Investigating the relation between upper extremity function and trunk control, balance and functional mobility in individuals with stroke

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of our study was to examine the relation between upper extremity function and trunk control, balance andfunctional mobility and to compare trunk control, balance, and mobility with respect to upper extremity motor function levelin individuals with stroke.Material and Method: This study included a total of 39 stroke patients (age 63.87±9.03 years, post stroke 19.18±16.38 month).Upper extremity motor functions were evaluated with the upper extremity sub-scale of the Stroke Rehabilitation Assessmentof Movement (STREAM) Scale and Brunnstrom stages of motor recovery; trunk control, balance, and functional mobilitywere evaluated with Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) respectively.Result: A moderate relation was determined between the trunk control, balance and functional mobility and upper extremityfunctions (p<0.05). When the trunk control, balance and mobility performances of the individuals were compared accordingto Brunnstrom arm stages, it was seen that those with worse upper extremity motor recovery had poor trunk control, balanceand mobility (p<0.05)Conclusion: As a result of our study, a relation was detected between upper extremity function and trunk control, balanceand mobility. For this reason, it is important to focus on the upper extremity as well as trunk control to improve balance andmobility in physiotherapy and rehabilitation practices.