The SIS-16 is a validated short instrument used to assess physical functioning with ADL

and mobility items [221].

Statistical Analysis

 All analyses were completed using SAS statistical software. Simple descriptive

statistics were used to describe demographics and outcomes scores for the entire sample.

Additional descriptive data delineated by success or failure of increasing to the next

walking classification was examined. Baseline characteristics of the 64 people who

completed the study with initial gait speed of < 0.8 m/s included demographics, stroke

characteristics, and baseline outcome measures. T-tests were utilized to determine

significant differences in activity and participation (SIS) between those who succeeded

and who failed to increase to the next walking classification at three months post-stroke.

 Results

 Baseline demographics for the 64 participants are presented in Table 3-2. The

average age of the sample was 71.03 (10.64). Those successful in increasing to the next

ambulation classification were significantly younger than those who failed (p = .0023).

The entire sample included 54.69% males and 78.13% were white. All other

demographic characteristics and data related to participation and retention of participants

specific to the Kansas City Stroke Registry are reported elsewhere [8].

 Mean baseline gait speed was 0.50 (0.16) m/s for the entire sample, 0.51 (0.17) m/s

for those who succeeded and 0.49 (0.16) m/s for those who failed to increase to the next

ambulation classification (p = 0.689). At three-months, gait speed for the entire group

was 0.68 (0.24) m/s. As anticipated, a significant difference was detected for three month

gait velocity scores between those who succeeded (0.82 (0.25) m/s) and failed (0.56

(0.16) m/s) to proceed to the next ambulation classification (p < 0.0001).