Determinants affecting balance and walking speed of stroke patients

Abstract

Introduction Stroke causes sensory and motor impairments, including balance and walking problems and is emerging as a primary cause of long-term disability, Balance and walking speed are essential for post-stroke rehabilitation and independence. This research examines demographic and clinical parameters affecting stroke survivors' walking speed and static balance to provide tailored rehabilitation techniques to improve mobility and function. Aim To examine the demographic and clinical factors of stroke survivors that may influence the outcome of walking speed and static balance. Methodology A cross-sectional descriptive research was performed at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) in Savar, Dhaka, including stroke survivors from the Neurology Unit. Convenience sampling was used to select 185 individuals according to the inclusion criteria. Data was gathered with a self-designed, closed ended questionnaire. The 10-Meter Walk Test was used to test walking speed, while the Berg Balance Scale was employed to evaluate balance. The data collecting took place from April to September 2024. Result The study found significant associations between various clinical and lifestyle factors and both balance and walking speed in stroke survivors. BMI (p=0.009), sleep duration (p=0.004), alcohol consumption (p=0.047), and the use of external devices (p=0.002) were significantly associated with an increased risk of falls. Additionally, renal disease (p=0.035), cardiovascular conditions (p=0.002), sedative and antidepressant use (p=0.001), spatial neglect (p=0.047), shoulder subluxation (p=0.002) and previous history of falling (p=0.001) were linked to balance impairments. BMI (p=0.001), sleep duration (p=0.001), physical activity (p=0.001), smoking (p=0.013), non-smoking tobacco use (p=0.001), alcohol consumption (p=0.001), and the use of external devices (p=0.001) were all associated with walking speed. Furthermore, stroke duration (p=0.035), hypertension (p=0.001), and certain medications (e.g., antihypertensives, sedatives, anticoagulants) (p=0.001) were significant predictors of reduced walking speed. Conclusion The study demonstrates that factors such as BMI, sleep duration, alcohol use, and the use of assistive devices significantly influence both balance and walking speed in stroke survivors. Keywords: Stroke, Balance, Walking Speed, Physiotherapy Word count: 10900 words