The effect of upper extremity functions on balance, functional capacity and depression in hemiplegic individuals

Stroke is a clinical condition that occurs cognitive, speech disfunction, balance, sensation and motor deficits result of cerebral vessel congestion, laseration or rupture. Stroke is a problem that leads to permanent disability in survivor and increase socioeconomic majority of society with its high prevalance and mortality. Purpose of the our study to investigate the effect of upper extremity on balance, functional capacity and depression in acute stroke patients. 40 volunteers which fit our inclusion criteria and have acute stroke with the average of age (62,33±8,92 years) patients have been joined the study. İndividuals were evaluated by prospective. Upper extremity (Fugl-Meyer), balance (Tinetti), functional capacity (Time up go) and depression (Beck depression) were evaluated. IBM 20 was uses for statistical analysis. The level of signicative accepted p<0.05. A statistically significant relationship was found between upper extremity (p<0.000), balance (p<0.000), functıonal capacity (p<0.000) and depression (p<0.000). When patients grouped according to upper extremity functional level (p<0.05), there was a significant relationship between balance and functional capacity. When severity increases acute stroke patients, balance and functional capacity change for the worse. In conclusion this study showed that upper extremity function in acute stroke patients negatively effected functional capacity, depression and balance. Keywords: Stroke, Upper extremity, Balance, Functional capacity, Depression.