Recovery of balance and gait after stroke is deteriorated by confluent white matter hyperintensities: Cohort study.

Background: White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are well known to affect post-stroke disability, mainly by cognitive impairment. Their impact on post-stroke balance and gait disorders is unclear.

Objectives: We aimed to test the hypothesis that WMHs would independently deteriorate post-stroke balance and gait recovery.