External Validation of the EPOS Prediction Model for Independent Gait After Stroke.

The EPOS model demonstrated moderate predictive performance for regaining independent gait at 3 months when applied within 72 hours poststroke in a heterogeneous cohort.

A high-sensitivity threshold is recommended, classifying only patients lacking sitting balance and hemiplegic leg strength as unlikely to regain gait independence, preventing missing recovery potential.

As a next step, the model's impact on decision-making, patient outcomes, and healthcare resources should be evaluated in comparable settings.