Citation

Lee KB, Lim SH, Kim YD, Yang BI, Kim KH, Lee KS, Kim EJ, Hwang BY. J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 2016; 28(6): 1686-1690.

Affiliation

Department of Physical Therapy, Yongin University, Republic of Korea.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Society of Physical Therapy Science)

DOI

10.1589/jpts.28.1686

PMID

27390395

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to identify the contributions of balance to gait and motor function in chronic stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-three outpatients participated in a cross-sectional assessment. Gait ability was assessed using the functional ambulation category, self-paced 10-m walking speed, and fastest 10-m walking speed. Standing balance and trunk control measures included the Berg Balance Scale and the Trunk Impairment Scale. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed. [Results] Balance was the best predictor of the FAC, self-paced walking speed, and fastest walking speed, accounting for 57% to 61% of the variances. Additionally, the total score of TIS was the only predictor of the motor function of the lower limbs and the dynamic balance of TIS was a predictor of the motor function of the upper limbs, accounting for 41% and 29% of the variance, respectively. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated the relative contribution of standing balance and trunk balance to gait ability and motor function. They show that balance has a high power of explanation of gait ability and that trunk balance is a determinant of motor function rather than gait ability.

Language: en