Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: September | Volume: 10 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 90-94
Influence of Post Stroke Depression on Balance in Ambulant Stroke Survivors
Samuel SE1, Kumar H2, Shanbhag AP3
1Professor and Principal, 3Postgraduate Student,
Laxmi Memorial College of Physiotherapy, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India.
2Professor and HOD of Community Medicine, A.J Institute of Medical Science.
Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka.
Corresponding Author: Shanbhag AP
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: Stroke survivors have an increased incidence of neuro- psychiatric disorders. Post stroke depression (PSD) although being a common and important complication of stroke, Post Stroke Depression is often overlooked. Static and dynamic balance is considered important for optimal ambulation as well as to decrease fall risk. Balance impairment is a long term issue post stroke. Restoration of balance is a key component of rehabilitation. Post Stroke Depression is known to influence rehabilitation and functional outcome. Studies have suggested that there could be a link between balance problems and anxiety and depression but the interactions between balance and depression are still not well known.
Purpose of the study was to assess the influence of post stroke depression on balance.
Methodology: 49 patients with stroke survivors who satisfied the inclusion criteria were recruited. Depression and balance were measured using Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI). Correlations between the mentioned measures were calculated using the Spearman’s correlation.
Results: The PHQ-9 scores correlated moderately but significantly with the DGI (r= -0.495, p= 0.001) measurements.
Conclusion: The present study demonstrated potential association between Post Stroke Depression and balance. Post Stroke Depression has detrimental effect on balance. The finding could influence informed clinical decision making and help improve prognosis in this vulnerable population of stroke survivors.
Key words: Stroke, depression, Post Stroke Depression, balance, stroke survivors, rehabilitation.