Changes in walking levels of people with stroke following discharge from hospital: A pilot study

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate changes in walking levels of independently mobile individuals following a stroke between the inpatient setting and the home environment, both directly after discharge and in the longer term. Forty-three participants who had a stroke as their primary diagnosis and who could walk 10 metres without the support of another person on discharge from hospital completed the study. The Step-Watch Activity Monitor, six minute walk test, 10 metre walk test, and the Stroke Impact Scale were used to measure outcome. There was a significant increase in number of steps taken per day between 3–14 days and 4–6 months post-discharge (p = 0.0001). Walking speed, six minute walk test, perceived mobility and perceived ability to perform activities of daily living all had strong positive correlations with average amount of steps at 4–6 months post-discharge from hospital and could therefore be used as predictors of walking level in the longer term. However, step counts are still below those required for health benefits. This suggests it is beneficial for further emphasis to be placed on increasing activity levels for people after stroke, even if they are able to mobilise independently on discharge home.