Independent association of SOT-composite with berg balance scale scores in Chinese stroke patients: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Objective Stroke-related balance dysfunction affects 61–83% of patients, yet the quantitative relationship between sensory integration capacity and functional balance remains inadequately characterized. This study investigated the association between Sensory Organization Test (SOT) composite scores and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) performance in Chinese stroke patients. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed data from 339 stroke patients who received treatment at Guangdong 999 Brain Hospital between January 2021 and December 2023. Exposure variable was SOT-Composite score (0–100 points, measured via NeuroCom Smart EquiTest within 48 h). Outcome variable was Berg Balance Scale total score (0–56 points, assessed within 48 h). Two models were constructed: a Core model adjusting for age, gender, diagnosis, and disease duration, and a Sensitivity model additionally adjusting for Brunnstrom lower-extremity stage and weight symmetry index. Tertile stratification of SOT-Composite scores was performed descriptively to explore dose–response patterns. Results In the Sensitivity model, each 1-point increase in SOT-Composite score was associated with a 0.2745-point higher Berg Balance Scale score (95% CI: 0.171–0.386, p < 0.001; Core model: β = 0.2471, 95% CI 0.137–0.357, p < 0.001). Standardized coefficient analysis in the Sensitivity model showed Brunnstrom lower-extremity stage had the strongest association (standardized β = 0.4562, p < 0.001), followed by SOT-Composite score (standardized β = 0.2527, p < 0.001). Among sensory subsystems, visual, somatosensory, and vestibular processing ratios were all significantly associated with balance performance (unstandardized β = 0.18, 0.16, and 0.15 BBS points per unit ratio change, respectively). Conclusion SOT-Composite score was independently associated with Berg Balance Scale performance in stroke patients, even after adjustment for multiple covariates. Whether targeted sensory training can improve balance outcomes warrants evaluation in future prospective intervention studies.