Abstract
Introduction Hemiparesis is a common post-stroke impairment often associated with balance deficits. Standardized instruments for balance assessment may be useful in identifying individuals at risk of falling and evaluating intervention outcomes. Objectives To identify instruments with adequate psychometric properties and clinical application to assess balance in hemiparetic cases within the scope of physiotherapy and to verify tools most frequently used in studies that evaluated the effects of therapeutic interventions in order to improve the balance of hemiparetic patients. Methods A search was conducted in the Medline, Lilacs, PEDro, and Web of Science databases by two independent researchers, who selected and analyzed studies that evaluated the reliability and validity of balance assessment instruments and intervention results. Results and discussion The Berg Balance Scale was the most frequently used instrument in the intervention studies. Nine single-task tests (timed up and go, functional reach test, step test, four-square step test, side step test, supported standing balance, standing arm raise, static tandem standing, and weight shifting) and six multiple-task tests (Berg balance scale, Brunel balance assessment, Fugl-Meyer Assessment/balance section, mini balance evaluation systems test, and postural assessment scale for stroke patients) demonstrated adequate psychometric properties and clinical applications to assess balance in hemiparetic individuals. Conclusions The Berg Balance Scale had the most widely studied psychometric properties and was the most frequently used scale in the intervention studies. Further studies are required to validate and adapt other instruments for the Brazilian population.
Highlights
Hemiparesis is a common post-stroke impairment often associated with balance deficits
Disabilities caused by Cerebral vascular accident (CVA) are commonly associated with motor impairment, hemiparesis, and balance disorders, which are commonly observed in hemiparetic stroke patients [2,3,4,5]
An experimental study was excluded for having used posturography to assess results, and another study was excluded because it assessed mobility as the main outcome, with no use of a specific balance assessment instrument
Summary
Hemiparesis is a common post-stroke impairment often associated with balance deficits. Disabilities caused by CVA are commonly associated with motor impairment, hemiparesis, and balance disorders, which are commonly observed in hemiparetic stroke patients [2,3,4,5]. These changes compromise the patients’ safe gait at home and in the community, increasing the likelihood of falls [6]. Post-stroke falls may result in soft tissue injuries, hip fractures, radius fractures, and traumatic brain injuries, which can lead to hospitalization [10, 11] Another possible consequence is the reduction of physical activities due to fear of falling [12]. Schmid and Rittman [14], through a qualitative analysis of a sample of 132 subjects with 1- or 6-month old history of stroke, indicated the following three important aspects related to the consequences of falls after a stroke: limitation of activities of daily living and participation, increased dependence, and a growing fear of falling
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
