Association of Walking Ability In Relation to Participation In Stroke Survivors: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a neurological condition caused by an immediate injury to the CNS due to vascular sources like cerebral infarction, intracerebral haemorrhage, or subarachnoid haemorrhage. Stroke leads to changes in cognitive and psychological functioning, body disabilities and profound fatigue. After a stroke, patients are likely to produce an asymmetric gait pattern, decreased gait speed and decreased cadence. This leads to restricted independence and participation in the community and social activities. The aim of the study is to analyse the correlation between walking ability and measures of social participation. Methodology: Forty subjects were screened for inclusion criteria. They were explained about the procedure and gained informed consent for all the tests of walking ability and questionnaires were given for analysing their participation in social life activities. Walking ability was analysed by using 6-minute walk test, 10-meter walk test, Fall Efficacy Scale (FES), and Functional Ambulation Category (FAC). Social participation was analysed by using 3 questionnaires -POPS, IPAQ, and PARTS/M. Spearman correlation analysis was done to analyse the relationship between walking ability and domains and dimensions of social participation. Results: The correlation analyses revealed that the walking ability measured by 6-minute walk test, 10-meter walk test, FES and FAC scores correlate with the domains and dimensions of social participation by using the questionnaires-POPS, PARTS/M and IPAQ. Measures of walking ability i.e., 6-minute walk test were correlated with satisfaction (r=0.312; p<0.05); FES with satisfaction (r=-0.396; p<0.05); FAC with satisfaction (r=0.436; p<0.05) dimensions of social participation. Measures of walking ability i.e., 10-meter walk test were correlated with major life area domain (r =-0.407; p<0.5); FES and general tasks and demands (r=-0.334; p<0.05); FAC and general tasks and demand domain (r=0.327; p<0.05). Conclusion: Walking ability was significantly correlated with measures of domains and dimensions of social participation. KEYWORDS: Stroke, POPS, PARTS/M, CVA, Social Participation, Walking Ability.