The association between qualitative- and quantitative gait parameters in community-dwelling stroke survivors.

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to explore the association of qualitative gait parameters with quantity of gait in community-dwelling stroke survivors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study 55 community-dwelling stroke survivors were measured for seven consecutive days by accelerometry to determine quantity- and quality of gait. Dependent variables of this study were quantitative gait parameters, i.e. the number of walking bouts per 24 hours and the total gait activity time per 24 hours. Independent variables were qualitative gait parameters, i.e. gait speed, stride time, gait symmetry, smoothness of gait and gait variability. Univariate- and multivariate regression analysis were used to explore the possible related qualitative- and quantitative gait parameters. Results: Based on the univariate regression analysis and tests for multicollinearity, six variables were included for multiple regression analysis with gait activity time as dependent variable. By using backward selection in this multiple regression model, only gait speed remains in the final model, with R2 of 0.126. Five variables were included in the multiple regression analysis with the number of walking bouts as dependent variable. By using backward selection in this multiple regression model, only the index of harmonicity in vertical direction remains in the final model, with R2 of 0.091. Conclusion: This study showed that smoothness of gait (index of harmonicity in vertical direction) and gait speed were significantly related to quantity of gait, corrected for other variables. However these qualitative gait parameters explained very little of the variance in quantity of gait. Possibly other factors, such as emotional, social and environmental factors have more influence on quantity of gait in this population. Clinical Relevance: This study showed quantity of gait can’t be explained that much by quality of gait. So further research needed to be broader focused, not only to physical aspects, but also to social and emotional factors that can influence quantity of gait. Possibly these other factors should be more clinical relevance than the qualitative gait parameters used in this study.