Clinical Factors Associated With Balance Function in the Early Subacute Phase After Stroke

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the key factors of balance function in the early subacute phase after stroke. Design: Ninety-four stroke patients were included. Multiple variables were evaluated, including demographic factors, clinical variables (stroke type; lesion site; Mini-Mental State Examination; motor strength of the hip, knee, and ankle joints; Fugl-Meyer Assessment of lower extremity), neurophysiological variables (amplitude ratio of somatosensory evoked potential of the tibial nerves), and laterality index of fractional anisotropy of the corticospinal tract using diffusion tensor imaging. Balance function was measured using the Berg Balance Scale. Results: The Berg Balance Scale score was significantly negatively correlated with age and laterality index of fractional anisotropy and positively correlated with Mini-Mental State Examination; Fugl-Meyer Assessment of lower extremity; motor strength of the affected hip, knee, and ankle joint; and somatosensory evoked potential amplitude ratio (P < 0.05). The abnormal somatosensory evoked potential group and poor integrity of the corticospinal tract group showed significantly decreased Berg Balance Scale scores. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, age, Fugl-Meyer Assessment of lower extremity score, and ankle plantar flexion strength were significantly associated with balance function (odds ratios = 0.919, 1.181, and 15.244, respectively, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Higher age, severe initial motor impairment, and strength of the affected lower limb muscles, especially the ankle plantar flexor, are strongly associated with poor balance function early after stroke.

Short-term and long-term predictors of balance function in stroke patients: a 6-month follow-up study

“…The positive FA-LI value indicates a relatively reduced fractional anisotropy in the ipsilesional CST, indicating better CST status. Details of the methods of the SEP and DTI studies have been described in our previous study [19].…”

“…Also, previous studies have shown that the knee extensor strength of the hemiparetic limb is correlated with balance function after stroke [18]. Initial ankle plantarflexion (APF) was found to be significantly related to poor balance function early after stroke [19]. Therefore, among the lower extremity muscles, only hip extensors, knee extensors, and APF were selected.…”