Prediction of independent ambulation in subacute stroke patients: a retrospective observational study using lower limb motor and balance assessments.
Jungwoo Shim
PMID 40762232WHAT IT FOUND
Admission scores on the Berg Balance Scale and Fugl-Meyer lower limb test predicted independent walking at discharge in subacute stroke patients.
A Berg score of 38.5 or higher on admission best identified those likely to walk independently.
Key findings
01Admission Berg Balance Scale scores significantly predicted independent ambulation at discharge, with an optimal cut-off value of 38.5.
02Admission Fugl-Meyer lower limb scores also significantly predicted independent ambulation at discharge, with an optimal cut-off value of 29.5.
03The Berg Balance Scale showed higher discriminative ability than the Fugl-Meyer for predicting discharge ambulation.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study was retrospective and conducted at a single centre, which limits how widely the findings apply to other settings. Important factors like lower limb strength, spasticity, depression, and fear of falling were not included in the analysis. Pre-stroke walking ability was assessed by self-report, which may not accurately reflect actual community walking independence. The study excluded patients with severe cognitive impairment, so the findings do not apply to that group.
Declared interests
The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital, and the requirement for informed consent was waived due to the retrospective nature of the study. No specific funding sources or conflicts of interest are declared in the provided text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not treat these cut-off scores as definitive rules for every patient. The study was retrospective, single-centre, and did not account for factors like spasticity or fear of falling that also affect walking recovery. Clinical judgement and a comprehensive assessment remain essential.