Longitudinal analysis of balance confidence in individuals with stroke using a multilevel model for change

Confidence about balance may be an important factor affecting self-efficacy for daily activities after stroke.

The authors investigated whether confidence changes and the parameters that may predict changes in self-perceived balance within the first year of community reintegration.

In this prospective study, 98 hemiparetic participants who could walk at least 10 m independently were assessed 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postdischarge from rehabilitation by the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go, 6-minute walking distance, and depression and anxiety scales. The 98 age-/sex-matched controls were assessed at enrollment and the same intervals. Multilevel modeling was used to determine if assessed covariates predicted changes in balance confidence by the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale.

Stroke subjects had lower initial balance confidence than controls and showed a statistically significant increase in confidence over 1 year at each assessment. Poor balance and high state anxiety were associated with lower balance confidence. Significant interactions were observed between greater depression, along with more impaired walking capacity and balance tests, in predicting lower change trajectories in confidence. Falls predicted a reduced rate of improvement.

Balance confidence after stroke remained lower than controls over the first year. Physical therapies and supportive interventions designed to treat confidence should be initiated at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.