Relationship Between Upper Extremity Functions and Balance, Falls, and Functional Status in Patients with Chronic Stroke

Abstract

Objective: Balance problems that accompany physical mobility limitations are common after stroke. It is aimed to reveal the relationship between the upper extremity functions and balance, fall, and functional status in chronic stroke patients. Methods: A total of 74 patients who had diagnosed stroke more than 6 months evaluated with Brunstom Recovery Scale for motor recovery, Modified Ashworth Scale for muscle tone, Fugl–Meyer Assessment for upper extremity motor function, Berg Balance Scale for balance, Functional Ambulation Classification for ambulation level, Barthel index for functional state, and Downton index to estimate the risk of falling. The number of patient falls in the last 6 months was recorded. Results: It has been found that patients who have better upper extremity functions have both higher balance and functional scores (P < .01). Besides, the functional scores were found to be higher in patients who have better balance (P < .01). Patients’ upper extremity functions, balance, and functional scores were not correlated with the number of falls and Downton index scores (P > .05). Conclusion: In chronic stroke patients, we have detected a significant relation between upper extremity function, balance, and functional state. Therefore, upper extremity functions in stroke patients should be evaluated at an early stage, and appropriate rehabilitation methods should be determined.