Revista FisiSenectus · Feb 16, 2026
Functionality, fall risk, and quality of life in older patients with chronic stroke
By Soares V, Poersch K
INTRODUCTION: Stroke (AVC) is an alteration in blood flow in the brain that can cause nerve cell death, resulting in motor disorders and cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVE: To assess functionality, fall risk, and quality of life in older adults with chronic AVC. METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional study involving older adults from a Family Health Strategy in São Leopoldo/RS, assessed using the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (EAPA), the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (EQVE-AVE). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0, and the significance level adopted was p<0.05. RESULTS: The mean EAPA score was 29.8 ± 10 points, 47.1% of the sample had an increased risk of falls, and the EQVE-AVE had a mean score of 152.9 ± 36.7 points, indicating impaired functionality and quality of life. Participants were 17 older adults (mean age of 70.9 ± 6.5 years), of whom 58.8% were women; a high prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension (88.2%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (41.2%), smoking (58.8%), and physical inactivity (76.5%) was observed, factors that increase fall risk and worsen functionality. CONCLUSIONS: Better functionality was associated with lower fall risk and higher quality of life, demonstrating that physical therapy interventions focused on balance, strength, and mobility are essential to reduce functional vulnerability and promote greater independence among older adults with chronic AVC.