Dinamic Balance Performance in ralation to the dependence in Activities of Daily Living: A cross sectional study in stroke

Abstract

Aim: to determine if dynamic balance is related to activities of daily living (ADL) dependence in stroke patients.

Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out. The Barthel index (BI) was used to assess ADL dependence. The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and the Four Square Step Test (FSST) were used to evaluate dynamic balance. A Spearman correlation was used assuming a data abnormality in the performance of TUG and FSST and considering a significance of p<0.05.

Results: 62 stroke patients were evaluated. The BI showed correlations with the performance of the TUG and the FSST. These correlations were also found between performance of both balance tests and ADLs, such as bathing, moving, and going up and down stairs. In contrast to TUG, correlations were estimated between the ADL related to dressing and the performance of the FSST.

Conclusion: dynamic balance evaluated by the TUG and the FSST showed correlations with the ADL dependency in stroke patients.