Key characteristics of walking correlate with bone density in individuals with chronic stroke.

Several recent studies of ambulatory stroke survivors have shown decreased bone mineral density (BMD) in the lower limbs and an elevated risk of hip fracture. Because bone mass is linked to skeletal loading, weight-bearing activities of daily living such as walking are considered critically important for maintenance of femoral BMD in ambulatory individuals. Little is known about the relationships between walking characteristics, skeletal loading, and bone maintenance in individuals who have experienced a stroke.