| Sumario: | PurposeMethodsResultsConclusionsThis study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the step-tibia-events-phases (STEP) test, a newly developed instrument for assessing gait performance in individuals with stroke, and to determine optimal cutoff scores for clinical applications.A total of 103 individuals with stroke participated in the study. Participants completed the STEP test to assess gait performance, followed by five clinical measures: the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand test, One-Leg Stand test, and Mini-Mental State Examination. Reliability was examined using Cronbach’s α and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), and construct validity was also analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were conducted to determine the optimal cutoff scores.The STEP test demonstrated good internal consistency and excellent interrater reliability for the total score. It showed strong correlations with the 10MWT and TUG. Statistical cutoff scores distinguishing household ambulation (<0.4 m/s) and community ambulation (<0.8 m/s) with lower fall-risk potential were identified as 14.50 and 21.50 points, respectively.The STEP test is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating gait and balance in individuals with stroke. A score of ≥ 15 may indicate the capacity for indoor ambulation, whereas a score of ≥ 22 may indicate the potential for independent community ambulation and correspond to a lower fall-risk classification based on TUG performance.
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