The evaluation of postural, respiratory function parameters and functional capacity in stroke individuals

The aim of this study was to evaluate posture, pulmonary function parameters, and functional capacity in stroke individuals. A total of 91 individuals, 45 individuals with stroke and 46 healthy subjects, were included in the study. Cognitive status of individuals was measured by Mini Mental test; functional capacity by Timed Up Go test; lower extremity muscle strength by Sit-on-Chair Test; daily living activity by Bartel Index; quality of life by Nottingham Health Profile; body control by Body Disorder Scale; quality;respiratory capacity by Pulmonary function test; and spinal posture by Spinal Mouse. In terms of posture examination, sacrum-hip angles, sacrum mobility, and spinal mobility were found to be lower, and lumbar values were higher in Stroke group compared to healthy group (p<0.05). Posture, functional capacity, pulmonary function capacity, and quality of life values of stroke patients were found to be clinically worse than healthy subjects (p<0.05). Furthermore, it was found that there was a relation between the posture of individuals with stroke and pulmonary function parameters, functional capacity, muscle strength, body dysfunction scale, and quality of life (p<0.05). At the end of this study, it was concluded that stroke patients should be evaluated in detail especially with regard to posture, pulmonary function parameters and trunk stability.