Investigation of walking tasks experienced by community-living individuals with chronic stroke using a validated community ambulation survey

Purpose This study aimed to demonstrate the necessary walking skills for community ambulation of individuals with chronic stroke using a validated community ambulation survey. Methods A total of 107 older adults and 99 ambulatory, urban-living people with chronic stroke were sampled by convenience method. A community ambulation survey was developed to establish content and concurrent validity. Using the survey, older adults and individuals with stroke documented the frequency with which walking tasks were performed throughout the day. Results The survey was valid for clinical use (kappa coefficients ranging from 0.737 to 0.873). Compared with those encountered by the older adult group, walking tasks less frequently performed by the stroke group included the use of revolving doors, navigating stairs, walking through crossways, carrying and manipulating objects, and walking at a fast pace and for long distances. Participants in the stroke group used automatic doors to enter buildings and walked through underpasses to pass crossways more frequently than those in the older adult group. Conclusions These findings identify the walking tasks that people with chronic stroke show less participation in community, which should be involved in routine rehabilitation schedules to restore functional walking in the community.

Automated summary

This study aimed to demonstrate the necessary walking skills for community ambulation of individuals with chronic stroke using a validated community ambulation survey. A total of 107 older adults and 99 ambulatory, urban-living people with chronic stroke were sampled. The survey was valid for clinical use and identified the walking tasks that people with chronic stroke show less participation in community, which should be involved in routine rehabilitation schedules to restore functional walking in the community.