Quality of Life and Activity of Daily living of Ischaemic Stroke Patients in North-Eastern of Peninsular Malaysia: The Effect of Bal-Ex Stroke Home Rehabilitation

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability. Reduced stroke mortality leads to increasing need for rehabilitation services. Home-based stroke rehabilitation is an alternative to inpatient rehabilitation to help stroke survivors improve their functions. We assess the effect of Bal-ex stroke video module on the quality of life (QoL) and activity of daily living (ADL) of stroke patients. This study is an opened labelled randomised controlled trial (RCT) involving 80 patients with recent mild to moderate ischemic stroke. They were divided into control group and intervention group using randomisation of block of four. The intervention group received a Bal-ex stroke module and twice weekly outpatient follow-up at rehabilitation unit, University Hospital. The control group received only weekly outpatient therapy sessions. Both groups were assessed with Barthel Index (BI) for activity of ADL and at baseline, end of month 2 and month 4. The level of ADL total scores was analysed using a repeated measure ANOVA. 80 patients were recruited and all participants successfully completed the study. The majority of the participants were male (81.2%). Their average mean age was 59.78 (7.56) years old. There was no significant difference between QOL score of both groups at baseline assessment. Intervention group demonstrated a significantly greater mean in ADL, at 2 months [(66.00; 95% CI: 60.34, 71.66) vs. (42.25; 95% CI: 36.59, 47.91)]; and even at 4 months [(77.00; 95% CI: 72.42, 81.58) vs 61.38; 95% CI: 56.79, 65.96)] as compared to control group. Using Bal- Ex stroke home module in early ischaemic stroke can leads to better improvement of patients’ quality of life than usual care.

International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 07 No. 01 Jan’22 Page: 40-47