Relationship between toilet activity and standing balance with hemiplegics

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of standing balance and physical fitness on putting on slacks in toilet activity. The subjects consisted of twenty subjects with hemiplegia (mean age: 76.7 ± 10.9 years old, 8 males and 12 females) with at least six months since its onset. They were classified into two groups according to their ability to put on slacks: an independent group (n=13), and a dependent group (n=7). The results showed significant difference in total scores and dynamic balance scores of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (p<0.05), between the two groups. In particular, "arm reaching", "pick up objects" and "twisting" were significantly different (p<0.05). The correlations between BBS scores and knee extensor muscle torque on the paretic side (p<0.01), and Brannstrom stage (p<0.01) were significant. The results suggest that ability to put on slacks in toilet activity may be influenced by dynamic balance.