Stroke Severity and Maximum Inspiratory Pressure are Independently Associated with Functional Mobility in Individuals After Stroke.

Background: Clinical changes after stroke can contribute to reduced mobility and negatively affect the survival of these individuals. The objective of this study was to verify factors associated with functional mobility in stroke individuals.

Methods: Crosssectional study carried out with stroke individuals in an outpatient clinic. Demographic and clinical data were collected and the following measures were applied: National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Barthel Index, Trunk Impairment Scale, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Respiratory muscle strength was assessed by measuring the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and the maximum expiratory pressure (MEP).Variables with p < .05 in univariate logistic regression analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression model, using the backward stepwise method.

Results: 53 individuals were enrolled with a mean age of 55 years (±13.43). 51% were male and the median NIHSS score was 2.25 (0-13). The final multivariate model included NIHSS (OR = 1.872; 95% CI 1.167-3.006; p = 0.009), physical therapy treatment (OR = 15.467; 95% CI 1.838-130.178; p = 0.012) and MIP (OR = 1.078; 95% CI 1.024-1.135; p = 0.004).

Conclusion: Stroke severity and inspiratory muscle strength were factros associated with functional mobility in individuals after stroke, regardless stroke time.