Assessing the gait parameters and walking performance of stroke survivors: a cross-sectional study

Stroke often leaves survivors with severe walking difficulties. Slow speed, shorter steps, and poor balance make everyday activities harder and increase the risk of falls. In Bangladesh, where rehabilitation resources are limited, many survivors struggle with mobility, but there is little research on their walking ability. This study aimed to explore how stroke survivors walk by measuring their gait parameters and mobility, and to see how age, body weight, and health conditions affect their performance. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), Dhaka, with 77 stroke survivors (mean age 52.7 years). Walking ability was measured using stride length, step length, cadence, and walking speed. Functional mobility was tested with the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG). Statistical tests were used to find associations between personal and clinical factors and walking performance. Participants showed clear walking impairments. Average stride length was 57.7 cm, step length 30.6 cm, walking speed 0.39 m/s, and cadence 65.9 steps/min. On functional tests, average walking speed was 0.38 m/s by 10MWT, and average TUG time was 25.8s. Older age was linked with slower walking and shorter steps, while higher body weight was associated with lower cadence and slower TUG times. Two-thirds of survivors showed asymmetrical weight bearing, which was more common among those with other health problems and fewer therapy sessions. Stroke survivors in Bangladesh face severe limitations in walking and balance. Age, weight, and health conditions further reduce their mobility. These findings highlight the urgent need for rehabilitation programs tailored to individual needs, focusing on step length, cadence, and weight-bearing symmetry to restore independence.