BackgroundThe increased energy cost of walking (Cw) for stroke patients affects the walking function and walking independence of stroke patients. However, its impact on quality of life (QoL) has never been studied. ObjectiveAssess the association between Cw and QoL for post-stroke individuals in the year following hospital discharge. MethodThirty-seven individuals with stroke were included. QoL was assessed by the EuroQol-5 Dimensions on the day after hospital discharge (T0), at six months (T1) and at one year after hospital discharge (T2). Concomitant an evaluation of Cw, mood disorders (HADS), fatigue, independence in activities of daily living and the presence of a family caregiver was performed. The association between QoL and the different covariates was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. ResultsAt T2, data from 29 individuals were analyzable. Multiple regression analyses showed Cw had a significant influence on the QoL at T1 (coeff −0.42 (−0.71 to −0.12), P = .008) and T2 (coeff −0.49 (−0.71 to −0.26), P < .001). HADS score was the only other variable to significantly impact variances of QoL at T0, T1 and T2. Moreover, we showed that Cw at T0 explained 29% of variances of QoL at T1 and 42% at T2. ConclusionCw appears to be an independent factor in the QoL of individuals with stroke at six months and one year after hospital discharge. In addition, the initial Cw and HADS are predictive of QoL at one year highlighting the importance of early interventions in these two dimensions to improve QoL over the long term.