The Preferred Method for Evaluation of Lower Extremity Functional Status in Patients with Stroke

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare modified Barthel Index with manual muscle test, Brunnstrom stage or Berg balance scale related with lower extremity function and defined which methods was preferred method for evaluation of lower extremity functional status in patients with stroke. METHODS: Twenty patients with stroke were enrolled to assess manual muscle test, Brunnstrom stage, Berg balance scale and modified Barthel Index at admission and discharge following rehabilitation programs. We compared admission, discharge and gain (difference of admission and discharge) scores of lower manual muscle test, leg Brunnstrom stage or Berg balance scale with gait and stair climbing sub-scores of modified Barthel Index. RESULTS: Significant correlation was observed between admission (r=0.772, p<0.01), discharge (r=0.812, p<0.01) or gain of Berg balance scale (r=0.454, p<0.05) and gait and stair climbing sub-scores of modified Barthel Index respectively. Significant correlation was observed between leg Brunnstrom stage and gait and stair climbing sub-scores of modified Barthel Index at discharge (r=0.475, p<0.05). Significant correlation was observed between lower manual muscle test gain and gait and stair climbing sub-scores of modified Barthel Index (r=0.643, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Berg balance scale was the preferred method for evaluation of functional status correlated with gait and stair climbing ability at admission, discharge and gain of rehabilitation period.