Correlation between physical activity levels and clinical variables in stroke survivors

Chinwendu Vivian Achonwa 1, Toochukwu Anamezie Henry 2, Pelumi Enoch Fasulu 3, Emeka Charles Nwobodo 4, Oghenefejiro Rebecca Ghavwan 5, Chinenye Vivian Nwachukwu 4, Mary Francisca Effiong 2, Ifeoluwa Oyedoyin Oyekan 6, Samson Abayomi Afolabi 6, Chukwu Chigozie David 7, Orume Maryam Sylvanus 8, Elizabeth Adeyinka Oladoye 9 and Ikenna Kingsley Uchendu 4, *

1 Department of Medical Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria.
2 Department of the N.A Semashko Public Health and Healthcare, Erismann Institute of Public Health, I.M Sechenov First Moscow State Medical university, Moscow, Russia.
3 Department of Biomedical Laboratory science, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
4 Department of Medical laboratory sciences, University of Nigeria.
5 Department of Botany, Delta State University Abraka, Nigeria.
6 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
7 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, King David Federal School of Medical sciences, Uburu Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
8 Department of Geography, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
9 Demography and Social Statistics Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria.
 
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Life Sciences, 2023, 05(02), 095–104.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjls.2023.5.2.0040
Publication history: 
Received on 29 April 2023; revised on 06 June 2023; accepted on 09 June 2023
 
Abstract: 
Increased levels of physical inactivity leads to increased disability level which results to decreased in balance status among stroke survivors. Balance problems are major co-morbidities stroke survivors are posed with. The current study was undertaken to investigate the relationship of physical activity profile and selected clinical variables of stroke survivors ; disability level, balance status and duration of stroke in selected tertiary hospitals in Anambra State, Nigeria. Sixty-eight (68) participants were recruited for this study of which 46 were males and 22 were were females. Physical activity level were measured using a 7-day International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF), Clinical variables like disability level were measured using Modified Rankin Scale, balance status were measured using Berg Balance Scale. Demographic data were collected which included weight, height, BMI and duration of stroke. The data was tabulated, analyzed statistically and discussed. It was found that physical activity level showed significant positive correlation in clinical variable like balance status, significant negative correlation was found between physical activity level and disability level, also between balance and disability level, non-significant negative correlation was found between physical activity level and duration of stroke incidence. In conclusion, physical activity showed a significant decrease in disability level and balance status. Developing strategies needed to promote and maintain physical activity in stroke survivors as well as potency of physical activity are important to decrease disability level and improve muscle strength adequate enough to maintain balance and good posture. Balance is greatly affected in sitting and high level of disability.
 
Keywords: 
Stroke Survivor; Physical activity; Disability; Balance level; Duration of Stroke
 
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