Development of the Modified Four Square Step Test and its reliability and validity in people with stroke.

Adults with stroke have difficulty avoiding obstacles when walking, especially when a time constraint is imposed. The Four Square Step Test (FSST) evaluates dynamic balance by requiring individuals to step over canes in multiple directions while being timed, but many people with stroke are unable to complete it. The purposes of this study were to (1) modify the FSST by replacing the canes with tape so that more persons with stroke could successfully complete the test and (2) examine the reliability and validity of the modified version.

Maximum walking speed is a key determinant of long distance walking function after stroke.

Background: Walking dysfunctions persist following poststroke rehabilitation. A major limitation of current rehabilitation efforts is the inability to identify modifiable deficits that, when improved, will result in the recovery of walking function. Previous studies have relied on cross-sectional analyses to identify deficits to target during walking rehabilitation; however, these studies did not account for the influence of a key covariate - maximum walking speed.

A step activity monitoring program improves real world walking activity post stroke.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine whether the walking activity of persons with stroke could be increased through participation in a step activity monitoring program and to assess whether this occurred through a change in the structure of walking activity.

Method: Sixteen individuals living with chronic stroke (>6 months post-stroke) wore a StepWatch Activity Monitor (SAM) and completed a four-week goal centered activity monitoring program. Descriptors of step activity were averaged across baseline and the last week of monitoring, and were used to analyze the changes.

Sampling frequency impacts measurement of walking activity after stroke.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of sampling epoch on total time spent walking and number of walking bouts per day in persons with stroke. Ninety-eight persons with average age of 63.8 yr and average time poststroke of 43.

The structure of walking activity in people after stroke compared with older adults without disability: a cross-sectional study.

Background: People with stroke have reduced walking activity. It is not known whether this deficit is due to a reduction in all aspects of walking activity or only in specific areas. Understanding specific walking activity deficits is necessary for the development of interventions that maximize improvements in activity after stroke.

Influence of systematic increases in treadmill walking speed on gait kinematics after stroke.

Background: Fast treadmill training improves walking speed to a greater extent than training at a self-selected speed after stroke. It is unclear whether fast treadmill walking facilitates a more normal gait pattern after stroke, as has been suggested for treadmill training at self-selected speeds. Given the massed stepping practice that occurs during treadmill training, it is important for therapists to understand how the treadmill speed selected influences the gait pattern that is practiced on the treadmill.