Trunk control test as a predictor of walking ability at six months in subjects with stroke: an ambispective cohort study

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether the TCT score predicts the achievement of walking ability at six months in subjects with acute and subacute stroke.

Materials and methods: An ambispective cohort study was conducted. Data were retrospectively collected from the physiotherapy records of subjects hospitalized due to stroke, and follow-up phone calls were made to those who had been discharged without having achieved walking ability. Time to walking ability was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier estimator, and Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to assess associated factors. To evaluate the discriminative ability of the TCT in predicting walking ability, a ROC curve analysis was performed.

Results: Of the 52 subjects evaluated, 28 (53.8 %) achieved walking ability. The mean age was 64.6 years (SD 12.9), and females predominated (n = 28; 53.8 %). A TCT score ≥ 37 was a predictor of a higher probability of walking ability (HR 6.40; 95 % CI: 2.37–17.28; p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the remaining variables.

Conclusion: The TCT was a predictor of walking ability at six months in subjects with stroke. In the adjusted models, neither age nor the Barthel index showed a significant association.