Logo: to the web site of Uppsala University

Purpose To evaluate to what extent baseline walking ability was predictive of activity levels and if categorising into groups of ability or capacity was equally informative. Methods The data were collected from a randomised controlled study where the results were neutral. The trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00311025. The sample (n = 75) was divided at baseline into two models of sub-groups, one related to ability based on the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), the other to capacity based on maximal gait speed: <= 0.4, 0.5 - 0.8 and >= 0.8 m/s. Outcome measures used were 6-min Walk-Test, Motor assessment Scale 5 and Barthel Index (BI). Tests were performed baseline on admission, at discharge, 3, 6, and 12 months post debut. Results Both models of walking, ability (FAC) or capacity (gait speed) were significant contributors to BI independence at 3, 6, and 12 months. The capacity model was explanatory for the independence of ADL function with 58, 49, and 54%, respectively, and the ability model was slightly less explanatory with a prediction of 56, 49, and 44%, respectively. Conclusion Baseline walking ability is predictive for independence in ADL, and a quantitative evaluation may be preferable for accuracy.