A Comparison of Actual and Perceived Balance Abilities in Patients with Stroke

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between perceived confidence in the ability to perform certain activities that challenge balance and the actual performance of some of those activities in subjects with chronic stroke. Background: Patients who have had a stroke are at high risk for a wide range of secondary complications such as recurrent stroke, epileptic seizure, infectio and mobility-related falls. Falls after stroke are one of the major complications, and of all complications in people with chronic stroke, falls constitute 25%. The causes and prevention of falls are still under investigation in this population. Subjects: Thirty volunteers (14 male and 16 female) with chronic stroke (6-30 months post-stroke) participated in the study. The mean age was 64.7 years. Methods: The primary ourcome measures were the Activities specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC) scale (perceived confidence), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (actual abilities), Stroke-Adapted SIP-30, Stroke Severity Index, and Charlson’s Comorbidity Index. The ABC and SA-SIP30 were self administered by each participant. The Berg Balance Scale, Stroke Severity Index, and Charlson’s Comorbidity Index were administered and recorded by the researcher. Analyses: A Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to determine if a significant correlation exists between the ABC and the BBS. Results: Scores revealed significant moderate correlations between actual and perceived balance abilities in patients with chronic stroke. Further data analysis revealed that there were no significant correlations between fallers and non-fallers actual and/or perceived balance abilities among patients with chronic stroke. Conclusion: Perceived confidence of balance abilities might be an indicator of actual balance abilities when performing certain activities that challenge balance in patients with chronic stroke. However, no relationship was established between the BBS and the ABC between fallers and non-fallers in patients with chronic stroke.