External validation of the EPOS prediction model for independent gait in a Swiss stroke unit setting

Background Gait disorders affect most acute stroke survivors and are a major contributor to long-term disability. Accurate prognosis of gait recovery is crucial for guiding rehabilitation and supporting informed decision-making. The Early Prediction of functional Outcome after Stroke (EPOS) model, which predicts independent gait within six months, was previously externally validated in two small, homogenous samples of first-ever stroke patients without pre-stroke disability. This study aimed to externally validate the EPOS model in a heterogeneous stroke population as a step toward clinical implementation in Swi…