Relationship between hamstrings-quadriceps strength ratio and the performance of tasks in Berg's Balance Scale among stroke survivors in Abakaliki, Nigeria.

Aim: The study was designed to establish the relationship between hamstrings-quadriceps (H-Q) strength ratio and the performance of tasks in Berg's Balance Scale among stroke survivors.

Method: Twenty-five stroke survivors participated in the study. The hamstrings and quadriceps muscle strengths of both the paretic and non-paretic sides were determined at 60° knee flexion with an electronic tensiometer. The participants undertook the tasks in Berg's Balance Scale.

Results: The moment of correlation between the paretic H-Q strength ratio and the total score of the Berg's Balance Scale was 0.630, while the non-paretic was -0.144. Tasks such as standing unsupported (0.360), sitting unsupported (0.348) and standing with eyes closed (0.262) showed a weak correlation with the paretic H-Q strength ratio. Sitting to standing (0.469), standing to sitting (0.405), transfers (0.470), standing with feet together (0.565), retrieving an object from the floor (0.544), turning to look behind (0.400), turning 360° (0.589) and one leg stance (0.649) showed moderate correlation with the paretic H-Q strength ratio; while reaching forward (0.768), placing alternate foot on stool (0.710) and tandem standing (0.744) showed strong correlation with the paretic H-Q strength ratio.

Conclusion: The study concluded that the H-Q strength ratios of the paretic limbs of stroke survivors showed significant relationships with the performance of tasks in Berg's Balance Scale. It is recommended that the H-Q strength ratio is considered as a clinical measurement tool in the balance rehabilitation of stroke survivors.