Effects of trunk rotation induced treadmill gait training on gait of stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial

[Purpose] This study was conducted to find out the effect of arm swing during treadmill training on the gait of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] This study subjects were 20 stroke subjects patients who were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG), 10 subjects in each group. Therapists induced arm swing of affected side of EG subjects using Nordic poles, while subjects in CG had the affected arm restricted to prevent arm swing. Training was performed for 30 minutes, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The timed up and go test (TUG), the dynamic gait index (DGI) and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were assessed before and after the training. [Results] After the training, there were no significant differences in the TUG times of EG and CG. There were significant differences in the DGI and the 6-minute walking distance of EG, but not of CG. There were also significant differences in the improvements of the DGI and the 6-minute walking distance between the groups. [Conclusion] Arm swing training had a positive effect on patients’ gait ability. Further studies are required to generalize the results of this study.Key words: Arm swing, Gait, Stroke     

Case report: a modified constraint-induced therapy (mCIT) program for the upper extremity of a person with chronic stroke

The purpose of this case report was to assess the effect of a reduced intensity protocol for daily modified constraint-induced therapy (mCIT) without use of a restraint on the function of the upper extremity (UE) in an individual with a chronic stroke. A 57 year-old patient one year following a stroke participated in a two-hour mCITprogram for ten weekdays over a period of two weeks. During this period, voluntary use of the involved extremity was encouraged for 90% of waking hours at home without use of a restraint. Examination was conducted before and after intervention, and at a one month follow-up visit. Outcome measures included: the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), the Motor Activity Log (MAL), and motion analysis of a reach and grasp task using Charnwood's CODA mpx 30. The patient improved or remained the same in functional upper extremity tasks on both the WMFT and MAL. The data from the motion analysis showed that grasp time and maximum pinch angle improved for bilateral UEs. Reaching profile graphed over time had fewer changes in velocity and fewer periods of acceleration and deceleration post-intervention. This reduced intensity program shows promise as an effective, feasible, and patient-preferred application of mCIT in a clinical setting.     

Psychometric properties of a modified Wolf Motor Function test for people with mild and moderate upper-extremity hemiparesis

OBJECTIVE: To test the necessity of videotaping, test-retest reliability, and item stability and validity of a modified Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) for people with mild and moderate chronic upper-extremity (UE) hemiparesis caused by stroke. DESIGN: Raters of videotape versus direct observation; test-retest reliability over 3 observations, item stability, and criterion validity with upper-extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) in the mildly and moderately impaired groups. SETTING: Academic research center. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-six subjects with chronic UE hemiparesis who participated in a large intervention study. Subjects were classified into mild and moderate groups for additional analyses. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean and median times of task completion, functional ability, and strength (weight to box) measures of the WMFT. FMA scores for validity assessment. RESULTS: In a subgroup of 10 subjects, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for videotape versus direct observation ranged from .96 to .99. For the whole group, test-retest reliability using ICC2,1 ranged from .97 to .99; stability of the test showed that administration 1 differed from administrations 2 and 3 but administrations 2 and 3 did not differ; item analysis showed that 4 of 17 items changed across time, and validity, using a correlation with UE FMA, ranged from .86 to .89. Separate mild- and moderate-group analyses were similar to whole-group results. CONCLUSIONS: Videotaping the modified WMFT was not necessary for accurate scoring. The modified WMFT is reliable and valid as an outcome measure for people with chronic moderate and mild UE hemiparesis and is stable, but 1 repeat testing is recommended when practical.     

Correlations among trunk impairment,functional performance,and muscle activity during forward reaching tasks in patients with chronic stroke

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the relationships among trunk impairment, functional performance, and muscle activity during forward reaching tasks in patients with chronic stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-three chronic stroke patients participated in this study. Trunk impairment and functional performance were evaluated using the Trunk Impairment Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, and 10-Meter Walk Test. All subjects were asked to perform 3 different forward reaching tasks (affected side reaching, forward reaching, and less-affected side reaching), and measurements were taken during these 3 tasks by using surface electromyography. Correlation analyses were performed to assess the relationships among trunk impairment, functional performance, and muscle activity during the forward reaching tasks. [Results] Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a strong, significant correlation between the Trunk Impairment Scale and functional performance, that was associated with balance and gait ability. During the 3 different forward reaching tasks, muscle activities of the less-affected lower extremity were significantly correlated with functional performance. [Conclusion] This study revealed the correlations among trunk impairment, functional performance, and muscle activity during forward reaching tasks in patients with chronic stroke and emphasized the importance of trunk rehabilitation.Key words: Electromyography, Postural balance, Stroke     

Wolf运动功能测试量表的标准效度和评定者内部信度研究

目的：研究脑卒中偏瘫患者上肢运动的Wolf运动功能测试量表（WMFT）的标准效度和评定者内部信度研究。方法：22例脑卒中慢性期患者在2周内由同一测试者进行WMFT的检查，并与Fugl—Meyer评价量表上肢部分进行效度分析。结果：两次WMFT计时组内相关系数（ICC）为0．990，95％置信区间为0．977—0.996；两次WMFT动作质量分级组内相关系数（ICC）为0．988．95％置信区间为0.970—0．995。WM丌计时与WMFT动作质量分级相关系数为-0.971（P〈0．001）。WMFT计时与FMA上肢评分相关系数为-0．732（P〈0．001），WMFT动作质量分级与FMA评分相关系数为0．838（P〈0．001）。结论：WMFT具有好的重测信度和标准效度。     

Psychometric Properties of the Lower Extremity Subscale of the Fugl-Myer Assessment for Community-dwelling Hemiplegic Stroke Patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the lower extremity subscale of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment lower extremity (FMA-LE) for community-dwelling hemiplegic stroke patients. [Subjects] The participants were 140 community-dwelling hemiplegic stroke patients. [Methods] To determine the psychometric properties of the FMA-LE, we examined construct validity, response characteristics, item discrimination, and internal consistency. [Results] Factor analysis of the FMA-LE revealed that the first factor explained 61.73% of the variance and provided evidence of unidimensionality. The FMA-LE did not show ceiling or floor effects; Cronbach’s α was 0.935 (95% CI: 0.919–0.950). [Conclusion] Because the FMA-LE seems to be both valid and reliable, we conclude that it is appropriate for the measurement of the lower extremity motor impairment of community-dwelling hemiplegic stroke patients.Key words: Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Hemiplegic stroke, Lower extremity     

Effects of a novel walking training program with postural correction and visual feedback on walking function in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis

[Purpose] This study aimed to elucidate the effects of a novel walking training program with postural correction and visual feedback on walking function in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis. [Subjects] Sixteen subjects were randomly allocated to either the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG), with eight subjects in each. [Methods] EG and CG subjects performed a 30-min treadmill walking training exercise twice daily for 2 weeks. EG subjects also underwent postural correction using elastic bands and received visual feedback during walking. The 10-m walk test was performed, and gait parameters were measured using a gait analysis system. [Results] All parameters showed significant main effects for the group factor and time-by-group interactions. Significant main effects for the time factor were found in the stride length and stance phase ratios. [Conclusion] The novel walking training program with postural correction and visual feedback may improve walking function in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis.Key words: Postural correction, Stroke, Walking function     

Effect of application of transcranial direct current stimulation during task-related training on gait ability of patients with stroke

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to determine the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during task-related training (TRT) on the gait ability of patients with chronic stroke. [Subjects and Methods] The participants were 24 patients who were diagnosed with hemiplegia due to stroke. Three groups were created: subjects who performed TRT for general exercise therapy (TRT), subjects who received sham tDCS during TRT for general exercise therapy (TST), and subjects who received tDCS during TRT for general exercise therapy (TT). [Results] The stance phase symmetry profile, the swing phase symmetry profile, and gait velocity all decreased significantly in the TT group compared with the TRT group. However, there was no significant difference in the step length symmetry profile among the groups. [Conclusion] A application of tDCS, that affects the excitatory regulation in the cortical motor area, is an effective rehabilitation method for gait improvement.Key words: Gait, Hemiplegia, Transcranial direct current stimulation     

Supervised Phase II Cardiac Exercise Therapy Shortens the Recovery of Exercise Capacity in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

[Purpose] To investigate the effects of Phase II cardiac exercise therapy (CET) on exercise capacity and changes in coronary risk factors (CRFs) of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). [Subjects] Thirty male subjects with AMI were divided into an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). Another 30 age-matched subjects with patent coronary arteries served as a normal-control group (NCG). [Methods] Subjects in EG (n=20) trained using a stationary bicycle for 30 min at their target heart rate twice a week for 8 weeks. Exercise capacity was defined as the maximal metabolic equivalents (METs) that subjects reached during the symptom-limited maximal exercise test. HR, BP and RPP were recorded. Subjects in EG and CG received exercise tests and screening for CRFs at the beginning of, end of, and 3 months after Phase II CET, while subjects in NCG participated only in the 1st test. [Results] METs of CG did not improve until the 3rd test, while RPP at the 2nd test showed a significant increase. However, EG showed increased METs at the 2nd test without increase of RPP, and increased their high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) during the follow-up period between the 2nd and 3rd tests. [Conclusion] Phase II CET shortens the recovery time of exercise capacity, helps to maintain the gained exercise capacity and increases HDL-C in phase III.Key words: Patent coronary artery, Exercise capacity, Phase II CET     

The effects of modified constraint-induced therapy combined with mental practice on patients with chronic stroke

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the modified constraint-induced therapy (mCIT) combined with mental practice (MP) on patients with chronic stroke. [Subjects] The subjects were 26 patients with chronic stroke. [Methods] Patients were randomly assigned to the mCIMT + MP group or the MP group. All subjects were administered mCIT consisting of (1) therapy emphasizing affected arm use in functional activities 5 days/week for 6 weeks and (2) 4 hours of restraint of the less affected arm 5 days/week. The mCIT + MP subjects received 30-minute MP sessions provided directly after therapy sessions. To compare the two groups, the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after stroke (FM), and Korean version of Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) were performed. [Results] Both groups showed significant improvement in ARAT, FM, and K-MBI after the interventions. Also, there were significant difference in ARAT, FM, and K-MBI between the two groups. [Conclusion] mCIT remains a promising intervention. However, its efficacy appears to be enhanced by use of MP after mCIT clinical sessions.Key words: Mental practice, Motor imagery, Stroke     

The effects of mental practice on unilateral neglect in patients with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial

[Purpose] This study aims to investigate the effects of mental practice on unilateral neglect in patients with chronic stroke. [Subjects] The subjects of this study included 30 patients with chronic unilateral neglect. [Methods] The subjects were randomly divided into either the experimental group (EG) or control group (CG). All subjects received a standard rehabilitation program. In addition to the standard rehabilitation, the EG subjects received mental practice (5 days a week for 4 weeks) for 10 minutes. To compare two groups, line bisection test (LBT) and star cancellation test (SCT) were conducted. [Results] Both groups showed significant improvement in the LBT and SCT. There were statistically significant differences in the changes in LBT, but there were no significant differences in the changes in the SCT between both groups. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that mental practice may be a valuable additional rehabilitation method in the chronic stage of neglect.Key words: Mental practice, Stroke, Unilateral neglect     

Effect of purposeful action observation on upper extremity function in stroke patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of purposeful action observation on upper extremity function in patients with stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Twelve subjects were randomly to either the experimental group or control group. The experimental group underwent occupational therapy and a purposeful action observation program. The control group underwent occupational therapy and placebo treatment in which the subjects performed a purposeful action observation program without actually observing the purposeful actions. The Wolf Motor Function Test was used to measure upper extremity function before and after the intervention in both groups. [Results] Both the experimental and control groups demonstrated improved upper extremity function after the intervention, but there was no significant difference between groups. Compared with before the intervention, the experimental group showed significantly improved upper extremity function after the intervention. [Conclusion] Based on these results, a purposeful action observation program can improve upper extremity function in patients with stroke. In future research, more subjects should be included for evaluation of different treatments.Key words: Purposeful action observation, Stroke, Upper extremity function     

Sensorimotor impairments and reaching performance in subjects with poststroke hemiparesis during the first few months of recovery

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Little is known about the relationship between upper-extremity (UE) sensorimotor impairment and reaching performance during the first few months after stroke. The purpose of this study was to examine: (1) how measures of UE sensorimotor impairment are related to the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of reaching in subjects with hemiparesis during the subacute phase after stroke and (2) how impairments measured during the acute phase after stroke may predict the variance in reaching performance a few months later. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Upper-extremity sensorimotor impairments and reaching performance were evaluated in 39 subjects with hemiparesis at 2 time points: during the acute phase (8.7+/-3.6 [X+/-SD] days) and the subacute phase (108.7+/-16.5 days) after stroke. Ten subjects who were healthy (control subjects) were evaluated once. Regression analyses were used to determine which impairments were the best predictors of variance in reaching performance in the subacute phase after stroke. RESULTS: Only a small amount of variance (<30%) in reaching performance was explained at the subacute time point, using either acute or subacute impairments as predictor variables. Of the impairments measured, UE strength deficits were the strongest, most consistent predictors of the variance in reaching performance during the first 3 months after stroke. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Surprisingly, the detailed clinical assessment of UE sensorimotor impairment, measured at the acute or subacute phase after stroke, did not explain much of the variance in reaching performance during the subacute phase after stroke. The findings that UE strength deficits (ie, decreased active range of motion and isometric force production) were the most common predictors of the variance in reaching performance during the first 3 months after stroke are consistent with the current viewpoint that impaired volitional muscle activation, clinically apparent as UE weakness, is a prominent contributing factor to UE dysfunction after stroke.     

Sensitivity of the accelerometer as a measurement tool for upper extremity movement by stroke patients: a comparison with the action research arm test

[Purpose] This study investigated the sensitivity of an accelerometer in a comparison with the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). [Subjects] Fifteen stroke patients participated in this study. [Methods] Subjects wore accelerometers on both wrists and performed the ARAT items. We then compared the data measured by the accelerometer with that of the ARAT. [Results] ARAT scores were higher on the non-affected side than the affected side, while the amount of upper extremity movement was higher on the affected side. The correlation coefficients for the two tools were not significantly different. [Conclusion] Our findings indicate that an accelerometer is a useful and sensitive instrument for clinically measuring the upper extremity activity of patients with stroke.Key words: Accelerometer, Action Research Arm Test, Stroke     

Effects of auditory feedback during gait training on hemiplegic patients’ weight bearing and dynamic balance ability

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of auditory feedback during gait on the weight bearing of patients with hemiplegia resulting from a stroke. [Subjects] Thirty hemiplegic patients participated in this experiment and they were randomly allocated to an experimental group and a control group. [Methods] Both groups received neuro-developmental treatment for four weeks and the experimental group additionally received auditory feedback during gait training. In order to examine auditory feedback effects on weight bearing during gait, a motion analysis system GAITRite was used to measure the duration of the stance phase and single limb stance phase of the subjects. [Results] The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in the duration of the stance phase and single limb stance phase of the paretic side and the results of the Timed Up and Go Test after the training. [Conclusion] Auditory feedback during gait training significantly improved the duration of the stance phase and single limb stance phase of hemiplegic stroke patients.Key words: Auditory feedback, Gait, Hemiplegic patients     

强制性使用运动疗法塑形技术对恢复期脑卒中上肢运动功能的康复作用

摘要 目的：探讨强制性使用运动疗法塑形技术对恢复期脑卒中偏瘫上肢运动功能的影响。 方法：恢复期脑卒中上肢运动功能障碍患者30例,随机分为3组：强制性使用运动疗法组（CIMT组）10例,塑形组10例,作业疗法组（OT组）10例。CIMT组采用塑形技术+行为技术+限制技术;塑形组采用塑形技术+限制技术;OT组采用作业疗法+限制技术。所有组连续康复治疗3h/d,5d/周,共2周。采用运动功能活动指数（MAL）评定患侧上肢在日常生活中的使用能力;采用Wolf运动功能评定法（WMFT）评定患侧上肢运动功能。所有组治疗前、治疗后1天、治疗后6个月及12个月进行MAL评定,治疗前后分别进行WMFT评定。 结果：与治疗前比较,所有组治疗后1d MAL指数提高明显（P＜0.01）;CIMT组治疗后6个月和12个月MAL指数提高明显（P＜0.01）,塑形组和OT组则无明显提高（P＞0.05）。治疗后组间MAL比较,CIMT组MAL指数提高最明显,与塑形组和OT组比较有显著性差异（P＜0.01）;而塑形组与OT组组间MAL比较无显著性差异（P＞0.05）。所有组治疗前后WMFT指数无明显变化（P＞0.05）。 结论：单纯塑形技术和强化作业疗法对运动功能具有同样的康复疗效;CIMT通过塑形技术和行为技术协同应用,显著提高康复疗效,并使康复疗效继续维持到治疗后1年;康复治疗中应重视行为因素的康复作用。     

双侧上肢经皮穴位电刺激对亚急性脑卒中偏瘫患者上肢功能的效果

目的 探讨镜像疗法基础上行双侧上肢经皮穴位电刺激(TEAS)对亚急性期脑卒中偏瘫患者上肢运动功能恢复的影响。方法 2017年9月至2019年10月,48例亚急性期脑卒中偏瘫患者随机分为对照组(n = 24)和观察组(n = 24)。所有患者均给予常规康复和镜像疗法,观察组行双侧上肢TEAS,对照组行假刺激,共4周。治疗前后采用Fugl-Meyer评定量表上肢部分(FMA-UE)、上肢动作研究量表(ARAT)、Wolf运动功能测试(WMFT)和改良Barthel指数(MBI)进行评定。结果 治疗后,两组FMA-UE、ARAT、WMFT和MBI评分均显著改善(|t| > 11.870, P < 0.001),观察组各项评分均高于对照组(|t| > 2.678, P < 0.05)。结论 镜像疗法基础上行双侧上肢TEAS可进一步改善亚急性期脑卒中偏瘫患者上肢运动功能,提高患者日常生活活动能力。     

Effects of running in place accompanied by abdominal drawing-in on gait characteristics of healthy adults

[Purpose] This study was conducted to investigate the effects of running in place accompanied by abdominal drawing-in on the gait characteristics of healthy adults. [Subjects] The total number of subjects was 30, and 15 were randomly placed in the training group (TG) and 15 in the control group (CG). [Methods] To determine the gait characteristics of TG and CG, step length difference (SLD), stance phase difference (STPD), swing phase difference (SWPD), single support difference (SSD), and step time difference (STD) were evaluated using OptoGait, a gait analysis system. [Results] When the pre-intervention and post-intervention results of TG and CG were compared, statistically significant differences in SLD, SWPD, SSD, and STD of TG were found. [Conclusion] Running in place accompanied by abdominal drawing-in might help reduce the deviation between left and right gait variables during walking.Key words: Running in place, Abdominal drawing-in, Gait characteristics     

Relationship between the Berg Balance Scale and Static Balance Test in Hemiplegic Patients with Stroke

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between results of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Static Balance Test (SBT) in hemiplegic patients with stroke. [Subjects] The subjects were 39 hemiplegic patients (25 men, 14 women; mean age, 69.4 ± 11.0 years) with stroke that had occurred within the preceding 6 months and who had good understanding of verbal instructions. [Methods] The SBT consists of five posture-holding tasks (sitting, stride standing, close standing, one-foot standing on the unparalyzed leg, and one-foot standing on the paralyzed leg). Four grades, 1–4, are used to judge the ability of patients to hold these postures. The SBT and BBS were each implemented, and the relationship between test results was analyzed using correlation coefficients. [Results] The correlation coefficient for the BBS score and SBT score was 0.87. Thus, a strong correlation was seen between the BBS and SBT. [Conclusion] The SBT is thought to be an assessment index that can predict overall balance ability.Key words: Stroke, Balance, Assessment     

The effects of mirror therapy with tasks on upper extremity function and self-care in stroke patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of mirror therapy with tasks on upper extremity unction and self-care in stroke patients. [Subjects] Thirty participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=15) or a control group (n=15). [Methods] Subjects in the experimental group received mirror therapy with tasks, and those in the control group received a sham therapy; both therapies were administered, five times per week for six weeks. The main outcome measures were the Manual Function Test for the paralyzed upper limb and the Functional Independence Measure for self-care performance. [Results] The experimental group had more significant gains in change scores compared with the control group after the intervention. [Conclusion] We consider mirror therapy with tasks to be an effective form of intervention for upper extremity function and self-care in stroke patients.Key words: Mirror therapy, Stroke, Upper extremity function