Abstract

BRAUN, Aline; HERBER, Vanessa  and  MICHAELSEN, Stella Maris. Relationship among physical activity level, balance and quality of life in individuals with hemi paresis . Rev Bras Med Esporte [online]. 2012, vol.18, n.1, pp. 30-34. ISSN 1517-8692.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1517-86922012000100006.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity brings benefits to the neurological system, especially to motor and balance impairment, which are important deficits in individuals with sequels after a stroke. OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation between the level of physical activity and balance in the quality of life of individuals with hemiparesis after a stroke. Method: 19 individuals (57.8 ± 14.1 years old) with chronic hemiparesis (44.1 ± 37.9 months) were involved in this study. The study evaluated the human activity profile (HAP), the balance confidence level (ABC), the functional balance (BERG) and quality of life (SSQOL). Data were submitted to analysis of Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: HAP presented a positive strong correlation with the scores of functional balance (BERG; ρ = 0.73) and a moderated positive correlation with the scores of balance confidence (ABC; ρ = 0.64). Total HAP and the HAP set showed moderate positive correlation with the mobility (respectively ρ = 0.48 and ρ = 0.71), self-care (ρ = 0.48 and ρ = 0.65), upper limb function (ρ = 0.56 for both) and vision (ρ = 0.49 and ρ = 0.69) domains. Quality of life and the family roles and mobility domains showed moderate correlations with both functional and balance with balance confidence. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the more active the person is, the greater his/her balance and quality of life will be. Considering this, the development of physical activity programs for individuals with hemiparesis after strokes becomes extremely important.

Keywords : physical fitness; mobility; stroke.