The Relationship between Walking Ability and Fall Risk in Poststroke Patients

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relationship between walking ability and the fall risk in after stroke patients. Method: This research was descriptive quantitative with observational research type. The total sample of 35 people after stroke was obtained using a purposive sampling technique. Measurement of walking ability using the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) showed a mean ± SD value of walking ability of 16.74 ± 5.20 and measurement of fall risk using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) showed a mean ± SD value of 17.871 ± 6.55. Results: The Pearson Product Moment correlation test obtained a value of p = 0.001with a value of r = - 0.984 which shows a negative correlation between the two variables, which means that when the level of walking ability increases, the fall risk tends to decrease. Conversely, when the level of walking ability decreases, the risk of falling tends to increase. Conclusion: There was a relationship between the ability to walk and the fall risk in after stroke patients. Keywords: Post-stroke patients, walking ability, fall risk, Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT).