Balance disability after stroke

Tyson, S; Hanley, M; Chillala, J; Selley, A; Tallis, R

Abstract

Balance disability is common after stroke, but
there is little detailed information about it. The aims of this study were
to investigate the frequency of balance disability; to characterize
different levels of disability; and to identify demographics, stroke
pathology factors, and impairments associated with balance disability.
Subjects. The subjects studied were 75 people with a first-time anterior
circulation stroke; 37 subjects were men, the mean age was 71.5 years
(SD12.2), and 46 subjects (61%) had left hemiplegia. Methods.
Prospective hospital-based cross-sectional surveys were carried out in 2
British National Health Service trusts. The subjects’ stroke pathology,
demographics, balance disability, function, and neurologic impairments
were recorded in a single testing session 2 to 4 weeks after
stroke. Results. A total of 83% of the subjects (n62) had a balance
disability; of these, 17 (27%) could sit but not stand, 25 (40%) could
stand but not step, and 20 (33%) could step and walk but still had
limited balance. Subjects with the most severe balance disability had
more severe strokes, impairments, and disabilities. Weakness and
sensation were associated with balance disability. Subject demographics,
stroke pathology, and visuospatial neglect were not associated with
balance disability. Discussion and Conclusion. Subjects with the most
severe balance disability had the most severe strokes, impairments, and
disabilities. Subject demographics, stroke pathology, and visuospatial
neglect were not associated with balance disability.

Citation

Tyson, S., Hanley, M., Chillala, J., Selley, A., & Tallis, R. (2006). Balance disability after stroke. Physical Therapy, 86(1), 30-38

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2006
• Deposit Date: Mar 12, 2010
• Journal: Physical Therapy
• Print ISSN: 0031-9023
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 86
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 30-38
• Keywords: Balance; Cerebrovascular accident.
• Publisher URL: http://ptjournal.apta.org/cgi/content/short/86/1/30