Relationship Between Balance, Arm Function and Body Awareness in People With Stroke

Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide and is frequently associated with impairments in balance, upper extremity function, and body awareness. These impairments may negatively affect independence in activities of daily living and overall quality of life. Although previous studies have investigated the relationships between balance and upper extremity function after stroke, body awareness has received relatively limited attention.

The aim of this observational cross-sectional study is to investigate the relationship between balance, upper extremity skills, and body awareness in individuals with chronic stroke. Fifty-three individuals with chronic stroke will be recruited from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baskent University Hospital.

Balance will be assessed using the Berg Balance Scale and the Tetrax computerized posturography system. Upper extremity motor impairment and functional performance will be evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment and the Wolf Motor Function Test. Body awareness will be assessed using the Body Awareness Questionnaire. Additional assessments will include lower extremity motor function, muscle tone, cognitive status, shoulder range of motion, and upper extremity reaction time.

The study is expected to provide a better understanding of the relationships among balance, upper extremity function, and body awareness in individuals with chronic stroke. The findings may contribute to the development of individualized rehabilitation strategies and improve clinical assessment approaches in stroke rehabilitation.