Walking speed best explains perceived locomotion ability in ambulatory people with chronic stroke,assessed by the ABILOCO questionnaire

BackgroundThe identification of the predictors of locomotion ability could help professionals select variables to be considered during clinical evaluations and interventions.ObjectiveTo investigate which impairment measures would best predict locomotion ability in people with chronic stroke.MethodsIndividuals (n = 115) with a chronic stroke were assessed. Predictors were characteristics of the participants (i.e. age, sex, and time since stroke), motor impairments (i.e. muscle tonus, strength, and motor coordination), and activity limitation (i.e. walking speed). The outcome of interest was the ABILOCO scores, a self-reported questionnaire for the assessment of locomotion ability, designed specifically for individuals who have suffered a stroke.ResultsAge, sex, and time since stroke did not significantly correlate with the ABILOCO scores (−0.07 < ρ < 0.05; 0.48 < p < 0.99). Measures of motor impairments and walking speed were significantly correlated with the ABILOCO scores (−0.25 < r < 0.57; p < 0.001), but only walking speed and strength were kept in the regression model. Walking speed alone explained 35% (F = 55.5; p < 0.001) of the variance in self-reported locomotion ability. When strength was included in the model, the explained variance increased to 37% (F = 31.4; p < 0.001).ConclusionsWalking speed and lower limb strength best predicted locomotion ability as perceived by individuals who have suffered a stroke.     

Balance impairment limits ability to increase walking speed in individuals with chronic stroke

Purpose Determine the relationship between balance impairments and the ability to increase walking speed (WS) on demand in individuals with chronic stroke. Methods WS and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) data were collected on 124 individuals with chronic stroke (>6 months). The ability to increase WS on demand (walking speed reserve, WSR) was quantified as the difference between participants’ self-selected (SSWS) and maximal (MWS) walking speeds. Correlation, regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between balance and the ability to increase WS. Results Of sample, 58.9% were unable to increase WS on demand (WSR?r_s=0.74, 0.65–0.81) and were predictive of ‘able/unable’ to increase WS [odds ratio (OR)?=?0.75, 0.67–0.84]. The AUC for the ROC curve constructed to assess the accuracy of BBS to discriminate between able/unable to increase WS was 0.85 (0.78–0.92). A BBS cutscore of 47 points was identified [sensitivity: 72.6%, specificity: 90.2%,?+likelihood ratio (LR): 7.41, ?LR: 0.30]. Conclusions The inability to increase WS on demand is common in individuals with chronic stroke, and balance appears to be a significant contributor to this difficulty. A BBS cutscore of 47 points can identify individuals who may benefit from balance interventions to improve the ability to increase their WS.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• A majority of individuals with chronic stroke may be unable to increase their walking speed beyond their self-selected speed on demand.

• This may limit functional ambulation, as these individuals are walking “at capacity”.

• Balance impairments contribute to the inability to increase walking speed.

• A Berg Balance Scale score <47 points can be used to identify individuals with chronic stroke walking “at capacity” due to balance impairments.

     

早期康复治疗对脑血管意外患者下肢运动功能及独立行走的影响

目的比较不同时间介入康复治疗对脑血管意外患者下肢运动功能及步行功能的影响。方法脑血管意外患者40例,发病后≤1个月进行康复治疗的20例为早期治疗组;>1个月的20例为对照组,均以物理治疗为主,结合中医传统疗法,治疗30 d后比较治疗前后患者的Brunnstrom分级及行走能力。结果治疗30 d后与治疗前比较,对照组患者Brunnstrom运动分级无明显提高,χ2=3.6,P>0.05。治疗组患者Brunnstrom运动分级明显提高,χ2=17.36,P<0.05。治疗组与对照组对比对照组3种分类,χ2=6.88,P<0.05。治疗组独立步行率80%,与对照组40%比较,χ2=6.67,P<0.01。早期治疗组Brunnstrom运动分级及行走能力均较对照组均有显著提高。结论脑血管意外患者早期进行康复治疗对下肢运动功能及步行功能恢复效果好。     

脑卒中患者患侧下肢肌力与步行速度和步行独立性的关系

目的研究脑卒中偏瘫患者的患侧下肢肌力与步行速度和步行独立性之间的相互关系,明确下肢肌力在影响步行功能恢复上的决定因素,为制定更为有效的康复治疗程序提供指南。方法37例恢复步行能力的脑卒中偏瘫患者,用Motricity指数评测患侧下肢肌力,测定在自然舒适状态下的10m步行速度,用FIM中的步行项目测量步行的独立性。对患侧下肢肌力与步行速度和步行独立性之间进行Pearson相关分析,然后进行逐步回归分析。结果患者患侧下肢肌力与步行速度和步行独立性之间呈高度正相关(r=0.738和0.695,P<0.001);患侧髋屈曲肌力是步行速度和步行独立性最重要的决定因素(R2=0.331和0.479,P<0.001)。结论脑卒中患者的患侧下肢肌力在步行速度和步行独立性恢复方面具有重要的作用。     

Dual-task exercise improves walking ability in chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial

Yang YR, Wang RY, Chen YC, Kao MJ. Dual-task exercise improves walking ability in chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective

To examine the effectiveness of a dual-task-based exercise program on walking ability in subjects with chronic stroke.

Design

Single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Setting

General community.

Participants

Twenty-five subjects with chronic stroke who were at least limited community ambulatory subjects (a minimum gait velocity, 58cm/s).

Interventions

Participants were randomized into a control group (n=12) or experimental group (n=13). Subjects in the control group did not receive any rehabilitation training. Subjects in the experimental group underwent a 4-week ball exercise program.

Main Outcome Measures

Gait performance was measured under single task (preferred walking) and tray-carrying task. Gait parameters of interest were walking speed, cadence, stride time, stride length, and temporal symmetry index.

Results

The experimental group showed significant improvement in all selected gait measures except for temporal symmetry index under both task conditions. In the control group, there were no significant changes over the 4-week period for all selected measures. There was a significant difference between groups for all selected gait variables except for temporal symmetry index under both task conditions.

Conclusions

The dual-task-based exercise program is feasible and beneficial for improving walking ability in subjects with chronic stroke.     

Criterion validity of the StepWatch Activity Monitor as a measure of walking activity in patients after stroke

Mudge S, Stott NS, Walt SE. Criterion validity of the StepWatch Activity Monitor as a measure of walking activity in patients after stroke.

Objectives

To test the validity of the StepWatch Activity Monitor (SAM) in subjects with stroke against 2 criterion standards, 3-dimensional gait analysis (3-DGA) and footswitches in a variety of indoor and outdoor walking conditions, including different speeds and different terrains, and to test the accuracy of the SAM when worn on the paretic limb.

Design

Criterion standard validation study.

Setting

Gait laboratory and outside course.

Participants

Twenty-five participants with physical disability after stroke.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

The total step count measured simultaneously by SAM and either 3-DGA or footswitches for both paretic and nonparetic limbs.

Results

The total step count measured by the SAM and 3-DGA was highly correlated (nonparetic limb, r=.959; paretic limb, r=.896). The 95% limits of agreement (LOA) (derived from Bland-Altman analysis) between the SAM and 3-DGA were within ±10 steps for SAMs worn on either the nonparetic or paretic limb. The total step count measured simultaneously by the SAM and footswitches was also highly correlated for each limb (nonparetic, r=.999; paretic, r=.963). The 95% LOA between the SAM and footswitches were ±9 steps on the nonparetic limb but higher at ±57 steps on the paretic limb. Further analysis showed that the measurement differences occurred during the outdoor component of the combined walk. The 95% LOA between footswitches on both limbs were not more than ±9 steps for walking, suggesting that the error was accounted for by the SAM on the paretic limb, which both over- and underread the total step count in the outdoor walking conditions.

Conclusions

Criterion validity of the SAM to measure steps in both clinical and natural environments has been established when used on the nonparetic limb. However, more errors are apparent when the SAM is worn on the paretic limb while walking over a variety of outdoor terrains. Validation is recommended before use in patients with neurologic conditions affecting bilateral legs because there may be more error, particularly in outdoor activities.     

Neuromuscular electric stimulation effect on lower-extremity motor recovery and gait kinematics of patients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electric stimulation (NMES) of the tibialis anterior muscle on motor recovery and gait kinematics of patients with stroke. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded trial. SETTING: Rehabilitation ward and gait laboratory of a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 25 consecutive inpatients with stroke (mean age, 55y), all within 6 months poststroke and without volitional ankle dorsiflexion. INTERVENTION: Both the NMES group (n=12) and the control group (n=13) participated in a conventional stroke rehabilitation program, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The NMES group also received 10 minutes of NMES to the tibialis anterior muscle of the paretic limb. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Brunnstrom stages of motor recovery and kinematic characteristics of gait. RESULTS: Brunnstrom stages improved significantly in both groups (P<.05). In total, 58% of the NMES group and 61% of the control group gained voluntary ankle dorsiflexion. Between-group difference of percentage change was not significant (P>.05). Gait kinematics was improved in both groups, but the difference between groups was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: NMES of the tibialis anterior muscle combined with a conventional stroke rehabilitation program was not superior to a conventional stroke rehabilitation program alone, in terms of lower-extremity motor recovery and gait kinematics.     

Bilateral coordination and gait symmetry after body-weight supported treadmill training for persons with chronic stroke

Background

Locomotor interventions are commonly assessed using functional outcomes, but these outcomes provide limited information about changes toward recovery or compensatory mechanisms. The study purposes were to examine changes in gait symmetry and bilateral coordination following body-weight supported treadmill training in individuals with chronic hemiparesis due to stroke and to compare findings to participants without disability.

Methods

Nineteen participants with stroke (> 6 months) who ambulated between 0.4 and 0.8 m/s and 22 participants without disability were enrolled in this repeated-measures study. The stroke group completed 24 intervention sessions over 8 weeks with 20 minutes of walking/session. The non-disabled group served as a comparison for describing changes in symmetry and coordination. Bilateral 3-dimensional motion analysis and gait speed were assessed across 3 time points (pre-test, immediate post-test, and 6-month retention). Continuous relative phase was used to evaluate bilateral coordination (thigh–thigh, shank–shank, foot–foot) and gait symmetry was assessed with spatiotemporal ratios (step length, swing time, stance time).

Findings

Significant improvements in continuous relative phase (shank–shank and foot–foot couplings) were found at post-test and retention for the stroke group. Significant differences in spatiotemporal symmetry ratios were not found over time. Compared to the non-disabled group, changes in bilateral coordination moved in the direction of normal recovery. Most measures of continuous relative phase were more responsive to change after training than the spatiotemporal ratios.

Interpretations

After body-weight supported treadmill training, the stroke group made improvements toward recovery of normal bilateral coordination. Bilateral coordination and gait symmetry measures may assess different aspects of gait.     

Outcome measures to assess walking ability following stroke: a systematic review of the literature

Objectives

The recovery of independent walking is an important goal in stroke rehabilitation. The objective of this systematic review was to identify all outcome measures used in the stroke research literature that included an evaluation of walking ability and evaluate the concepts contained in these measures with reference to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.

Data sources

Searches were conducted of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases for the time period January 1990-December 2005 using appropriate keywords.

Review methods

Studies were selected for further analysis if they used one or more standardized outcome measure incorporating an aspect of walking defined by the ICF. The outcome measure had to have published psychometric properties and specifically measure walking rather than mobility. The content of each outcome measure was classified with reference to the ICF subcategories for walking. The number of times each outcome measure was used was calculated.

Results

Three hundred and fifty-seven studies met the selection criteria. Sixty-one different outcome measures were used a total of 848 times to measure walking ability. Six of the outcome measures reflected impairment and 52 reflected limitations of activity and participation. The other three outcome measures showed overlap between domains, reflecting aspects of both impairment and limitations in activity and participation. The three most frequently used measures (self-paced gait speed measured over a short distance, spatiotemporal parameters and fast gait speed) were used 350 times but only assessed one ICF subcategory. The Rivermead Mobility Index and the Adapted Patient Evaluation Conference System assessed the greatest number of ICF subcategories but were used only 19 times and once respectively.

Conclusions

The most frequently used outcome measures reflect only one aspect of walking ability: walking short distances. Mobility tasks related to function in the community, like walking long distances, around obstacles and over uneven ground, and moving around outside or in buildings other then the home are not well represented by outcome measures used in most studies.     

急性脑卒中患者独立步行能力的预测

目的　预测急性脑卒中患者独立步行能力的恢复。方法　采用以神经发育疗法和运动疗法为主的综合康复治疗技术 ,并配合传统的按摩疗法和功能性电刺激 ,以及躯干控制试验、站立平衡检测、功能独立性评定量表中的步行能力检测和巴氏指数的残疾程度评定 ,对急性脑卒中患者进行临床观察和研究。结果　急性脑卒中患者的躯干控制能力、站立平衡功能与独立步行能力的恢复呈高度正相关 (rs 分别为 0 .764和 0 .82 6)。康复组的独立步行能力恢复率为 72 .63 % ,与对照组 ( 14 .94% )相比差异有显著性 (P<0 .0 0 1)。经综合康复治疗 ,中度功能残疾和轻度功能残疾者中有 77.3 6%和 85 .72 %恢复独立步行 ,明显优于重度功能残疾者 ( 2 8.5 7% ) ,P <0 .0 0 1。结论　早期进行康复治疗 ,加强躯干控制能力和站立平衡功能训练 ,可以促进急性脑卒中患者独立步行能力的恢复 ,轻度和中度功能残者的独立步行能力恢复较好。     

Effect of sensory-amplitude electric stimulation on motor recovery and gait kinematics after stroke: a randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of sensory-amplitude electric stimulation (SES) of the paretic leg on motor recovery and gait kinematics of patients with stroke. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, double-blind study. SETTING: Rehabilitation ward and gait laboratory of a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 30 consecutive inpatients with stroke (mean age, 63.2 y), all within 6 months poststroke and without volitional ankle dorsiflexion were studied. INTERVENTION: Both the SES group (n=15) and the placebo group (n=15) participated in a conventional stroke rehabilitation program 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The SES group also received 30 minutes of SES to the paretic leg without muscle contraction 5 days a week for 4 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Brunnstrom stages of motor recovery and time-distance and kinematic characteristics of gait. RESULTS: Brunnstrom stages improved significantly in both groups (P<.05). In total, 58% of the SES group and 56% of the placebo group gained voluntary ankle dorsiflexion. The between-group difference of percentage change was not significant (P>.05). Gait kinematics was improved in both groups, but the between-group difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: In our patients with stroke, SES of the paretic leg was not superior to placebo in terms of lower-extremity motor recovery and gait kinematics.     

Relationship between lower limb coordination and walking speed after stroke: an observational study

BackgroundAlthough lower limb muscle strength is associated with walking performance in people after stroke, even when there is good strength, walking speed may remain slower than normal, perhaps due to incoordination.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between walking speed and lower limb coordination in people with good strength after stroke.MethodsAn observational study was conducted with 30 people with stroke and 30 age-matched controls. Inclusion criteria for stroke were good lower limb strength (i.e., ≥Grade 4) and walking speed at >0.6 m/s without aids in bare feet (with recruitment stratified so that walking speed was evenly represented across the range). Walking performance was measured as speed during the 10-m Walk Test and distance during the 6-min Walk Test. Coordination was measured using the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test and reported in taps/s.ResultsStroke survivors walked at 1.00 (SD 0.26) m/s during the10-m Walk Test (64% of normal), walked 349 (SD 94) m during the 6-min Walk Test (68% of normal), and performed the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test at 1.20 (SD 0.34) taps/s with the affected side (64% of normal). Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test scores for the affected side were statistically significantly correlated with walking performance in the 10-m Walk Test (r = 0.42, p = 0.02) and the 6-min Walk Test (r = 0.50, p = 0.01).ConclusionCoordination was related to walking performance, suggesting that loss of coordination may contribute to slow walking in this group of stroke survivors with good strength.Trial registration: ANZCTR12614000856617 (www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=366827).     

Reconsidering the motor recovery plateau in stroke rehabilitation

Termination of motor rehabilitation is often recommended as patients with cerebrovascular accident (CVA) become more chronic and/or when they fail to respond positively to motor rehabilitation (commonly termed a "plateau"). Managed-care programs frequently reinforce this practice by restricting care to patients responding to therapy and/or to the most acute patients. When neuromuscular adaptation occurs in exercise, rather than terminating the current regimen, a variety of techniques (eg, modifying intensity, attempting different modalities) are used to facilitate neuromuscular adaptations. After presenting the concepts of the motor recovery plateau and adaptation, we similarly posit that patients with CVA adapt to therapeutic exercise but that this is not indicative of a diminished capacity for motor improvement. Instead, like traditional exercise circumstances, adaptive states can be overcome by modifying regimen aspects (eg, intensity, introducing new exercises). Findings suggesting that patients with chronic CVA can benefit from motor rehabilitation programs that apply novel or different parameters and modalities. The objectives of this commentary are to (1) to encourage practitioners to reconsider the notion of the motor recovery plateau, (2) to reconsider chronic CVA patients' ability to recover motor function, and (3) to use different modalities when accommodation is exhibited.     

Effects of robot-aided bilateral force-induced isokinetic arm training combined with conventional rehabilitation on arm motor function in patients with chronic stroke

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of conventional rehabilitation combined with bilateral force-induced isokinetic arm movement training on paretic upper-limb motor recovery in patients with chronic stroke. DESIGN: Single-cohort, pre- and postretention design. SETTING: Rehabilitation department at a medical university. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty subjects who had unilateral strokes at least 6 months before enrolling in the study. INTERVENTION: A training program (40min/session, 3 sessions/wk for 8wk) consisting of 10 minutes of conventional rehabilitation and 30 minutes of robot-aided, bilateral force-induced, isokinetic arm movement training to improve paretic upper-limb motor function. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The interval of pretest, post-test, and retention test was set at 8 weeks. Clinical arm motor function (Fugl-Meyer Assessment [FMA], upper-limb motor function, Frenchay Arm Test, Modified Ashworth Scale), paretic upper-limb strength (grip strength, arm push and pull strength), and reaching kinematics analysis (peak velocity, percentage of time to peak velocity, movement time, normalized jerk score) were used as outcome measures. RESULTS: After comparing the sets of scores, we found that the post-test and retention test in arm motor function significantly improved in terms of grip (P=.009), push (P=.001), and pull (P=.001) strengths, and FMA upper-limb scale (P<.001). Reaching kinematics significantly improved in terms of movement time (P=.015), peak velocity (P=.035), percentage of time to peak velocity (P=.004), and normalized jerk score (P=.008). Improvement in reaching ability was not sustained in the retention test. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results showed that conventional rehabilitation combined with robot-aided, bilateral force-induced, isokinetic arm training might enhance the recovery of strength and motor control ability in the paretic upper limb of patients with chronic stroke.     

Sensory retraining of the lower limb after acute stroke: a randomized controlled pilot trial

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of a sensory retraining protocol on sensation, postural control, and gait in acute stroke subjects. DESIGN: Randomized controlled pilot trial. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one subjects with sensory deficits in the feet, undergoing rehabilitation for stroke. INTERVENTION: Sensory retraining of the more affected lower limb versus relaxation (sham intervention). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Light touch at the sole of the foot (Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments), proprioception (Distal Proprioception Test), postural control (Berg Balance Scale), and gait (timed, Iowa Level of Assistance Scale). RESULTS: Significant improvements (P<.05) over time were found in light touch at 3 points of the feet and in postural control, timed gait, and walking aid. No significant time effects were observed in proprioception or amount of assistance required to walk. No significant differences were detected between groups in any of the outcome variables, apart from light touch at the first metatarsal. The study had poor power (13%) to detect group effects due to the small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this pilot study are unable to support or refute the routine use of sensory retraining of the lower limb for people during inpatient rehabilitation after stroke. Further research with a larger sample size is required.     

脑卒中患者偏瘫侧下肢肌力与运动功能、平衡、步行速度及ADL的关系

目的探讨脑卒中患者偏瘫侧下肢肌力与运动功能、平衡、步行速度及日常生活活动能力 (ADL)等临床变量之间的相互关系。方法对 85例脑卒中偏瘫患者 ,用Motricity指数评测患侧下肢肌力 ;用Fugl Meyer法评测下肢运动功能 ;用Berg平衡量表测定平衡功能 ;测定 10m最大步行速度 ;用独立功能量表 (FIM )测量ADL能力。对偏瘫下肢肌力与运动功能、平衡、步行速度和ADL能力临床变量之间进行Pearson相关分析 ,然后进行逐步回归分析确定影响临床变量最重要的下肢肌力因素。结果患者偏瘫侧下肢肌力与运动功能、平衡、步行速度和ADL之间呈高度正相关 (r =0 5 92 -0 811,P <0 0 0 1) ;偏瘫侧踝屈曲肌力、膝伸展肌力和髋屈曲肌力分别是运动功能 (R2 =0 3 77,P <0 0 0 1)、平衡 (R2 =0 3 2 1,P <0 0 0 1)、步行速度 (R2 =0 173 ,P <0 0 0 1)、ADL(R2= 0 42 ,P <0 0 0 1)最重要的决定因素。结论脑卒中患者的偏瘫侧下肢肌力明显影响着患者运动功能、平衡、步行速度和ADL能力的恢复 ,合理地评价和改善偏瘫侧肌力 ,对优化康复治疗程序有重要意义。     

Measurement of energy cost by the physiological cost index in walking after stroke

OBJECTIVE: To compare the Physiological Cost Index (PCI) with direct measurement of oxygen consumption (Vo(2)) as an estimate of energy cost in persons with stroke and healthy subjects. DESIGN: Test-retest on separate days. A comparison of 2 methods of measurement. Measurements with and without an orthosis. SETTING: A university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 20 persons with hemiparesis more than 6 months after stroke and 16 healthy subjects, ages 30 to 63 years. INTERVENTIONS: Five minutes of treadmill walking at self-selected speeds while recording Vo(2) levels and heart rates. Additional data was recorded for 11 of the stroke subjects with and without an ankle-foot orthosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Vo(2) and the PCI. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the PCI or Vo(2) between test and retest. Both PCI and Vo(2) per distance were higher for the stroke subjects compared with healthy subjects. PCI showed a larger dispersion than Vo(2) between test and retest. The regression analysis for PCI showed that the model including age, sex, group assignment, and Vo(2) could explain 53% of the variation. The PCI did not show a significant difference in walking with or without an orthosis, whereas Vo(2) differed significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The PCI showed limited reliability and validity as a measure of energy cost after stroke due to the extensive variability between test and retest.     

Walking recovery after an acute stroke: assessment with a new functional classification and the Barthel Index

OBJECTIVES: To investigate walking recovery after an acute stroke by using both a new functional classification and the Barthel Index, and to identify factors associated with good recovery. DESIGN: A 1-year inception cohort study. SETTING: In- and outpatient setting in a district hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-six patients with a prognosis of intermediate walking recovery. INTERVENTION: Conventional physical rehabilitation under professional supervision. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Walking capacity was assessed with a new classification scale and the Barthel Index during 5 patient evolution stages (admission to the hospital, hospital and physiotherapy discharge, clinical review, end of study). We also assessed the severity of the paresis of the affected lower limb, the time lapse between the stroke until the recovery of the weight-bearing capacity of the affected leg, and finally the time until standing balance was regained. RESULTS: We detected improvement in walking capacity throughout the follow-up process with our new classification scale, but not with the Barthel Index. Significant improvements were observed from the initial assessment, from 1 month onward, and from 3 to 12 months. The functional level of the final ambulation correlated negatively and significantly with the initial time to achieve weight-bearing capacity on the affected leg and also with the standing balance. There was also a significant correlation with the severity of lower-extremity paresis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients experienced an improvement in walking recovery throughout the first year after their stroke. The early weight-bearing capacity of the affected leg and standing balance were associated with higher walking levels 1 year after the stroke.