The effect of body mass index on walk, balance, physical performance and life quality in adult hemiplegic patients

Objective: The aim of our study is to examine the effects of body mass index (BMI) on gait, balance, physical performance and quality of life in individuals diagnosed with post-stroke hemiplegia. Methods: Twenty-six voluntary hemiplegic individuals aged 18 years and over, who were admitted to the Private Rom-Phys Canallong Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Medical Center, who were diagnosed with hemiplegia for more than 6 months and who were treated as outpatients, participated in the study. The demographic characteristics of the individuals and their weights in the last month before stroke were questioned. Current weight and height measurements were made. Pre-stroke BMI and current BMI calculations were based on current height. We calculated how much weight the patients, whose weight before stroke and whose current weight we know, lost in the process until the evaluation date after stroke. In addition to the evaluation form prepared, Ten Meter Walking and Stair Climbing Ability Assessment for walking, Postural Symmetry Index and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for balance, Modified Barthel Index (MBI) for physical performance and PASS-T (Postural Assessment Scale for Patients with Stroke - Turkish), Stroke Effect Scale (SES 3.0) for quality of life and Brunnstrom Motor Recovery Scale for motor recovery level. Results: The brunnstrom lower extremity motor recovery stage of 26 hemiplegia patients had values of 3 and above, and all individuals could be ambulatory independently. While 52.5% of the patients were in the obese class before stroke, 23% were in the obese class after stroke. In addition, all of the individuals participating in the study lost weight after a stroke. When pre-stroke and current body weights were compared, a statistically significant difference was found between data groups (p <0.05). A strong negative correlation was observed between the patients' weight loss rate after stroke and the Ten Meter Walking assessment that evaluates walking (p<0.05). A strong negative correlation was observed between the patients' weight loss rate after stroke and Stair Climbing Ability Assessment (p<0.05). The Berg Balance Scale (BDI) and Postural Symmetry Index, which evaluate the weight loss rate and balance status of the patients after stroke, were compared. It was observed that there was a very strong positive correlation with the Berg Balance Scale (p <0.05). There was no relationship between it and the Postural Symmetry Index (p> 0.05). The relationship of the patients with the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and PASS-T scales, which evaluate the weight loss rate and physical performance status after stroke, were examined. It was observed that there was a very strong positive correlation with the Modified Barthel Index (p <0.05). A strong positive correlation was observed with the PASS-T scale (p <0.05). When the weight loss rate of the patients after stroke and the results of the stroke impact scale evaluating the quality of life were compared, it was observed that there was a very strong positive correlation between them (p <0.05). Conclusion: When we examine hemiplegic individuals who experienced weight loss after stroke, walking, balance, physical performance and quality of life levels increase due to the increase in weight loss rate. We believe that considering the BMI factor in the preparation and implementation of treatment programs, especially in overweight and obese individuals, will contribute positively to functional status and quality of life. Key Words: Hemiplegia, Body Mass Index, Weight Loss Rate, Quality of Life, Physical Performance, Balance, Walking