Depression and dynamic balance recovery among stroke survivors: a preliminary investigation

Introduction Studies have suggested that there could be a link between balance problems and anxiety and depression conditions, and that rehabilitation of the balance system could help. However, a direct link has not been established between post-stroke depression and functional recovery and balance. Aim The aim of this preliminary investigation was to investigate the occurrences of depression and to assess dynamic balance recovery status of stroke survivors as a foundational study for to a future large investigation to establish the relationship between depression and dynamic balance recovery. Material and methods A convenient sample of 18 stroke survivors was recruited from stroke patients attending the outpatient adult neurology unit of the Physiotherapy Department, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in a cross-sectional design. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Dynamic Gait Index / Functional Gait Assessment score were used to collect data for depression and dynamic balance recovery respectively. Associations between depression and dynamic balance recovery were determined using Chi-Square analysis at a confidence level of 95%. Analysis was done using SPSS v. 20. Results and discussion Result showed a high prevalence (55.60%) of post-stroke depression among stroke survivors. Majority of the survivors (88.90% of patients) had poor dynamic balance recovery. Conclusions There is a high prevalence of post-stroke depression among stroke survivors and they have poor dynamic balance. However, owing to small sample of participants in the present study, its premature to draw conclusion on the relationship between depression and dynamic balance recovery among stroke survivors from the result of this study.