The relationship between gait speed and mobility has been supported in the

literature. However the relationship between changes in post-stroke gait velocity and the

ability to perform ADLs, IADLs, and social participation has never been explored.

Table 2-4. Community ambulation
Group Community Ambulation Level % of Sample Speed (m/s)
1 Unable to leave home 14.6% 0.515 m/s
2 Able to walk to letter box 16.9% 0.66 m/s
3 Limited to immediate environment 7.6% 0.82 m/s
4 Ambulate in shopping center 60.7% 1.14 m/s

Falls After Stroke

 Falls are considered the most common medical complication after stroke [166]. Fall

rates increase significantly post-stroke due to motor and sensory impairments and

residual functional, cognitive, and emotional deficits. These deficits are often related to

mobility impairments and losses in ADLs, IADLs, social participation, and overall

quality of life. Falls may contribute to post-stroke residual impairments and further

decreased abilities to complete ADLs and IADLs.

 Researchers have shown 22-39% of the acute stroke population falling before

hospital discharge [166-168]. Those who fall while in the hospital are twice as likely to

fall after discharge. Existing research indicates falls remain an issue at discharge [78, 79]

and still at 10 years post-stroke [82, 169]. Forster and Young examined falls incidence

and consequence and reported 73% of the participants fell in the first six-months post-

stroke [79]. Importantly, only 21% of those who fell during the study had fallen prior to

their stroke. The "fallers", those with two or more falls, walked with a slower gait speed,

were engaged in less social activity, and were more likely to be depressed.