-efficacy
• community ambulation
• gait
• stroke

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the patients that participated in this study.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no declaration of interests.