Abstract
Objective: Most research regarding the effectiveness of brain tumor treatments measure survival time, recurrence rate, and extent of surgical resection. Objective measurements of functional abilities and self-perceived quality of life (QoL) are important aspects of treatment response, yet these are not commonly assessed. This study was designed to determine the relationship between balance and mobility status and self-perceived QoL for patients before and after surgical excision of primary brain tumors. Methods: Nine adults who underwent surgical excision of presumed primary brain tumor were assessed prior to, immediately following, and 3 months post-surgery utilizing the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), Tinetti Performance- Oriented Mobility Assessment (Tinetti) and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). ANOVA with repeated measures over time was performed on the data across the three time points. Outcome measures were correlated using Spearman’s correlations. Statistical significance for all tests was accepted at p < 0.05. Results: Balance, mobility and QoL measures changed significantly from pre-surgery to immediately postsurgery and from immediately post-surgery to 3 months later. However, neither QoL nor balance or mobility demonstrated significant change from pre-surgery to 3 months post-surgery. These results reflect clinically-noted changes in physical abilities the 3 time points. All measures significantly correlated at the two post-surgery measurements, indicating a close link between balance and mobility and QoL. Conclusion: The TUG and Tinetti can be used in brain tumor patients to quantify clinical changes in balance and mobility. These changes correlate with QoL over time.
Highlights
Impairments standing balance and limitations with ambulation and transfers are common in patients with brain tumors [1]
Patients were evaluated the day before surgery, 3 days after surgery, and 3 months after surgical resection to determine 1) balance and mobility using Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) and the Tinetti instruments and 2) self-perceived quality of life (QoL) using the Medical Outcome Study (MOS) 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36)
The goals of this study were to examine the utility of the TUG and Tinetti assessments of gait and balance in patients with primary brain tumors to determine whether such measures of physical function would correlate with QoL We found that the TUG and Tinetti were appropriate and sensitive measures in patients with primary brain tumors
Summary
Impairments standing balance and limitations with ambulation and transfers are common in patients with brain tumors [1]. Deficits in performing ambulation and balance skills reduce overall functional abilities and independence with daily activities. One goal of surgical excision of brain tumor is to improve brain function, including motor skills, mobility, balance, and overall quality of life [1]. Very few studies measure functional outcomes using reliable and valid instruments despite clinical tools to quantify this domain [8,9,10]. These studies refer to neurological deficits or physical function deficits, but fail to quantify these deficits or to objectively measure change over time [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callMore From: International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
