Is walking endurance associated with activity and participation late after stroke??

Abstract

Purpose. After stroke, impaired walking ability may affect activity and participation. The aim was to investigate whether self-reported activity and participation were associated with walking endurance late after stroke.

Method. A non-randomised sample of 31 persons with a mean age of 59.7 years and time since stroke of 7–10 years was studied. Walking endurance was measured by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Self-reported activity and participation were measured by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly and the Stroke Impact Scale. Relationships were analysed with linear regression.

Results. A regression model including activities of daily living and 6MWT explained 44%%, mobility and 6MWT explained 25%% and a model including physical activity level and 6MWT explained 21%% of the variation in activity. Regarding participation, the explanatory level of the model of participation and 6MWT was 30%%.

Conclusions. Walking distance several years after stroke was partly associated with self-reported difficulties in activity and participation.

Keywords:

• Stroke
• walking
• activity
• participation
• ambulation
• mobility

Acknowledgements

This study was carried out with financial support of the Norrbacka-Eugenia Foundation, the Swedish Stroke Association, the Council of Research and Development of Gothenburg and Southern Bohuslän, Hjalmar Svensson's Research Foundation and John and Brit Wennerström's Foundation for Neurological Research.