Correlation between the strength of muscle actions of the paretic lower-limb and gait speed after stroke: Results of a meta-analysis of six studies

Abstract

BACKROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Lower limb strength after stroke, particularly of the more paretic side, is known to correlate with comfortable gait speed. This meta-analysis sought to determine the relative value of 6 muscle group strengths as explanators of comfortable gait speed. METHODS: Relevant literature was sought using PubMed, CINAHL Scopus, and a hand search. Information on samples, measurements, and correlations were extracted. Correlational data were subjected to meta-analysis. RESULTS: Results from 6 studies were consolidated. The summary correlations between paretic lower limb strength and comfortable gait speed ranged from 0.45 to 0.61. Data were highly heterogeneous but did not show publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: The correlation between the lower limb strength and comfortable gait speed strength was moderate. However, it does not provide an adequate explanation to guide clinical practice.