Hip abductor muscle strength associations with gait speed and gait independence level of hemiparetic stroke patients

Abstract

[Purpose] To determine the relationships of hip abductor muscle strength with 10-meter maximum walking speed (10MWS) and level of gait independence, and to calculate the cutoff value for gait independence. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 31 hemiparetic stroke patients. Their 10MWS and gait independence level were determined, and hip abductor muscle strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. [Results] A significant correlation (r=0.74) was found between 10MWS and the paretic side hip abductor strength. In the search for factors affecting gait independence level, only hip abductor strength of the paretic side was identified [odds ratio (OR) 11.92, OR 95% confidence level 2.19-65.15], and the cutoff value for gait independence was 0.23 kgf/kg. [Conclusion] The results suggest there is a high possibility that the paretic side hip abductor muscle strength is an important factor of gait speed and gait independence.