Correlation between physical activity levels and clinical variables in stroke survivors

Abstract

Increased levels of physical inactivity leads to increased disability level which results to decreased in balance status among stroke survivors. Balance problems are major co-morbidities stroke survivors are posed with. The current study was undertaken to investigate the relationship of physical activity profile and selected clinical variables of stroke survivors ; disability level, balance status and duration of stroke in selected tertiary hospitals in Anambra State, Nigeria. Sixty-eight (68) participants were recruited for this study of which 46 were males and 22 were were females. Physical activity level were measured using a 7-day International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF), Clinical variables like disability level were measured using Modified Rankin Scale, balance status were measured using Berg Balance Scale. Demographic data were collected which included weight, height, BMI and duration of stroke. The data was tabulated, analyzed statistically and discussed. It was found that physical activity level showed significant positive correlation in clinical variable like balance status, significant negative correlation was found between physical activity level and disability level, also between balance and disability level, non-significant negative correlation was found between physical activity level and duration of stroke incidence. In conclusion, physical activity showed a significant decrease in disability level and balance status. Developing strategies needed to promote and maintain physical activity in stroke survivors as well as potency of physical activity are important to decrease disability level and improve muscle strength adequate enough to maintain balance and good posture. Balance is greatly affected in sitting and high level of disability.