Early Cycling Test As A Predictor Of Walking Performance In Stroke Patients

Background and Purpose. To assess the relative contribution and the predictive value of an early cycling test to walking performance three months after stroke. Method. This follow-up study included subjects who were inpatients after a first stroke (n = 44). A cycling test was performed at the beginning of rehabilitation, followed by three-months' post-stroke evaluation of walking performance. The independent variables were the ability to cycle at constant rhythm of 50 rpm, without and with resistance, lower extremity motor strength and walking function, scored by the Scandinavian Stroke Scale. Dependent variables were gait velocity, distance and stair-climbing three months after stroke. Results. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that rhythmic, constant cycling is the best predictor of walking velocity (r(2) = 0.4), gait distance (r(2) = 0.2) and number of stairs climbed (r(2) = 0.26). Lower extremity motor strength and walking function had no additional separate contribution to the prediction of study outcomes. Conclusions. The inability to cycle at a constant rhythm for one minute, two weeks after stroke is a more significant predictor than lower extremity motor strength or walking function of walking performance at three months post-stroke.