Abstract: ObjectiveTo identify the probability for outdoor walking independency using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the maximum walking speed （MWS） in stroke patients. Methods80 hemiparetic stroke patients were classified into 2 groups: the independency group and the non-independency group. They were assessed with the BBS and the 10 m MWS. ResultsWith the discriminant analysis, the BBS and the 10 m MWS could identify the independency and non-independency group，hit rate 88.8%. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves suggested the cut-off point 49.5, sensitivity 86.2%; specificity 78.4%, area under ROC curve 0.905 in BBS; while cut-off point 1.0 m/s, sensitivity 93.1%, specificity 90.2%, area under ROC curve 0.961 in MWS. ConclusionBBS and the MWS can identify the outdoor walking independency sensitively and specifically in stroke patients.

Key words: stroke, walking independency, walking speed, Berg Balance Scale