Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the cut-off value of the weight-bearing rate (WBR) on the paretic lower limb that is needed for independent walking without a cane. Methods: The participants were 128 stroke patients. Age, sex, muscle strength of both the paretic and non-paretic lower limbs, Brunnstrom recovery stage of the lower limbs, deep sensation, and the WBR on both the paretic and non-paretic lower limbs were used as variables. The patients who could independently walk in the hospital without a cane were categorized as independent group, and those who walked with a cane, or observation or assistance by a staff member were dependent group. Results: The WBR on the paretic lower limb was most strongly related to independent walking without a cane, and a WBR value of 80.5% on the paretic lower limb gave a clear cut-off value (p<0.05). Conclusions: Although multiple factors affect independent walking without a cane in stroke patients, the WBR on the paretic lower limb is the most useful factor for predicting an independent walking without a cane.
