2.4. Outcome measures and assessment
DGI, Dizziness, stroke, dizziness, mobility impairments
STROKE
Timed Up and Go Test. The TUG (Timed Up and Go) test is a measure of mobility and balance in older adults. TUG was used to assess mobility and balance in the current study. The score range for the TUG test can vary depending on the population being tested and the criteria used for evaluation, but a general range is 10 to 20 seconds for older adults without mobility issues, and more than 20 seconds for those with mobility issues. It is important to note that this test should be performed and interpreted under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Cut of scores indicating risk of falls by older stroke patients is 14 seconds.Dynamic Gait Index: The dynamic gait index (DGI) measures gait and balance in individuals with mobility impairments. This test assesses balance, stability, and coordination, among other aspects of gait. Tasks are scored from 0 to 4, with 0 denoting difficulty and 4 denoting ease of performance. The sum of the scores from all 8 tasks is the final score, which is 0 to 32. The higher the DGI score, the better the gait and balance performance. DGI was used to assess the gait of the patients with stroke in the current study.Dizziness Handicap Inventory: The dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) is a self-administered questionnaire used to evaluate the impact of dizziness on an individual’s daily life. The DHI consists of 25 questions that assess various aspects of dizziness such as physical, emotional, and functional handicap. The questions are scored on a 5-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating a greater impact of dizziness on the individual’s daily life. The final score ranges from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating a greater level of handicap due to dizziness. The DHI was used to evaluate the level of dizziness symptoms among stroke patients enrolled in this study.A trained physiotherapist (assessor) with 10 years of experience in neurological rehabilitation who was blinded to trial conducted the assessment at baseline and at post intervention in the 8th week.