Measurement of compliance to life-space mobility in community-dwelling stroke survivors: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Life-space mobility is linked to self-reported health and quality of life for stroke survivors. Impairments resulting from stroke, such as synergistic movements, poor balance, and gait impairments, limit life-space mobility for stroke survivors and, therefore, their community ambulation. Our study aimed to investigate the factors influencing compliance with life-space mobility in community-dwelling stroke survivors. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study employed convenience sampling and collected data from 100 community-dwelling stroke survivors aged 45 to 65. Written informed consent was obtained from the participants, and they were requested to fill out the self-formulated questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated, and the domains such as perception, practice, and barriers to life space mobility skills were selected as constructs. Accordingly, the responses obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Results In the perception domain participants perceived that they were able to walk inside the house (69.65%), outside the home (30%), perform ADLs independently (20%), and safely transfer (15%). Seventy-five percent of participants stated fear of falling as a barrier to community ambulation and 72% of participants reported that they lacked caregiver support. Some participants reported that psychological barriers like depression, anxiety, stress, loss of interest in doing activities, and overthinking about being judged by others prevented them from walking outside the house. Conclusion Our study suggested that most participants perceived confidence in adhering to life-space mobility skills in the community. However, while practicing tasks related to life-space mobility, many participants experienced physical and psychological barriers that reduced their participation in such activities.