M.O.B. Olaogun, R.E. Lamidi, A.O. Obembe
Prevention of falls is a major concern in the rehab ilitation of stroke survivors. Therefore factors th at may influence balance confidence (BC) and balance p erformance (BP) need adequate investigation with aim of reducing activity limitation through compreh ensive and realistic rehabilitative management. The study investigated the relationship between some an thropometric and clinical factors and balance confidence and standing balance performance in stro ke survivors with hemiparesis. Fifty stroke survivors, 9 females and 41 males receiving physiot herapy at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex were involved in this st udy. Their ages ranged from 34 to 76 years with mean of 58.74±93. Height and weight were measured u sing standard procedures, Quadriceps femoris muscle strength was measured using adapted cable te nsiometer and active range of angular motion at the knees was measured using universal goniometer. Modified Activity Specific Balance Confidence Scale was used to assess the patients Balance Confi dence and functional Reach Test were used to assess standing balance performance. Results showe d that BC had no significant correlation with age, duration of morbidity, height, weight, and range of motion of the unaffected knee joint. However the re were significant correlations between the BC and ra nge of motion of the affected knee joints (P<0.05) and quadriceps femoris strength of the affected lim b (P<0.05). and the quadriceps femoris strength of the unaffected limb (P<0.05).Standing balance perfo rmance had significant correlation with balance confidence only (r=0.318, p<0.05) and not with any other factors. Regression analysis showed that the range of motion of the affected knee joint and the quadriceps femoris strength of the affected limb we re the viable predictors of balance confidence. It was concluded that the ROM of their affected knee join ts and the quadriceps femoris strength of both lower l imbs could serve as determinant of balance confidence. Asides other rehabilitative adjuncts, t heir rehabilitative improvement would augment balance confidence of ambulant stroke survivors.
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