Identifying Key Predictors of Gait Speed in Individuals with Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study

One of the most important targets after stroke, which is a major cause of disability worldwide, is to improve gait ability. Although many different parameters required for gait improvement are known, determining the key parameters is of great importance. This study aims to identify key parameters that predict gait speed in individuals with stroke, with a particular focus on motor and sensory components. A total of 41 individuals with stroke participated in the study. Gait speed, balance, muscle strength, motor functions, spasticity, proprioception, and plantar cutaneous sensation were assessed by 2-min walk test, Berg Balance Scale, hand-held dynamometer, Fugl Meyer assessment-lower extremity, Modified Modified Ashworth Scale, repositioning error, and Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Test, respectively. In this study, gait speed was correlated with all parameters except for plantar cutaneous sensation. Balance and lower extremity muscle strength were found to be the main parameters predicting gait speed (Adj. R² = 0.656, p < 0.001). Furthermore, hip flexor muscle strength emerged as an important predictor of gait speed among the lower extremity muscle groups (Adj. R² = 0.618, p < 0.001). The findings indicate that balance and lower extremity muscle strength, particularly hip flexor muscle strength, may serve as potential targets for interventions to increase gait speed, although the statistical results do not imply causality.