Thesis Type: Postgraduate
Institution Of The Thesis: Gazi University, Turkey
Approval Date: 2017
Thesis Language: Turkish
Student: Tuğçe Duman
Supervisor: İLKE KESER
Abstract:Due to aging, changes occur in many systems. These changes lead to a decline in functionality and independence level in elderly individuals. Alterations in the elderly cause comorbid diseases and as a result of these increase the risk of stroke. In case of a having stroke, motor, sensory and cognitive disorders resulting from stroke increase the level of disability by being added to age-related disorders. A limited number of studies have identified specific needs in acute stroke patients over 65 years of age. The aim of this study was to determine the differences of 65 years and older patients than younger than 65 years old patients with acute stroke for posture, balance, mobility and independence level of patients. The study included 47 patients followed at the Ankara Numune Hospital Neurology service with stroke diagnosis. The stroke severity, level of disability, motor function, posture, balance, mobility and independence level were assessed by the National Institutions of Health Stroke Scale, Modified Rankin Scale, Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement Scale, Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke, Berg Balance Scale, Rivermead Mobility Index and the of Barthel ADL Index, respectively. Age medians of patients were 64 (43-83) years. There was a significant difference in posture, balance, mobility and independence level among patients over 65 years old and other patients (p <0,05). The level of disability was found to be similar in both groups (p> 0,05). It was found that physical impact, functionality, level of independence, and motor function were significantly more prominent in stroke patients over 65 years of age than stroke patients under 65 years of age. It was thought that it would be beneficial to make more, detailed and individualized assessments in routine practice to determine physical influences and identify needs in these patients.