İnvestigation of the effect of balance and posture on SPEECH function in stroke patients

This study was conducted to investigate whether there is a relationship between language and speech function and posture and balance in stroke patients, and to which sub-area of speech function the relationship is. Eighteen stroke patients with speech impairment and no cognitive impairment (Mini Mental Test score greater than or equal to 24) were included in the study. Balance and posture of stroke individuals were evaluated using the Berg Balance Test (BBT) and Postural Rating Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS-T), while their quality of life was evaluated using the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life-39 Test (SAQOL-39). While the Gülhane Aphasia Test-2 (GAT-2) was used to evaluate the speech functions of individuals, subjective voice analysis evaluations were made with the Voice-Related Quality of Life Scale (SIYQ). The mean age of the individuals participating in the study was 59.00 ± 14.72; The mean score of the Mini Mental Test is 26.16±2.00. According to statistical analysis, there was a significant relationship between BBT score and GAT-2 (r:0.552, p=0.017) and BBT score and SAQOL-39 mean score (r:0.589, p=0.010); There was no significant relationship between CBT and HRQOL (r:-0.075, p=0.768). While there was a significant relationship between PASS-T and SAQOL-39 (r:0.499, p=0.035), no significant relationship was found with GAT-2 (r:0.388, p=0.112). In addition, a significant correlation was found between the SAQOL-39 mean score and the GAT-2 total score (r:0.606, p=0.008). In the light of the findings of the study, it was concluded that there is a statistically significant relationship between balance functions and speech function and quality of life in individuals with stroke, and that the general levels and speech functions of patients with good balance may be good. However, the inference that speech functions may be good cannot be made for posture. As a result, due to the importance of evaluation in treatment, it is thought that the evaluation of stroke patients who receive or will receive speech and language therapy in terms of balance and postural functions will contribute to the preparation of an appropriate treatment program that will improve the speech functions of individuals.