Gait in stroke - Assessment and rehabilitation

This article discusses the assessment and treatment of gait disorders after stroke. After consideration of the effects (of the disturbed motor control resulting from stroke) on the gait movements and the expected rate of reco very of walking capacity, different methods of assessment are considered. E mphasis is placed on selecting the appropriate measurement tool according t o the individual's level of function. Also, the need to measure walking per formance under different environmental constraints and the importance of in strument responsiveness to change over the range of walking disabilities ar e discussed. Task-related training with the opportunity for large amounts o f practice is recommended to improve walking performance after stroke.