The sitting-unsupported balance score as an early predictor of functional prognosis in stroke patients: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of initial "sitting-unsupported" Berg Balance Scale (SUB), the specific trunk control parameter, on patients' functional outcome, Korean version of Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) at 6 months.

METHODS: The charts of 30 patients retrospectively reviewed reviewed. The initial Korean version of Berg Balance Scale (K-BBS) including SUB along with patients' Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and other functional parameters that affect functional outcome were recorded. Cases were divided into low (group I) and high (group II) initial SUB score groups. Correlation and regression analysis were performed to assess the relationship between the initial SUB on the K-MBI at 6 months.

RESULTS: The mean±standard deviation score of initial SUB/K-MBI at 6 months of groups I and II were 0.056±0.236/26.89±32.48, 3.58±0.515/80.25±18.78, respectively, and showed statistical significant differences to each other (p<0.05). K-MBI at 6 months was highly correlated with initial GCS, SUB, K-BBS, K-MMSE, and initial K-MBI (p<0.05). In multiple linear regression analysis, initial SUB and GCS scores remained significantly associated with K-MBI at 6 months. A logistic regression model revealed that initial SUB (p=0.004, odds ratio=16), initial K-MBI, GCS, and K-MMSE were all significant predictors of K-MBI scores at 6 months.

CONCLUSION: Initial SUB scores could be helpful in predicting patient's potential functional recovery at 6 months. Further studies with concurrent controls and a larger sample group are required to fully establish this tool.