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Updated: Jun 21, 2025
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Quantitative Static and Dynamic Assessment of Balance Control in Stroke Patients
Published on: May 17, 2020
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Influence of Impaired Upper Extremity Motor Function on Static Balance in People with Chronic Stroke
Ana Mallo-López1,2, Alicia Cuesta-Gómez3,4, Teresa E Fernández-Pardo2,5
1International Doctorate School, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28933 Madrid, Spain.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 13, 2024
Summary
Motor impairment in the upper extremity (UE) significantly impacts static balance in stroke survivors. Lower upper extremity motor capacity in chronic stroke patients correlates with greater postural instability and increased fall risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Stroke is a primary cause of long-term disability, often leading to increased fall risk and impaired postural stability.
- Hemiparetic upper extremity (UE) motor deficits are common sequelae of stroke.
- Static balance during standing is crucial for functional independence in stroke survivors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between upper extremity (UE) motor impairment and static balance in individuals with chronic stroke.
- To quantify the impact of hemiparetic UE motor deficits on postural control.
- To identify specific motor components influencing balance in stroke.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 70 adults with chronic stroke and independent ambulation.
- Exclusion of participants with vestibular, cerebellar, or posterior cord lesions.
- Classification of UE motor impairment using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-UE).
- Posturographic evaluation (mCTSIB) measuring center of pressure (COP) displacement (ML and AP axes) and speed under various sensory conditions (eyes open/closed, stable/unstable surfaces).
Main Results:
- A significant negative correlation was found between mediolateral (ML) center of pressure (COP) oscillation and Fugl-Meyer Assessment of UE (FMA-UE) scores (r = -0.53, p < 0.001).
- This correlation was particularly strong under eyes-closed conditions (r = 0.54).
- Multiple linear regression revealed that ML COP oscillation is significantly influenced by FMA-Motor scores, specifically UE, wrist, coordination/speed, and sensation components.
Conclusions:
- Upper extremity (UE) motor capacity is a strong determinant of mediolateral (ML) center of pressure (COP) oscillation during standing in chronic stroke.
- Reduced UE motor function is associated with increased postural instability.
- These findings highlight the importance of addressing UE motor deficits in stroke rehabilitation to improve balance and reduce fall risk.
