Walking Speed Predicts Return to Employment After Stroke in Young Adults

Almost all that returned to work walked faster than 0.93 m/s.

The impacts of stroke in young adults include potential educational, social, economic, and functional consequences, which are compounded when individuals are unable to return to work. Walking ability is a key functional domain of activities of daily living that can be readily quantified. This study included 46 young adults (aged 18 to 65) with histories of stroke within the last 3 years and healthy, age-matched controls. Researchers used 3-dimensional gait analysis to evaluate walking speed and used a gas analyzer to measure oxygen consumption in order to calculate the metabolic energy expenditures associated with walking.

Of the study participants, 10 (23%) returned to work during follow-up. Walking speed was a strong predictor of return to…

Reviewing Author

Anthony S. Kim, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; NIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences

Anthony S. Kim, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; NIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences

Walking Speed Predicts Return to Employment After Stroke in Young Adults

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Reviewing Author