Ann Rehabil Med.  2015 Aug;39(4):577-585. 10.5535/arm.2015.39.4.577.

Hemiparetic Knee Extensor Strength and Balance Function Are Predictors of Ambulatory Function in Subacute Stroke Patients

• Hyun CW
• Han EY
• Im SH
• Choi JC
• Kim BR
• Yoon HM
• Lee YK

• KMID: 2148228
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2015.39.4.577

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To identify the potential predictors of ambulatory function in subacute stroke patients, and to determine the contributing factors according to gait severity.
METHODS
Fifty-three subacute stroke patents were enrolled. Ambulatory function was assessed by gait speed and endurance. Balance function was evaluated by the Berg Balance Scale score (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). The isometric muscular strengths of bilateral knee extensors and flexors were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Cardiovascular fitness was evaluated using an expired gas analyzer. Participants were assigned into the household ambulator group (<0.4 m/s) or the community ambulator group (> or =0.4 m/s) based on gait severity.
RESULTS
In the linear regression analyses of all patients, paretic knee isometric extensor strength (p=0.007) and BBS (p<0.001) were independent predictors of gait endurance (R2=0.668). TUG (p<0.001) and BBS (p=0.037) were independent predictors of gait speed (R2=0.671). Paretic isometric extensor strength was a predictor of gait endurance (R2=0.340, p=0.008). TUG was a predictor of gait speed (R2=0.404, p<0.001) in the household ambulator group, whereas BBS was a predictive factor of gait endurance (R2=0.598, p=0.008) and speed (R2=0.713, p=0.006). TUG was a predictor of gait speed (R2=0.713, p=0.004) in the community ambulator group.
CONCLUSION
Our results reveal that balance function and knee extensor isometric strength were strong predictors of ambulatory function in subacute stroke patients. However, they work differently according to gait severity. Therefore, a comprehensive functional assessment and a different therapeutic approach should be provided depending on gait severity in subacute stroke patients.

Keyword

Muscle strength; Balance; Physical fitness; Gait; Stroke

MeSH Terms

Family Characteristics
Gait
Humans
Knee*
Linear Models
Muscle Strength
Physical Fitness
Stroke*

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