title: Walking and stair climbing abilities in individuals after chronic stroke with and without mental health problem.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare muscle strength, balance, walking and stair climbing abilities among individuals after chronic stroke with or without mental health problems; to describe their physiological response after stress stimulation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects who had their first stroke more than one year ago were classified for mental health problems according to the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. Lower extremity muscle strength of the quadriceps and plantar flexors, was measured by dynamometer Balance and walking performance was measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 10-m walk test and timing of stair climbing. Community participation and spiritual well-being were measured. The physiological response of stress stimulation was assessed by the long stress test protocol of the biofeedback device.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Forty-five subjects with chronic stroke aged 40-80 years were grouped by with (n = 25) and without mental health problems (n = 20). Significant differences were found in quadriceps muscle strength, BBS, walking and stair climbing speed, community participation and spiritual well-being between two groups. In the stress stimulus phase, the electromyography and heart rate variability demonstrated significant difference between those with and without stress.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Individuals with chronic stroke with mental health problems demonstrated decreased quadriceps muscle strength, balance and locomotor performances.
authors.forename: Jaruwan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Prasomsri
authors.forename: Chutima
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jalayondeja
authors.forename: Sunee
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bovonsunthonchai
authors.forename: Supalak
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Khemthong
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D004856:Postural Balance; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*