Factors in the acquisition of independent walking in patients with cerebral infarction using decision tree analysis.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Independent walking is considered a rehabilitation factor for patients with stroke. There are no reports examining the predictors of independent walking at approximately one month after stroke onset. We aimed to examine factors related to the degree of independent walking, using a decision tree analysis, in patients with stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, observational study was conducted on patients with cerebral infarction. The study period was from May 2017 to October 2021. Patients were categorized into independent (≥ 6; N=88) and dependent (≤ 5; N=98) groups based on the Functional Independence Measure locomotion scale at discharge. A decision tree analysis was performed to identify factors related to independent walking. RESULTS: Overall, 186 participants (mean age, 77.8 ± 9.6 years; 104 men and 82 women) were included. The independent group had higher scores in Functional Assessment for Control of Trunk (14.7 ± 4.6 vs. 7.8 ± 6.0, p <.001), Berg Balance Scale (35.5 ± 15.1 vs. 17.9 ± 15.4, p <.001) and Mini Mental State Examination-Japanese (22.6 ± 5.2 vs. 16.1 ± 7.3, p <.001) on admission than the dependent group. Decision tree analysis identified the Functional Assessment for Control of Trunk score on admission as the best discriminator for independent walking. CONCLUSIONS: The interrelationship between trunk function, cognitive function, and balance function may influence the acquisition of independent walking in patients with stroke.