Relationship Between Balance, Arm Function and Body Awareness in People With Stroke

Condition(s) studied

Study summary

Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide and is frequently associated with impairments in balance, upper extremity function, and body awareness. These impairments may negatively affect independence in activities of daily living and overall quality of life. Although previous studies have investigated the relationships between balance and upper extremity function after stroke, body awareness has received relatively limited attention.

The aim of this observational cross-sectional study is to investigate the relationship between balance, upper extremity skills, and body awareness in individuals with chronic stroke. Fifty-three individuals with chronic stroke will be recruited from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baskent University Hospital.

Balance will be assessed using the Berg Balance Scale and the Tetrax computerized posturography system. Upper extremity motor impairment and functional performance will be evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment and the Wolf Motor Function Test. Body awareness will be assessed using the Body Awareness Questionnaire. Additional assessments will include lower extremity motor function, muscle tone, cognitive status, shoulder range of motion, and upper extremity reaction time.

The study is expected to provide a better understanding of the relationships among balance, upper extremity function, and body awareness in individuals with chronic stroke. The findings may contribute to the development of individualized rehabilitation strategies and improve clinical assessment approaches in stroke rehabilitation.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Berg Balance Scale Score — Baseline (single assessment)
  To assess balance performance, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) will be used. The scale consists of 14 functional tasks including sitting to standing, transfers, turning, reaching forward, picking up an object from the floor, and standing on one leg. Each item is scored from 0 to 4. Total scores range from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating better balance performance.
• Tetrax Fall Index — Baseline (single assessment)
  To assess fall risk the Tetrax Computerized Posturography System will be used. Measurements will be performed under eight different sensory conditions. The Fall Index ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating a greater risk of falling.
• Eyes Open Stability Index — Baseline (single assessment)
  To assess postural stability under eyes-open conditions, the Tetrax Computerized Posturography System will be used. The Stability Index obtained during the normal standing position with eyes open will be recorded. Higher values indicate poorer postural stability.
• Eyes Closed Stability Index — Baseline (single assessment)
  To assess postural stability without visual input, participants will stand on the Tetrax Computerized Posturography System with their eyes closed. The Stability Index obtained during this condition will be recorded. Higher values indicate poorer postural stability.
• Weight Distribution Index — Baseline (single assessment)
  To assess weight distribution during standing, the Tetrax Computerized Posturography System will be used. The Weight Distribution Index will be recorded. Higher values indicate greater asymmetry in weight distribution between the supporting surfaces.
• Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment Score — Baseline (single assessment)
  To assess upper extremity motor impairment, the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment will be used. The scale evaluates reflex activity, voluntary movement, coordination, and speed. Scores range from 0 to 66, with higher scores indicating better upper extremity motor function.
• Wolf Motor Function Test Functional Ability Score — Baseline (single assessment)
  Upper extremity functional ability will be assessed using the Functional Ability Scale of the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). Fifteen functional tasks will be evaluated and scored on a scale from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating better upper extremity function.
• Wolf Motor Function Test Performance Time — Baseline (single assessment)
  Upper extremity motor performance will be assessed using the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). The average time required to complete the 15 functional tasks will be recorded in seconds. Shorter completion times indicate better upper extremity performance.
• Body Awareness Questionnaire Score — Baseline (single assessment)
  To assess body awareness, the Body Awareness Questionnaire will be used. The questionnaire consists of 18 items evaluating awareness of bodily processes and reactions. Total scores range from 18 to 126, with higher scores indicating greater body awareness.

Trial sites (1)

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