Preston et al reported factors associated with independent walking in a patient who was nonambulatory soon after a stroke. These can help to guide rehabilitation and patient counseling. The authors are from the University of Canberra in Australia.
Patient selection: stroke patient, nonambulatory early after stroke
Predictors of independent walking at 3 months:
(1) younger age (OR 3.4; mean age 62 vs 71 for nonambulatory; use < 66 in implementation)
(2) intact corticospinal tract (at day 17; OR 8.3)
(3) good leg strength (at day 13; OR 5)
(4) no cognitive impairment (at day 19; OR 3.5)
(5) no neglect (at day 13; OR 2.4)
(6) continence (at day 18; OR 2.3)
(7) good sitting (at day 17; OR 7.9)
(8) independent in activities of daily living (ADL; at day 25; OR 10.5)
Predictors of independent walking at 6 months:
(1) younger age (OR 2.1)
(2) continence (OR 13.8)
(3) good sitting (OR 19.1)
