<![CDATA[Introduction: Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term impairment globally, with serious consequences for an individual's physical, psychological, and social functioning. One of the most prevalent post-stroke impairments is balance impairment, which adversely affects mobility, independence, and overall quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to examine the association between TUG-assessed balance-related functional mobility and SF-36-assessed quality of life among community-dwelling Indonesian stroke patients. This study provides evidence from community-dwelling Indonesian stroke patients, a population that remains under-represented in rehabilitation research. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using purposive sampling. Data were collected from Posyandu Lansia at Puskesmas Dinoyo and Puskesmas Kendalsari between January and March 2025. A total of 99 participants who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. Eligible participants were aged ≥ 50 years, had been diagnosed with stroke within the previous 6 months, had no cognitive impairment (MMSE > 23), and were able to mobilise independently or with assistive devices. Balance-related functional mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, while QoL was measured using the Indonesian Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. The exploratory SF-36 composite score was calculated as the arithmetic mean of the eight domain scores. Data normality was assessed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Because the data were not normally distributed, Spearman’s rho correlation was used. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess associations between the predictors and QoL. Results: The mean TUG time was 32.45 ± 3.24 seconds, and the exploratory SF-36 composite score was 62.61 ± 2.87. The mean Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores were 59.7 ± 22.3 and 62.3 ± 20.7, respectively. Across the eight SF-36 domains, mean scores ranged from 50.7 ± 21.1 for general health to 74.0 ± 25.9 for social functioning. These values are reported descriptively because the composite score is exploratory and no validated cut-off or reference population was available for qualitative classification in this sample. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between balance-related functional mobility and QoL (r = −0.413, p < 0.001). In the multivariable model, longer TUG time was associated with lower QoL (B = −0.42, β = −0.24, 95% CI −0.75 to −0.09, p = 0.015), although the overall model was not statistically significant (R² = 0.15; adjusted R² = 0.043; F(11, 87) = 1.40; p = 0.19). Conclusion: Poorer balance-related functional mobility, reflected by longer TUG time, was associated with lower SF-36 QoL scores; balance assessment may therefore be clinically relevant in community-based post-stroke rehabilitation planning.]]>
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