Relationship between weight bearing rate on the affected limb and an ability of going up and down stairs of the stroke patients

Abstract

This study investigated the importance of weight bearing rate on the affected limb for independent going up and down stairs in 110 stroke patients. Age, Body Mass Index, period after onset, muscle strength of the non-affected lower limb, Brunnstrom stage, deep sensation, weight bearing rate on each of the non-affected and affected limbs were used as variables. The logistic regression analysis showed that only the weight bearing rate on the affected limb was a critical factor influencing the ability of going up and down stairs. Furthermore, 84% weight bearing rate on the affected limb gave a precise, clear cut-off value for independent going up and down stairs.