Walking and Stair Climbing Abilities in Individuals After Chronic Stroke with and without Mental Health Problem
Jaruwan Prasomsri BSc*, Chutima Jalayondeja DrPH*, Sunee Bovonsunthonchai PhD*, Supalak Khemthong PhD*
Affiliation : * Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Objective : To compare muscle strength, balance, walking and stair climbing abilities among individuals after chronic stroke
with or without mental health problems; to describe their physiological response after stress stimulation.
Material and Method: Subjects who had their first stroke more than one year ago were classified for mental health problems
according to the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. Lower extremity muscle strength of the quadriceps and plantar flexors,
was measured by dynamometer. Balance and walking performance was measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 10-m
walk test and timing of stair climbing. Community participation and spiritual well-being were measured. The physiological
response of stress stimulation was assessed by the long stress test protocol of the biofeedback device.
Results : Forty-five subjects with chronic stroke aged 40-80 years were grouped by with (n = 25) and without mental health
problems (n = 20). Significant differences were found in quadriceps muscle strength, BBS, walking and stair climbing speed,
community participation and spiritual well-being between two groups. In the stress stimulus phase, the electromyography and
heart rate variability demonstrated significant difference between those with and without stress.
Conclusion : Individuals with chronic stroke with mental health problems demonstrated decreased quadriceps muscle
strength, balance and locomotor performances.
Keywords : Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Walking speed, Stair climbing
