Association between the balance recovery and the independence after a severe stroke

Abstract

Objectives: Research is lacking on the recovery of subjects who have suffered a stroke and have severely impaired balance in the subacute stage. This study aims to analyze the association between balance recovery during inpatient rehabilitation and the level of independence in activities of daily living at discharge in severe subacute stroke patients. Secondarily, it aims to analyze the association between balance at the admission of inpatient rehabilitation after stroke and the level of independence in activities of daily living at discharge in the same sample.

Methods: A longitudinal retrospective observational cohort study was conducted. Subacute post-stroke patients who could not stand at admission were included (n = 80). A correlation analysis was undertaken. The Functional Independence Measure was used to evaluate activities of daily living performance and the Berg Balance Scale to assess balance.

Results: Correlation between balance recovery during inpatient rehabilitation and the level of independence at discharge: Spearman's rho = 0.741 (p < 0.001). Correlation between the Balance at admission and the level of independence at discharge: Spearman's rho = 0.288 (p = 0.009).

Discussion: Monitoring balance recovery after a severe stroke may be necessary to establish functional goals during inpatient rehabilitation. Low functional independence at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation post stroke cannot always be expected in subjects with severe balance impairment at admission.