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.