Handgrip and quadriceps strength as independent predictors of post-stroke depression and anxiety

Ademoyegun, AB, Ibitoye, AG, Mbada, CE, Malomo, OE, Adelowokan, OI, Aghedo, IA, Rasaq, WA, Adeoye, BM and Olaoye, MI (2022) Handgrip and quadriceps strength as independent predictors of post-stroke depression and anxiety. Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences and Research, 9 (1). pp. 47-52. ISSN 2345-6167

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Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to whether handgrip and quadriceps strength can predict post-stroke depression (PSD) and post-stroke anxiety (PSA). Methods: This cross-sectional study involved sixty-six consenting stroke patients whose symptoms of depression and anxiety and affected handgrip and quadriceps strength were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and handheld dynamometers. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was set at P<0.05. Results: The participants’ mean handgrip and quadriceps strength were 19.03 kg and 20.70 kg, respectively, while the prevalence of PSD and PSA were 33.4% and 42.4%, respectively. PSD was significantly correlated with PSA (r=0.61; P<0.001), handgrip strength (r=-0.24; P=0.049), functional independence (r=-0.26; P=0.036), and stroke severity (r=0.26; P=0.039), while PSA was significantly correlated with stroke severity (r=0.25; P=0.046) and age (r=-0.25; P=0.048). Multiple linear regression results indicate that handgrip and quadriceps strength were not independent predictors of PSD and PSA (P>0.05); however, the presence of PSA was an independent predictor of PSD (B=0.590; P<0.001), while the presence of PSD (B=0.621; P=0.001) and younger age (B=-0.307; P<0.001) were independent predictors of PSA. Conclusion: Handgrip and quadriceps strength are not significant predictors of PSD and PSA in stroke survivors; however, PSD and PSA can predict each other, indicating a bi-directional relationship, while age is a negative predictor of PSA.