Assessing fitness measures in chronic stroke survivors and elderly fallers: A comparative study

Stroke is one of the most ordinary medical conditions that affect the function of the brain and occurs when the supply of blood delivered to the brain is significantly altered. This results in a wide range of motor limitations which is also associated with aging. The purpose of the present study was to compare the physical and functional capacity between chronic stroke survivors and elderly fallers. The study had 24 participants (N=24), who were divided into two groups: a group of chronic stroke survivors (n=12) and a group of elderly fallers (n=12). The average age of the stroke survivors’ group was 63.8 (± 8.4), while the average age of the elderly fallers group was 75.2 (±8.4). Standardized functional fitness tests assessing balance, strength, endurance, agility and flexibility were performed using Senior Fitness Test. The results of the data analyses revealed that there was no statistically significant effect of the “group” factor on the Chair Stand Step, Back Scratch Test with left hand on the top, Back Scratch Test with the right hand on the top, Chair Sit and Reach Test with left foot extended, Chair Sit and Reach Test with right foot extended, Arm Curl Test with the left hand, 2.45-m Up-and-Go Test and, 2-minute Step Test. However, a significant difference was found in the Arm Curl Test with the right hand, which was the paretic arm for stroke survivors. According to the findings mentioned above, physical fitness does not distinguish between chronic stroke patients and aged matched elderly fallers. Overall, physical fitness is influenced by various factors, and stroke survivors and elderly fallers may share some common factors that affect their physical fitness levels.

K. Anagnostopoulos, E. Kouli, A. Kanavaki, S. Iliopoulos, A. Gkrekidis, D. Menychtas, I. Smilios, E. Douda, M. Michalopoulou, V. Gourgoulis, G. Sirakoulis, N. Aggelousis