Article

Confidence about balance may be an important factor affecting
self-efficacy for daily activities after stroke. The authors
investigated whether confidence changes and the parameters that may predict
changes in self-perceived balance within the first year of community
reintegration. In this prospective study, 98 hemiparetic participants
who could walk at least 10 m independently were assessed
1, 3, 6, and 12 months
postdischarge from rehabilitation by the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go,
6-minute walking distance, and depression and anxiety scales. The 98
age-/sex-matched controls were assessed at enrollment and the same intervals.
Multilevel modeling was used to determine if assessed covariates predicted
changes in balance confidence by the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence
Scale. RESULTS: Stroke subjects had lower initial balance confidence than
controls and showed a statistically significant increase in confidence over 1
year at each assessment. Poor balance and high state anxiety were associated with
lower balance confidence. Significant interactions were observed between greater
depression, along with more impaired walking capacity and balance tests, in
predicting lower change trajectories in confidence. Falls predicted a reduced
rate of improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Balance confidence after stroke remained lower
than controls over the first year. Physical therapies and supportive
interventions designed to treat confidence should be initiated at discharge from
inpatient rehabilitation.

Langue : ANGLAIS