Abstract: ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of temporal distance parameters on comfortable and maximal walking speed of hemiplegic stroke patients.MethodsThe comfortable and maximal walking speed of 85 hemiplegic stroke patients were tested by 10 m walking speed and temporal distance parameters of gait cycle were obtained. The effect of step length and walking rate on comfortable and maximal walking speed was analyzed.ResultsStep length and walking rate were significantly positive related to comfortable and maximal walking speed (r=0.849-0.915,P<0.001).The step regression analysis selected step length as a significant variable for comfortable and maximal walking speed (R²=0.835,R₂=0.827,respectively). ConclusionThe important parameter that influences comfortable and maximal walking speed of hemiplegic stroke patients is step length.

Key words: stroke, hemiplegia, walking speed, temporal distance parameter