Recovery of paretic lower extremity loading ability and physical function in the first six months after stroke

To evaluate poststroke recovery of paretic lower extremity loading, walking ability, and self-reported physical function; and to identify subject characteristics associated with recovery.

Inception cohort study, with testing at monthly intervals from 1 to 6 months poststroke.

Medical center and research laboratory.

Volunteer sample of individuals with first-ever, unilateral, noncerebellar stroke (N=33). A total of 78 individuals underwent screening, and 45 were found to be eligible. Of these, 8 declined participation, 2 were excluded because of deteriorating cognitive status, and 2 were lost to follow-up. The remaining 33 individuals enrolled in the study, and 30 (91%) completed the study.

Not applicable.

Outcomes were loading of the paretic lower extremity when standing up from a chair, self-selected gait speed (GS), and Physical Functioning Index.

Data analyses using linear mixed models indicated that subjects improved over time for all outcomes. Baseline Fugl-Meyer (FM) lower extremity motor scale score was a predictor of immediate poststroke performance for paretic lower extremity loading and self-selected GS, and a predictor of recovery rate for paretic lower extremity loading. Factors identified as having significant effects on performance at 6 months poststroke were baseline FM lower extremity motor scale score for paretic lower extremity loading and self-selected GS and baseline star cancellation score (from the Behavioral Inattention Test) for paretic lower extremity loading.

Individuals with better baseline paretic lower extremity motor function have better ability to load that extremity during functional activities and faster walking speeds, and these advantages are still present at 6 months poststroke. Individuals with severe visuospatial neglect demonstrate less ability to load the paretic leg during functional activities at 6 months poststroke.