Relationships between self-reported and performance-based measures of functional capacity in individuals with chronic stroke

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between self-reported and valid performance-based measures of functional capacity in individuals with chronic stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Self-reported measures of functional capacity of 31 individuals with chronic stroke were assessed by the Duke Activity Status Index scores, whereas performance-based measures were assessed by the distance covered (in meters) and oxygen consumption (relative oxygen consumption, in ml.kg(-1).min(-1)) during the six-minute walking test. [Results] The subjects had a mean age of 58.6+/-13 years and a mean time since the onset of stroke of 28.3+/-15.1 months. They had a mean Duke Activity Status Index of 27.3+/-14.4, mean distance covered of 325.2+/-140.2 m, and mean relative oxygen consumption of 9.6+/-2.3 ml.kg(-1).min(-1). Significant, positive, and moderate to good correlation coefficients were found between the Duke Activity Status Index scores and the distance covered during the six-minute walking test (r=0.68). Significant, positive, and fair associations were also found between the Duke Activity Status Index scores and relative oxygen consumption values obtained during the six-minute walking test (r=0.45). [Conclusion] The findings of the present study support the clinical use of the Duke Activity Status Index as a tool to assist in clinical evaluations of functional capacity of individuals with chronic stroke.