Relationship between self-reported walking ability and objectively assessed gait performance in persons with late effects of polio.

BACKGROUND: Muscle weakness in the lower limbs and impeded gait performance are common in persons with late effects of polio.

OBJECTIVE: To assess self-reported walking ability in persons with late effects of polio and determine the relationship with objectively assessed gait performance.

METHODS: One-hundred and twenty-two individuals with prior polio (65 women and 57 men, mean age 65 [SD ± 9] years) participated in the study. The main outcome measures were: Walk-12 (Swedish version) to assess self-reported walking ability, and Timed "Up & Go", Comfortable Gait Speed, Fast Gait Speed and 6-Minute Walk Tests to assess gait performance objectively.

RESULTS: More than 50% of the participants reported limitations (moderately or quite a bit) related to standing or walking, climbing stairs, walking speed and distance, concentration and effort, and gait quality aspects. Half of the participants reported no need to use support when walking indoors or outdoors, but 58% reported that their ability to run was extremely limited. Significant correlations (P < 0.01) were found between the Walk-12 and the four gait performance tests (rho -0.66 to 0.63).

CONCLUSION: The strength of the relationship implies that Walk-12 reflects broader dimensions than the objective gait performance tests and can be a complement when the walking ability in persons with late effects of polio is evaluated.