Effects of Comorbidity on Gait in Individuals with Stroke

Abstract

"This study aimed to investigate the effect of comorbidity on gait in stroke individuals. Methods: Ten individuals who had a stroke and between the ages of 18 and 80 participated in the study. Demographic data form included demographic information, clinical status, the presence of aphasia, and pathological reflexes. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was used to evaluate the presence of comorbidity, and Timed Up and Go (TUG) was used for gait assessment. Results: It was seen that 5 of the participants were right hemiparetic and 7 of them were women. It was obtained that the disease duration was between 3.43 and 125.13 months, and just 2 participants were using an assistive device. The participants’ mean age was 58.10 ± 13.32 years, CCI score was 4.3 ± 2.11, and TUG score was 15.74 ± 4.91. No significant results were obtained from the regression analysis for the effect of comorbidity on gait, or from the correlation analysis (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Individuals have gait problems due to various reasons after stroke. It was found that the comorbidities of the individuals did not affect their gait more than the stroke itself. The disorders and factors affecting gait parameters should be examined and awareness should be raised about the comorbidities associated with stroke or already existing comorbidities and their effects on gait in individuals with stroke. Future studies with more individuals whom were with different comorbidities are needed, to investigate the effects of comorbidities on walking."