The Orpington Prognostic Scale for patients with stroke: Reliability and pilot predictive data for discharge destination and therapeutic services

Purpose.?To determine the inter-rater and test-retest reliability of the Orpington Prognostic Scale (OPS) in patients with stroke. Pilot data were gathered to evaluate its predictive validity for discharge destination and therapeutic services required on discharge.

Method.?Ninety-four consecutive patients, admitted to hospital due to stroke participated. Pairs of physiotherapists (PT) and occupational therapists (OT) assessed patients using the OPS on days 7 and 14 post stroke. For inter-rater reliability, one rater performed the OPS while the other observed, each scoring the scale independently. For test-retest reliability, two different raters tested the subjects separately within the same day. Data were gathered on the discharge destination and the number of follow-up services prescribed.

Results.?The inter-rater reliability as measured by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.99 (95% CI 0.97 – 0.99). For test-retest reliability, the ICC was 0.95 (95% CI 0.90 – 0.98). The accuracy for predicting discharge to home using OPS ? 5.0 was 65% (95% CI 0.52 – 0.76). OPS scores were not related to number of follow-up services prescribed.

Conclusions.?Despite high inter-rater and test-retest reliability, the OPS has limited predictive accuracy for discharge destination and is a poor predictor of follow-up services.     

The Orpington Prognostic Scale for patients with stroke: reliability and pilot predictive data for discharge destination and therapeutic services

PURPOSE: To determine the inter-rater and test-retest reliability of the Orpington Prognostic Scale (OPS) in patients with stroke. Pilot data were gathered to evaluate its predictive validity for discharge destination and therapeutic services required on discharge.METHOD: Ninety-four consecutive patients, admitted to hospital due to stroke participated. Pairs of physiotherapists (PT) and occupational therapists (OT) assessed patients using the OPS on days 7 and 14 post stroke. For inter-rater reliability, one rater performed the OPS while the other observed, each scoring the scale independently. For test-retest reliability, two different raters tested the subjects separately within the same day. Data were gathered on the discharge destination and the number of follow-up services prescribed.RESULTS: The inter-rater reliability as measured by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.99 (95% CI 0.97 - 0.99). For test-retest reliability, the ICC was 0.95 (95% CI 0.90 - 0.98). The accuracy for predicting discharge to home using OPS 5.0 was 65% (95% CI 0.52 - 0.76). OPS scores were not related to number of follow-up services prescribed.CONCLUSIONS: Despite high inter-rater and test-retest reliability, the OPS has limited predictive accuracy for discharge destination and is a poor predictor of follow-up services.     

Prognostic value of CT scan features in acute ischaemic stroke and relationship with clinical stroke syndromes

The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the value of CT scan in prognosis of acute ischaemic stroke patients as a variable additional to clinical stroke syndromes to develop a simple classification of CT scan features to provide a practical approach to prognosticate and manage such patients. One hundred and eight nine patients admitted with ischaemic stroke were investigated with a CT scan. CT scan features were classified into two groups: large infarct, LI (across more than one lobe) and non-large infarcts (N-LI) for all other features. Patients were also studied for clinical syndromes, analysing results for total anterior circulation syndrome (TACS). Outcome was measured as early post stroke Barthel index, acute phase and 3-month mortality. Patients with LI had features of severe strokes and had a lower Barthel index (p < 0.001), lower Glasgow coma score (p < 0.001), more association with incontinence (p < 0.001), pyrexia (p = 0.007) and dysphagia (p < 0.001). LI patients required higher level of care in acute wards and had a higher length of stay (p = 0.01). Both the LI and TACS individually had a significantly higher mortality (p < 0.001) and similar positive predictive value, sensitivity and specificity for 3-month mortality. While the combined factor of 'large infarct and TACS' provided the highest likelihood ratio (3.1) for mortality, the factor of 'large infarct or TACS' was the most sensitive (85%) to identify majority of patients at a risk of mortality. N-LI patients had a better prognosis. Classification of cerebral infarcts into large and non-large categories identifies patients who require higher level of care in acute wards and have a higher mortality. Combined factor of 'large infarct and/or TACS' identifies the majority of patients at risk of 3-month mortality as compared to either variable taken individually. CT scan features are complimentary to clinical syndromes for managing acute stroke patients.     

Measuring upper limb capacity in patients after stroke: reliability and validity of the stroke upper limb capacity scale

Houwink A, Roorda LD, Smits W, Molenaar IW, Geurts AC. Measuring upper limb capacity in patients after stroke: reliability and validity of the Stroke Upper Limb Capacity Scale.

Objective

To investigate the interrater reliability and construct validity of the Stroke Upper Limb Capacity Scale (SULCS).

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Inpatient department of a rehabilitation center.

Participants

Patients after stroke (N=21; mean age ± SD, 61.7±7.9y; 57% men), undergoing inpatient rehabilitation.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

The SULCS was administered by occupational therapists (OTs) within 6 weeks after stroke (t1), 3 months after t1 by the same OT (t2), and within 1 week after t2 by another OT (t3). Interrater reliability, the repeatability between different raters, was assessed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) based on the scores at t2 and t3. Construct validity, indicating agreement with hypotheses concerning the construct that is being measured, was assessed with Spearman rank correlation coefficient (ρ). The SULCS scores were cross-sectionally correlated with those of the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and the Rivermead Motor Assessment (RMA) at t1, and longitudinally with the respective change scores between t1 and t2.

Results

The SULCS (range, 0–10) had a high ICC (.94; 95% confidence interval, .86–.97) and strong cross-sectional correlation with both the ARAT and the RMA (ρ=.91 and ρ=.85, respectively), while the respective change scores showed a strong correlation with the ARAT (ρ=.71) and a moderate correlation with the RMA (ρ=.48).

Conclusions

The SULCS has good interrater reliability and construct validity.     

H-GRASP: the feasibility of an upper limb home exercise program monitored by phone for individuals post stroke

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of a phone-monitored home exercise program for the upper limb following stroke. Methods: A pre-post double baseline repeated measures design was used. Participants completed an 8-week home exercise program that included behavioural strategies to promote greater use of the affected upper limb. Participants were monitored weekly by therapists over the phone. The following feasibility outcomes were collected: Process (e.g. recruitment rate); Resources (e.g. exercise adherence rate); Management (e.g. therapist monitoring) and Scientific (e.g. safety, effect sizes). Clinical outcomes included: The Chedoke Arm and Hand Inventory, Motor Activity Log, grip strength and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Results: Eight individuals with stroke were recruited and six participants completed the exercise program. All but one of the six participants met the exercise target of 60?minutes/day, 6 days/week. Participants were stable across the baseline period. The following post-treatment effect sizes were observed: CAHAI (0.944, p?=?0.046); MALQ (0.789, p?=?0.03) grip strength (0.947, p?=?0.046); COPM (0.789, p?=?0.03). Improvements were maintained at three and six month follow ups. Conclusions: Community dwelling individuals with stroke may benefit from a phone-monitored upper limb home exercise program that includes behavioural strategies that promote transfer of exercise gains into daily upper limb use.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• A repetitive, task-oriented home exercise program that utilizes telephone supervision may be an effective method for the treatment of the upper limb following stroke

• This program is best suited for individuals with mild to moderate level impairment and experience a sufficient level of challenge from the exercises

• An exercise program that includes behavioural strategies may promote transfer of exercise gains into greater use of the affected upper limb during daily activities

     

Robotic-assisted rehabilitation of the upper limb after acute stroke

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether early therapy with a novel robotic device can reduce motor impairment and enhance functional recovery of poststroke patients with hemiparetic and hemiplegic upper limb. DESIGN: A single-blind randomized controlled trial, with an 8-month follow-up. SETTING: Neurologic department and rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-five patients with acute (< or =1 wk of onset), unilateral, ischemic embolic, or thrombotic stroke. INTERVENTIONS: Patients of both groups received the same dose and length per day of standard poststroke multidisciplinary rehabilitation. Patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups. The experimental group (n=17) received additional early sensorimotor robotic training, 4 hours a week for 5 weeks; the control group (n=18) was exposed to the robotic device, 30 minutes a week, twice a week, but the exercises were performed with the unimpaired upper limb. Training by robot consisted of peripheral manipulation of the shoulder and elbow of the impaired limb, correlated with visual stimuli. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) of upper-extremity function (shoulder/elbow and coordination and wrist/hand subsections) to measure each trained limb segment; the Medical Research Council (MRC) score to measure the strength of muscle force during 3 actions: shoulder abduction (MRC deltoid), elbow flexion (MRC biceps), and wrist flexion (MRC wrist flexors); the FIM instrument and its motor component; and the Trunk Control Test (TCT) and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). RESULTS: Compared with the patients in the control group, the experimental group showed significant gains in motor impairment and functional recovery of the upper limb after robot therapy, as measured by the MRC deltoid (P< or =.05) and biceps (P<.05) scores, the FMA for the proximal upper arm (P<.05), the FIM instrument (P<.05), and the FIM motor score (P<.01); these gains were also sustained at the 3- and 8-month follow-up. The FMA and MRC wrist flexor test findings did not differ statistically either at the end of training or at the follow-up sessions. We found no significant differences in MAS and TCT in either group in any of the evaluations. No adverse effects occurred and the robotic approach was very well accepted. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received robotic therapy in addition to conventional therapy showed greater reductions in motor impairment and improvements in functional abilities. Robotic therapy may therefore effectively complement standard rehabilitation from the start, by providing therapeutic support for patients with poststroke plegic and paretic upper limb.     

上肢康复机器人训练对亚急性脑卒中患者认知和上肢运动功能的效果北大核心CSCD

目的探讨上肢康复机器人训练对亚急性脑卒中患者认知功能、上肢运动功能和日常生活能力的影响。方法2019年9月至2020年9月,温州医科大学附属第一医院康复科亚急性期脑卒中并发认知障碍的偏瘫患者65例随机分为对照组(n=32,脱落2例)和试验组(n=33,脱落3例)。两组均接受常规作业治疗,对照组接受常规认知训练,试验组接受上肢康复机器人训练,共4周。治疗前后采用蒙特利尔认知评估(MoCA)、简易精神状态检查(MMSE)、Fugl-Meyer评定量表上肢部分(FMA-UE)和改良Barthel指数(MBI)进行评定。结果治疗后,两组MoCA、MMSE、FMA-UE和MBI评分均显著改善(t>22.11,Z>4.79,P<0.001),试验组MoCA总分及部分维度分,MMSE总分及部分维度分,FMA-UE总分及手臂分,MBI评分均优于对照组(t>2.06,Z>3.19,P<0.05)。结论上肢康复机器人训练有助于改善亚急性脑卒中患者的认知功能、上肢运动功能和日常生活活动能力。     

Outcomes of the Bobath concept on upper limb recovery following stroke

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of the Bobath concept at reducing upper limb impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions after stroke. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched to identify relevant trials published between 1966 and 2003. Two reviewers independently assessed articles for the following inclusion criteria: population of adults with upper limb disability after stroke; stated use of the Bobath concept aimed at improving upper limb disability in isolation from other approaches; outcomes reflecting changes in upper limb impairment, activity limitation or participation restriction. RESULTS: Of the 688 articles initially identified, eight met the inclusion criteria. Five were randomized controlled trials, one used a single-group crossover design and two were single-case design studies. Five studies measured impairments including shoulder pain, tone, muscle strength and motor control. The Bobath concept was found to reduce shoulder pain better than cryotherapy, and to reduce tone compared to no intervention and compared to proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). However, no difference was detected for changes in tone between the Bobath concept and a functional approach. Differences did not reach significance for measures of muscle strength and motor control. Six studies measured activity limitations, none of these found the Bobath concept was superior to other therapy approaches. Two studies measured changes in participation restriction and both found equivocal results. CONCLUSIONS: Comparisons of the Bobath concept with other approaches do not demonstrate superiority of one approach over the other at improving upper limb impairment, activity or participation. However, study limitations relating to methodological quality, the outcome measures used and contextual factors investigated limit the ability to draw conclusions. Future research should use sensitive upper limb measures, trained Bobath therapists and homogeneous samples to identify the influence of patient factors on the response to therapy approaches.     

基于表面肌电探讨蝶形浴对脑卒中偏瘫患者上肢痉挛的影响

目的:基于表面肌电(sEMG)观察蝶形浴对脑卒中偏瘫患者上肢痉挛的影响。方法:采用随机数字表法将60例脑卒中偏瘫患者分为观察组和对照组各30例。2组患者均给予常规的康复治疗,观察组患者在此基础上进行蝶形浴治疗。分别于治疗前、治疗4周后采用表面肌电图记录肘关节屈曲最大等长收缩时肱二头肌与肱三头肌积分肌电值(IEMG)、改良Ashworth量表(MAS)来评估2组患者患侧肘关节及腕关节的肌张力大小,采用简易Fugl-Meyer上肢运动功能评分(FMA-U)评估2组患者的上肢运动功能。结果:治疗4周后,2组患者肘关节屈曲最大等长收缩时肱二头肌IEMG均较治疗前明显降低(均P0.05),且观察组更低于对照组(P0.05);肱三头肌IEMG均较治疗前明显增高(均P0.05),且观察组更高于对照组(P0.05);2组患侧肘、腕关节屈肌MAS评分均较治疗前下降(均P0.05),且观察组明显低于对照组(P0.05);2组患侧FMA-U评分均较治疗前明显提高(P0.05),且观察组明显高于对照组(P0.05)。结论:蝶形浴疗法可以有效地缓解脑卒中偏瘫患者的上肢痉挛,减轻因痉挛导致的上肢运动功能障碍,值得在临床推广应用。     

表面肌电在脑卒中肘关节痉挛评价中的意义

目的 采用肌电积分值（IEMG）对脑卒中偏瘫患者的肘关节屈肌（肱二头肌）痉挛进行量化评定，并建立与改良Ashworth分级相对应的肌电积分值量化区间。方法 参照改良Ashworth分级标准将90例受试者进行分组，其中0级20例、Ⅰ级16例、Ⅰ16例、Ⅱ级20例、Ⅲ级18例。记录上述受试者在肘关节持续被动屈伸时肱二头肌表面肌电积分值的变化并进行统计分析。结果 受试者各Ashworth分级所对应的肌电积分值范围如下，Ashworth分级为0级对应1．3-12．Ⅰ（6．7±5．4）νV·s；Ⅰ级对应4．6-12．3（8．5±3．9）μV·s：Ⅰ级对应15．3—28．4（21．8±6．6）μV·s；Ⅱ级对应37．2—68．9（53．1±15．6）μV·s；Ⅲ级对应82．3—144．1（113．2±30．9）μV·s。除Ashworth分级为0级与Ⅰ级所对应的IEMG范围有重叠，IEMG均数间差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）外，其它各Ashworth分级所对应的IEMG范围均无重叠，IEMG均数间差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论肌电积分值可对除Ashworth分级为Ⅰ级以外的脑卒中偏瘫患者肘关节屈肌痉挛进行客观评定及量化分级。     

上肢康复机器人结合常规康复训练对急性期脑卒中患者上肢功能的疗效研究

目的:观察上肢康复机器人结合常规康复训练对急性期脑卒中患者上肢运动功能的改善情况。方法:将50例脑卒中患者随机分为对照组和观察组,对照组每天进行2次常规康复训练,观察组每天进行1次常规康复训练及1次上肢康复机器人训练,每周治疗5d,共4周,治疗前后分别用Fugl-Meyer(上肢部分,FMA-UE)、改良日常生活能力(MBI)、肩关节主动关节活动度评价康复效果。结果:治疗后,2组患者的FMA-UE、肩关节主动关节活动度和MBI评估均有明显提高(P0.05),上肢康复机器人结合常规康复训练组的FMA-UE和肩关节前屈、水平内收、水平外展主动关节活动度与对照组相比提高更加明显(P0.05)。结论:上肢康复机器人结合常规康复训练对急性期脑卒中患者上肢功能有明显改善作用。     

脑卒中偏瘫患者颈部与健侧上肢输液对上肢功能恢复的影响探讨

目的探讨脑卒中偏瘫患者行双上肢康复训练时颈部与健侧上肢输液对上肢功能恢复的影响。方法将64例脑卒中偏瘫患者随机分成观察组和对照组,各32例。两组患者均进行常规神经内科药物治疗、常规运动方法、日常生活活动训练及双上肢康复训练,并分别于入院时和入院后4周利用Fugl-Meyer评定量表上肢部分及Barthel指数行功能评定。结果两组患者入院时评分差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;入院后4周FMA、Barthel指数评分与入院时相比,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）;与对照组相比,观察组患者FMA、Barthel指数的评分差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论颈部输液有助于脑卒中偏瘫患者双上肢功能训练和患侧上肢功能恢复。     

Electromyographic analyses of global synkinesis in the paretic upper limb after stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Global synkinesis (GS), or motor irradiation, is an involuntary movement associated with the coactivation of numerous muscles in one limb when the opposite limb is active. The electromyographic (EMG) patterns of people with stroke and people who were healthy were analyzed to characterize GS development in relation to joint involvement and to attempt to relate these findings to clinical observations. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with stroke, divided into 2 groups with either greater levels of irradiation (SG, n = 10) or lesser levels of irradiation (SL, n = 10), and 20 subjects in a control group were studied. A dynamometer was used to provide resistance for voluntary isometric muscle contractions of the flexor muscle groups of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. The summated and standardized net EMG amplitudes of 8 principal muscles of the unexercised (paretic) upper extremity were used to characterize intensity and spatial representation of GS. Clinical measurements included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FMA), Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living (BI), and the stage on the Brunnstr?m Stages of Motor Recovery Scale (BR). RESULTS: In the SG and control groups, a more substantial GS intensity was associated with muscle contractions of the flexor muscles of the opposite proximal joint than was the case for contractions of the flexor muscles of the distal joint, whereas such a gradient change was absent in the SL group. The corresponding spatial patterns of GS exhibited a predominant cross-excitation over the unexercised pectoralis major and extensor carpi radialis muscles in the control group, contrary to the enhanced activation of the brachioradialis and biceps brachii muscles noted in patients with stroke. The SG group had a better FMA score and a more satisfactory BR stage than did the SL group, and the 2 neurological scores were related to GS intensity for patients with stroke, depending on joint involvement. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Intensity of GS provided an affiliation with motor deficits and a promising window for poststroke recovery mechanisms.     

上肢康复训练系统在脑卒中偏瘫患者上肢功能康复中的应用

目的:观察上肢康复训练系统对脑卒中患者上肢功能康复的临床疗效。方法:脑卒中偏瘫上肢功能障碍患者42例,分为观察组22例和对照组20例。2组患者均接受常规药物治疗和康复训练。观察组在此基础上加用Rejoyce上肢康复训练。治疗前后采用Fugl-Meyer量表上肢部分(FMA-UE)、Rejoyce手功能测试(RAHFT)和功能独立性评定(FIM)评定2组疗效。结果:治疗4周后,2组FMA-UE、RAHFT及FIM评分治疗前后及组间比较均差异无统计学意义;治疗8周后,2组FMA-UE、RAHFT及FIM评分均较治疗前及治疗4周时明显提高(P0.05,0.01),且观察组更高于对照组(P0.05)。结论:Rejoyce上肢康复训练结合常规康复作业治疗能更好地改善脑卒中恢复期患者偏瘫上肢及手的功能,更有效地提高患者日常生活活动能力。     

Temporal structure of variability decreases in upper extremity movements post stroke

Background

The objective of this study was to determine movement variability in the more-affected upper-extremity in chronic stroke survivors. We investigated two hypotheses: (1) individuals with stroke will have increased amount of variability and altered structure of variability in upper-extremity joint movement patterns as compared to age-matched controls; and (2) the degree of motor impairment and joint kinematics will be correlated with the temporal structure of variability.

Methods

Sixteen participants with chronic stroke and nine age-matched controls performed three trials of functional reach-to-grasp. The amount of variability was quantified by computing the standard deviation of shoulder, elbow, wrist and index finger flexion/extension joint angles. The temporal structure of variability was determined by calculating approximate entropy in shoulder, elbow, wrist and index finger flexion/extension joint angles.

Findings

Individuals with stroke demonstrated greater standard deviations and significantly reduced approximate entropy values as compared to controls. Furthermore, motor impairments and kinematics demonstrated moderate to strong correlations with temporal structure of variability.

Interpretation

Changes in the temporal structure of variability in upper-extremity joint angles suggest that movement patterns used by stroke survivors are less adaptable. This knowledge may yield additional insights into the impaired motor system and suggest better interventions that can enhance upper-extremity movement adaptability.     

每搏输出量变异对脓毒症患者预后的预测作用

目的 探讨每搏输出量变异(SVV)对早期目标指导治疗(EGDT)达标的严重脓毒症患者的预后预测价值.方法 38例EGDT达标后的机械通气严重脓毒症患者,根据脉搏波指示连续心排血量(PiCCO)技术测定的数据分为高SVV组(SVV≥10%)和低SVV组(SVV<10%);比较两组患者28d生存率、ICU住院时间、机械通气时间、合并新感染情况的差异;采用Kaplan-Meier生存分析法分析患者累积生存情况;采用Logistic回归分析SVV与28 d内患者死亡的关系.结果 与低SVV组比较,高SVV组患者28 d生存率明显增高(87.5%vs.57.1%,P=0.032),ICU住院时间明显减少[(27.1±9.2)d vs.(41.6±10.0)d,P=0.004],机械通气时间明显缩短[(20.4±7.3)d vs.(28.5±8.3)d,P=0.038);高SVV组累积生存率显著高于低SVV组;Logistic回归分析显示,SVV<10%使患者28 d死亡风险显著增高(OR=3.97;95%CI:1.63～9.21,P=0.014).结论 SVV可以作为EGDT达标后严重脓毒症患者的预后预测指标.