Balance-related efficacy compared with balance function in patients with acute stroke

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Gerontology

Background:

• Stroke survivors frequently experience balance impairments and unsteadiness.
• Assessing balance and fall efficacy is crucial for rehabilitation.
• The acute phase of stroke presents unique challenges for balance assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the correlation between patient-perceived fall efficacy and objective balance assessments in acute stroke patients.
• To determine if the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES(S)) is suitable for use during the acute phase of stroke.
• To compare FES(S) correlations with Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) scores.

Main Methods:

• Sixty acute stroke patients were divided into two groups.
• Patients completed the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES(S)) to assess confidence in performing daily activities without falling.
• Physiotherapists used the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) for objective balance assessment.

Main Results:

• A moderate to good correlation was found between FES(S) and TUG, though they measure different aspects (belief vs. performance).
• A low to moderate correlation was observed between FES(S) and BBS.
• FES(S) and objective measures like BBS and TUG are not interchangeable.

Conclusions:

• The Falls Efficacy Scale (FES(S)) is not recommended as a sole measurement tool in the acute phase of stroke.
• FES(S) measures confidence and perceived ability, not actual objective balance function.
• Objective balance assessments are necessary for comprehensive evaluation in acute stroke rehabilitation.