Previous studies have shown an association between executive dysfunction and walking ability. However, it remains unclear whether the degree of executive dysfunction is associated with differences in walking ability in patients with stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in walking ability according to executive dysfunction in patients with stroke. A total of 51 patients with stroke were enrolled in this study. Executive function was measured using the Trail Making Test (TMT) Part B, and walking ability was assessed using the 10 m walk test and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). Cluster analysis was performed using the TMT Part B and compared within each cluster. TMT Part B was categorized into three groups (cluster 1: n = 20, cluster 2: n = 24, and cluster 3: n = 7). Cluster 1 was significantly better than clusters 2 and 3, and cluster 2 was significantly better than cluster 3. The 10 m walk time and TUGT of cluster 1 were significantly better than those of cluster 3. However, the 10 m walk time and TUGT of clusters 1 and 2 did not differ significantly. In conclusion, these findings may indicate differences in walking ability according to executive dysfunction.

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ObjectiveThis study aimed to classify and calculate the minimal detectable changes (MDC) in gait time and gait speed in a 10-meter walking test (10MWT) in patients with stroke classified according to their gait speed.MethodsThe participants were 84 patients with stroke. Their gait times were measured twice each at their comfortable gait speed (CGS) and maximum gait speed (MGS) on a 10-meter straight track, and gait speed was calculated using gait time. Participants were assigned to three speed groups based on their CGS: low-speed (<0.4 m/s; n = 19); moderate-speed (0.4–0.8 m/s; n = 29); and high-speed (>0.8 m/s; n = 36). For each group, first and second retest reliability and MDC of CGS and MGS were calculated using gait time and gait speed in the 10MWT.ResultsMDCs in the 10MWT at CGS were: low-speed group, gait time 5.25 s, gait speed 0.05 m/s; moderate-speed group, gait time 2.83 s, gait speed 0.11 m/s; and high-speed group, gait time 1.58 s, gait speed 0.21 m/s. MDCs in the 10MWT at MGS were: low-speed group, gait time 7.26 s, gait speed 0.04 m/s; moderate-speed group, gait time 2.48 s, gait speed 0.12 m/s; and high-speed group, gait time 1.28 s, gait speed 0.19 m/s.ConclusionSince the MDC of gait speed and gait time differ depending on the participant’s gait speed, it is necessary to interpret the results according to the participant’s gait speed when judging the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

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