Abstract
Hemiparesis grade, weight bearing on the hemiparetic limb while standing, muscle strength of the affected limb, deep sensory impairment, height, body weight, period after onset, and age were evaluated in 39 stroke patients in order to determine the relationship between these factors and walking task performance (speed and level of independence). Individual relationships between these factors were also investigated. Statistical analysis for selection of the most important factor related to gait abilities was performed using stepwise multiple regression analysis. The hemiparesis grade, weight bearing rate, and muscle strength were found to correlate with both gait speed and level of independence. There were also significant individual correlation between the three factors. The most important factor affecting gait speed was the rate of weight bearing on the hemiparetic limb, and the most important factor affecting gait levels of independence was the hemiparesis grade. The results indicate that the measurement of quantitative motor function is important to project the walking task performance in stroke patients, as well as to evaluate qualitative motor function.
