Prediction of Factors Affecting Mobility in Patients with Stroke and Finding the Mediation Effect of Balance on Mobility: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

(1) Background: Regaining mobility after stroke is essential to facilitate patient independency in activities of daily living. Predicting post-stroke mobility is clinically important and plays a significant part in rehabilitation programs. The purpose of this study is to find the factors affecting mobility in patients with stroke and to analyze the mediation effect of balance on mobility. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study included forty-one patients with stroke averaging an age of 57.2 ± 88.6. The Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) was used for measuring the mobility, Timed Up and Go (TUG) to measure the walking speed, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to assess the balance and a handheld dynamometer (HHD) was used for measuring the isometric strength of the ankle and knee. (3) Results: In regression analysis balance (β=0.58; p≤ 0.0001) and walking speed (β=-0.27; p=0.04) were the significant factors predicting mobility. (4) Conclusions: Balance and gait speed were the factors that influenced mobility in stroke patients, indicating the utility of measuring these aspects in order to provide appropriate rehabilitation programs.

Keywords: balance; gait; lower limb; mediation; mobility; prediction; stroke.

Figure 1

Correlation of RMI with different independent variables. TUG: Timed Up and Go test; BBS: Berg Balance Scale; RMI: Rivermead Mobility Index.

Figure 2

The mediating role of balance in the association between walking speed and mobility.