Prediction model for timing of independent walking on varied surface conditions in patients with early subacute stroke: A multicenter prospective study

<p>This study aimed to develop and internally validate a model predicting when patients with early subacute stroke achieve independent walking on multiple types of surfaces.</p> <p>In this prospective multicenter observational study, adults admitted to rehabilitation wards for cerebral infarction or hemorrhage (April 2023-October 2025) were assessed. Walking independence was evaluated from 6 to 24 weeks after stroke onset using the Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC); FAC 5 indicated independent walking on multiple types of surfaces.

A Cox proportional hazards model was developed using prespecified admission predictors: age, knee extension, Berg Balance Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, visuospatial function, and continence. Missing data were multiply imputed. Internal validation used 200 bootstrap resamples.</p> <p>Of 367 screened patients, 168 were analyzed (mean age 74.9 years).