independent in all ADLs. In contrast, 72.1% of those with gait speed between 0.35 m/s

and 0.55 m/s were independent in all ADLs.

 Perry et al. examined the association between post-stroke gait velocity and

ambulation [9]. The authors developed an ambulation classification related to necessary

gait speed for home and community ambulation. Household ambulation was equal to

severe gait impairment and velocity less than 0.4 m/s. Limited community ambulation

was equivalent to moderate gait impairments and walking between 0.4 m/s and 0.8 m/s.

Community ambulation indicated mild impairment and speed over 0.8 m/s. Increases in

gait velocity were related to improved home and community ambulation.

 The relationship between post-stroke gait speed and community ambulation was

further explored by Lord and colleagues [10]. Participants included 115 individuals who

received physical therapy for mobility impairments and 15 not requiring such therapy.

Mobility outcome measures assessed gait speed, indoor and outdoor walking ability, and

gait endurance. An additional self-report questionnaire assessed unsupervised mobility.

Participants were categorized by community ambulation levels as seen in Table 3-1. Gait

velocity differed between the categories and increased from 0.52 m/s for those unable to

leave home to 1.14 m/s for those able to ambulate in a shopping center. One third of the

sample was not able to ambulate independently within the community after a stroke.

Table 3-1. Community ambulation and gait speed
Group Community Ambulation Level % of Sample Speed (m/s)
1 Unable to leave home 14.6% 0.52
2 Able to walk to letter box 16.9% 0.66
3 Limited to immediate environment 7.6% 0.82
4 Ambulate in shopping center 60.7% 1.14

 In summary, the relationships between gait speed and ADL performance in the

community dwelling elderly and between gait speed and post-stroke ambulation are well