Functional capacity and walking speed reserve in individuals with chronic stroke: A cross-sectional study

Introduction Individuals with stroke experience residual walking disabilities, as the inability to increase walking speed (walking speed reserve – WSR), and frequently present decreasing in functional capacity. The relation between functional capacity and walking ability may contribute to more specific functional management of stroke.Objective To investigate the association between WSR and functional capacity in individuals with chronic stroke and compare functional capacity between individuals who can increase walking speed or not.Methods Cross-sectional study, where functional capacity was assessed with the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), in metabolic equivalent (METS). WSR was assessed through the difference between fast and self-selected speed (in m/s). The individuals were assigned into two groups: able (WSR ≥ 0.2 m/s) and unable (WSR<0.2 m/s) to increase speed. Pearson’s correlation and t test were used for analysis.Results Fifty-five individuals (functional capacity 23 ± 13 METS and WSR 0.3 ± 0.2 m/s) were included. The association between functional capacity and WSR was positive and statistically significant, with moderate magnitude (r = 0.56) (p < .001). Individuals who were unable to increase their walking speed have less functional capacity (17.5 versus 31.3) (p = .003).Conclusion Functional capacity has a positive association with WSR in individuals with chronic stroke. The individuals who are unable to increase walking speed present lower functional capacity.