Exploring the Relationship between Walking Performance, Fear of fall and Gender among Stroke Survivors

Introduction: Stroke survivors often face challenges in walking and balance, significantly impacting daily activities and social participation. Fear of falling (FoF), prevalent in 14–36% of stroke survivors, limits activities of daily living (ADLs) and community reintegration. This study explores the relationship between FoF and walking performance, examines gender differences, and identifies predictors of FoF, contributing to evidence-based rehabilitation practices in physiotherapy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between FoF and walking performance and assess the impact of gender differences and dual-task performance on walking ability in stroke survivors. Methods & Materials: The research team secured authorization from the Institutional Ethical Committee (IEC) prior to initiating the survey, as evidenced by the reference no MGM/IOP/IEC/UG/2023/16 and SU/SMS&R/76-A/2022/73. A cohort of 43 post-stroke subjects, aged between 35 and 65, was assembled through a systematic screening procedure. Eligibility criteria mandated that participants could ambulate independently, with or without mobility aids, and were free from concurrent medical conditions impacting their walking patterns. Fear of falling was assessed using the Marathi version of the Fall Efficacy Scale (FES). Walking performance was evaluated with the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), and dual-task assessments. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and regression modeling. Results: FoF inversely correlated with walking performance (p < 0.05). A 5-unit increase in FES scores was associated with proportional decreases in walking speed and capacity. Dual-task assessments showed significant reductions in gait stability under cognitive/manual tasks (p < 0.05). Gender differences in FoF's impact on walking performance were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Regression analysis identified walking ability as a significant predict