Balance and physical impairments after stroke

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Science
• Neurology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Balance impairment is a significant challenge for stroke survivors, impacting mobility and fall risk.
• Objective laboratory measures and clinical assessments are used to evaluate balance, but their relationship is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between laboratory-derived postural sway measures and clinical balance assessments in individuals post-stroke.
• To examine the association between these balance measures and specific physical impairments.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive correlational study involving 30 stroke survivors.
• Laboratory assessment of postural sway using center of pressure (COP) parameters.
• Clinical assessment of balance using the Balance Scale and evaluation of lower limb motor recovery, ankle proprioception, and range of motion.

Main Results:

• The Balance Scale scores correlated with specific COP parameters (speed, root mean square speed, mean frequency) in the anterior-posterior direction.
• Moderate to high correlations were observed among most COP parameters, excluding spectral characteristics.
• Postural sway differed significantly based on stance conditions and visual input (eyes-open/closed).
• Impaired ankle proprioception was associated with increased postural sway and lower Balance Scale scores.

Conclusions:

• Clinical and laboratory balance assessments share some commonalities but also capture distinct aspects of balance control.
• Postural sway is demonstrably affected by visual input, stance variations, and ankle proprioceptive ability in stroke patients.