Visual Biofeedback Balance Training Using Wii Fit after Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of balance training with visual biofeedback on balance, body symmetry, and function among individuals with hemiplegia following a stroke. [Subjects and Methods] The present study was performed using a randomized controlled clinical trial with a blinded evaluator. The subjects were twenty adults with hemiplegia following a stroke. The experimental group performed balance training with visual biofeedback using Wii Fit^® together with conventional physical therapy. The control group underwent conventional physical therapy alone. The intervention lasted five weeks, with two sessions per week. Body symmetry (baropodometry), static balance (stabilometry), functional balance (Berg Balance Scale), functional mobility (Timed Up and Go test), and independence in activities of daily living (Functional Independence Measure) were assessed before and after the intervention. [Results] No statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control groups. In the intragroup analysis, both groups demonstrated a significant improvement in all variables studied. [Conclusion] The physical therapy program combined with balance training involving visual biofeedback (Wii Fit^®) led to an improvement in body symmetry, balance, and function among stroke victims. However, the improvement was similar to that achieved with conventional physical therapy alone.Key words: Postural balance, Stroke, Visual biofeedback     

Effects of Electromechanical Exoskeleton-Assisted Gait Training on Walking Ability of Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective

To assess the efficacy of electromechanical exoskeleton-assisted gait training on walking ability of stroke patients based on ambulatory function, muscle strength, balance, gait speed, and capacity.

Immediate Effects of Ankle Non-elastic Taping on Balance and Gait Ability in Patients With Chronic Stroke: A Randomized,Controlled Trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effects of ankle non-elastic taping on balance and gait ability in patients with chronic stroke.MethodsThirty patients (inpatients and outpatients) with stroke were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the non-elastic taping group (n = 15) and the placebo-taping group (n = 15). Patients in the non-elastic taping group received Endura sports taping for their ankle joint, and patients in the placebo-taping group received Endura fix tape for their ankle joint. The Balance System SD assessed balance, and the GAITRite system assessed gait ability. We recorded measurements before and after intervention.ResultsThe non-elastic taping group showed a significant improvement in static and dynamic standing balance (P ≤ .001) after intervention; in addition, this group showed significant increases in the velocity, cadence, step length, and stride length of gait (P ≤ .001) after intervention. However, the placebo-taping group showed no significant improvements in standing balance and gait ability after intervention (P >.05). Furthermore, significant differences in static and dynamic standing balance, cadence, and velocity were observed between the 2 groups after intervention (P ≤ .001).ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that the application of ankle non-elastic taping is effective at improving balance and gait abilities in patients with stroke. Ankle non-elastic taping appears to be an effective method to facilitate active rehabilitation in patients with hemiplegia.     

Effect of Gross Motor Group Exercise on Functional Status in Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to understand the effects of task-oriented gross motor group exercise based on motor development on chronic stroke patients’ joint, bone, muscle, and motor functions and activities of daily living. [Subjects] Twenty-eight stroke patients hospitalized at P municipal nursing facility for the severely handicapped were randomly assigned to the gross motor group exercise group (experimental group, n=14) or the control group (n=14). [Methods] The two groups performed morning exercise led by a trainer for 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week for 6 weeks in total. The experimental group performed a gross motor group exercise in addition to this exercise for 50 minutes a day, 3 times a week for 6 weeks in total. Before the experiment, all subjects were measured with the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and for their neuromuscular skeletal and motor-related functions according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. [Results] Significant improvements were found in the experimental group’s neuromusculoskeletal and motor-related functions and MBI test, except for the stability of joint functions. The control group showed no significant difference from the initial evaluation. [Conclusion] The gross motor group exercise based on motor development is recommended for chronic stroke patients with severe handicaps.     

The Effect of Various Dual Task Training Methods with Gait on the Balance and Gait of Patients with Chronic Stroke

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of various dual task gait training methods (motor dual task gait training, cognitive dual task gait training, and motor and cognitive dual task gait training) on the balance and gait abilities of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-three outpatients performed dual task gait training for 30 minutes per day, three times a week, for eight weeks from June to August, 2012. Balance ability was measured pre-and posttest using the stability test index, the weight distribution index, the functional reach test, the timed up and go test, and the four square step test. Gait ability was measured by the 10 m walk test and a 6 min walk test before and after the training. The paired t-test was used to compare measurements before and after training within each group, and ANOVA was used to compare measurements before and after training among the groups. [Results] Comparisons within each group indicated significant differences in all variables between before and after the training in all three groups. Comparison between the groups showed that the greatest improvements were seen in all tests, except for the timed up and go test, following motor and cognitive dual task gait training. [Conclusion] In a real walking environment, the motor and cognitive dual task gait training was more effective at improving the balance and gait abilities of chronic stroke patients than either the motor dual task gait training or the cognitive dual task gait training alone.Key words: Stroke, Dual task, Balancing     

Effects of Abdominal Stimulation during Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Function of Chronic Stroke Patients

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to verify a new method for improving respiratory functions by applying both abdominal stimulation and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) to train the inspiratory muscle and the expiratory muscle simultaneously, to improve the efficiency of IMT of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects] Eighteen stroke patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 9) and a control group (n = 9). [Methods] The experimental group was administered IMT with abdominal stimulation, and the control group was administered only IMT. During the intervention period, the experimental group and control group received training 20 min/day, 3 times/wk, for 4 weeks. To examine the lung functions of the subjects, FVC, FEV₁, PEF, and FEF_25–75 were measured using an electronic spirometer. The diaphragm thickness ratio was calculated from measurements made with a 7.5-MHz linear probe ultrasonic imaging system. [Result] The experimental group and the control group showed significant increases in diaphragm thickness ratio on the paretic side, but not on the non-paretic side. With regard to lung function, the experimental group showed significant increases in FEV₁, PEF, and FEF_25–75. The changes between before and after the intervention in the two groups were compared with each other, and the results showed significant differences in FEV₁ and PEF. [Conclusion] The present study identified that IMT accompanied by abdominal stimulation improved the pulmonary function of chronic stroke patients.Key words: Abdominal stimulation, Inspiratory muscle training, Stroke     

The Effect of Mirror Therapy Integrating Functional Electrical Stimulation on the Gait of Stroke Patients

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to examine whether mirror therapy in conjunction with FES in stroke patients can improve gait ability. [Subjects] This study was conducted with 30 subjects who were diagnosed with hemiparesis due to stroke. [Methods] Experimental group I contained 10 subjects who received mirror therapy in conjunction with functional electrical stimulation, experimental group II contained 10 subjects who received mirror therapy, and the control group contained 10 subjects who received a sham therapy. A gait analysis was performed using a three-dimensional motion capture system, which was a real-time tracking device that delivers data in an infrared mode via reflective markers using six cameras. [Results] The results showed a significant difference in gait velocity between groups after the experiment, and post hoc analysis revealed significant differences between experimental group I and the control group and between experimental group II and the control group, respectively. There were also significant differences in step length and stride length between the groups after the experiment, and post hoc analysis revealed significant differences between experimental group I and control group. [Conclusion] The present study showed that mirror therapy in conjunction with FES is more effective for improving gait ability than mirror therapy alone.Key words: Mirror therapy, Functional electrical stimulation, Gait analysis     

功能性电刺激对早期脑卒中偏瘫患者步行功能的影响

目的研究功能性电刺激(FES)对早期脑卒中偏瘫患者步行功能的影响。方法采用随机数字表法将41例脑卒中偏瘫患者随机分成治疗组(n=21)和对照组(n=20)。两组采用常规康复训练方法及减重平板训练,治疗组在此基础上给予FES。共8周。治疗前后采用综合痉挛量表(CSS)、功能性步行分级(FAC)、Berg平衡量表(BBS)对两组患者进行评定。结果治疗前两组CSS评分、FAC分级及BBS评分组间差异均无显著性差异(P0.05)。治疗后,两组上述指标均较治疗前显著改善(P0.001),治疗组改善优于对照组(P0.05)。结论 FES能促进早期脑卒中偏瘫患者步行功能的恢复。     

Effect of Horseback Riding Simulation Machine Training on Trunk Balance and Gait of Chronic Stroke Patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of horseback riding simulation machine training on trunk balance and gait of patients with chronic stroke. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 20 patients hospitalized for treatment after being diagnosed with stroke. Horseback riding simulation training was provided for 30 minutes, 5 times a week, for 6 weeks. Trunk balance was assessed using the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and a balance measuring device (Biorescue, RM ingenierie, France), and gait ability was measured using the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) and a gait analyzer (GAITRite, CIR system Inc., USA). [Results] There were significant changes in movement area, distance and velocity of body sway as measured by the TIS and the balance measuring device, and in gait velocity, cadence, stride length and double limb support as measured by the FGA and gait analyzer. [Conclusion] Horseback riding simulation training improved the trunk balance and gait of chronic stroke patients. This present study provides preliminary objective data for future research, and useful clinical information for physical therapists using horseback riding simulation machines as a treatment modality for patients with chronic stroke.Key words: Horseback riding simulation machine training, Trunk balance, Gait     

Effects of Hippotherapy on Recovery of Gait and Balance Ability in Patients with Stroke

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to examine the the effects of hippotherapy on gait and balance ability in patients with stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty stroke patients were randomly divided into a hippotherapy group and a treadmill group and they conducted exercise for eight weeks. [Results] Berg Balance Scale score, gait velocity, and step length asymmetry ratio were significantly improved in the group receiving hippotherapy training. However, in the group receiving treadmill training, only step length asymmetry ratio was significantly improved. In the comparison between the hippotherapy group and treadmill group, there was no significant difference in Berg Balance Scale score, but a significant difference was found in gait velocity and step length asymmetry ratio. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicated that hippotherapy is a helpful treatment for stroke patients.Key words: Stroke, Balance, Hippotherapy     

Strength Training of the Nonhemiplegic Side Promotes Motor Function Recovery in Patients With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of strength training of the nonhemiplegic side (NHS) on balance function, mobility, and muscle strength of patients with stroke.DesignA single-blinded (evaluator) randomized controlled trial.SettingA tertiary hospital rehabilitation center.Participants139 patients with first stroke (N=139) were recruited and randomly separated into a trial (n=69) or control group (n=70).InterventionsThe control group underwent usual rehabilitation training, including step training and trunk control training in standing position. The trial group underwent strength training of NHS on the basis of usual rehabilitation training. The strength training of NHS included lower limb stepping training with resisting elastic belt and upper limb pulling elastic belt training in standing position. The training for both groups was 45 min, once a day, 5 days a week for 6 weeks.Main Outcome MeasuresBalance evaluation was done with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS); mobility assessment with the 6-minute walk test (6-MWT); activities of daily life was examined via the modified Barthel Index (MBI); muscle strengths of the biceps brachii, iliopsoas, and quadriceps were measured via the isokinetic muscle strength testing system. All assessments were performed at baseline (T0) and after intervention (T1).ResultsThe trial group performed better than control group in BBS scores (adjusted mean difference: 6.83; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.71-8.94) and 6-MWT (adjusted mean difference: 50.32; 95% CI: 40.58-60.05) after intervention. In terms of muscle strength of the hemiplegic side, the trial group displayed greater gains in biceps brachii, iliopsoas, and quadriceps than control group after intervention.ConclusionStrength training of the NHS can promote recovery of balance, mobility, and muscle strength of the paretic side of patients with stroke.     

Efficacy of Virtual Reality Combined With Real Instrument Training for Patients With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of real instrument training in virtual reality (VR) environment for improving upper-extremity and cognitive function after stroke.DesignSingle-blind, randomized trial.SettingMedical center.ParticipantsEnrolled subjects (N=31) were first-episode stroke, assessed for a period of 6 months after stroke onset; age between 20 and 85 years; patients with unilateral paralysis and a Fugl-Meyer assessment upper-extremity scale score >18.InterventionsBoth groups were trained 30 minutes per day, 3 days a week, for 6 weeks, with the experimental group performing the VR combined real instrument training and the control group performing conventional occupational therapy.Main Outcome MeasuresManual Muscle Test, modified Ashworth scale, Fugl-Meyer upper motor scale, hand grip, Box and Block, 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT), Korean Mini-Mental State Examination, and Korean-Montreal Cognitive Assessment.ResultsThe experimental group showed greater therapeutic effects in a time-dependent manner than the control group, especially on the motor power of wrist extension, spasticity of elbow flexion and wrist extension, and Box and Block Tests. Patients in the experimental group, but not the control group, also showed significant improvements on the lateral, palmar, and tip pinch power, Box and Block, and 9-HPTs from before to immediately after training. Significantly greater improvements in the tip pinch power immediately after training and spasticity of elbow flexion 4 weeks after training completion were noted in the experimental group.ConclusionsVR combined real instrument training was effective at promoting recovery of patients’ upper-extremity and cognitive function, and thus may be an innovative translational neurorehabilitation strategy after stroke.     

脑机接口控制的功能性电刺激对脑卒中患者上肢功能障碍的康复效果

目的 观察脑机接口控制的功能性电刺激对脑卒中后上肢运动功能障碍的影响。     

功能性电刺激对中风偏瘫患者肩关节半脱位和上臂功能恢复的影响

对32例中风软瘫期继发肩关节半脱位患者随机分为对照组和实验组各16例，以评价功能性电刺激（FES）疗法对肩关节半脱位和上臂功能的作用效果。2组接受常规物理治疗后，实验组再接受2个疗程的FES治疗。结果显示实验组肌张力的增加、上臂功能的恢复及肩关节半脱位缓解程度较对照组有显著性差异。表明FES能有效地减轻肩关节半脱位和促进上臂功能的恢复。     

Circuit-Based Rehabilitation Improves Gait Endurance but Not Usual Walking Activity in Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Mudge S, Barber PA, Stott NS. Circuit-based rehabilitation improves gait endurance but not usual walking activity in chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective

To determine whether circuit-based rehabilitation would increase the amount and rate that individuals with stroke walk in their usual environments.

Design

Single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Rehabilitation clinic.

Participants

Sixty participants with a residual gait deficit at least 6 months after stroke originally enrolled in the study. Two withdrew in the initial phase, leaving 58 participants (median age, 71.5y; range, 39.0–89.0y) who were randomized to the 2 intervention groups.

Interventions

The exercise group had 12 sessions of clinic-based rehabilitation delivered in a circuit class designed to improve walking. The control group received a comparable duration of group social and educational classes.

Main Outcome Measures

Usual walking performance was assessed using the StepWatch Activity Monitor. Clinical tests were gait speed (timed 10-meter walk) and endurance (six-minute walk test [6MWT]), confidence (Activities-Based Confidence Scale), self-reported mobility (Rivermead Mobility Index [RMI]), and self-reported physical activity (Physical Activity and Disability Scale).

Results

Intention-to-treat analysis revealed that the exercise group showed a significantly greater distance for the 6MWT than the control group immediately after the intervention (P=.030) but that this effect was not retained 3 months later. There were no changes in the StepWatch measures of usual walking performance for either group. The exercise and control groups had significantly different gait speed (P=.038) and scores on the RMI (P=.025) at the 3-month follow-up. These differences represented a greater decline in the control group compared with the exercise group for both outcome measures.

Conclusions

Circuit-based rehabilitation leads to improvements in gait endurance but does not change the amount or rate of walking performance in usual environments. Clinical gains made by the exercise group were lost 3 months later. Future studies should consider whether rehabilitation needs to occur in usual environments to improve walking performance.     

Comparison of Gait Aspects According to FES Stimulation Position Applied to Stroke Patients

[Purpose] This study sought to identify the gait aspects according to the FES stimulation position in stroke patients during gait training. [Subjects and Methods] To perform gait analysis, ten stroke patients were grouped based on 4 types of gait conditions: gait without FES stimulation (non-FES), gait with FES stimulation on the tibialis anterior (Ta), gait with FES stimulation on the tibialis anterior and quadriceps (TaQ), and gait with FES stimulation on the tibialis anterior and gluteus medius (TaGm). [Results] Based on repeated measures analysis of variance of measurements of gait aspects comprised of gait speed, gait cycle, and step length according to the FES stimulation position, the FES stimulation significantly affected gait aspects. [Conclusion] In conclusion, stimulating the tibialis anterior and quadriceps and stimulating the tibialis anterior and gluteus medius are much more effective than stimulating only the tibialis anterior during gait training in stroke patients using FES.Key words: Stroke, FES, Gait     

针刺穴位联合康复训练治疗急性脑梗死 上肢运动功能障碍并功能磁共振研究

目的:观察针刺穴位联合康复训练治疗急性脑梗死上肢运动功能障碍的疗效,并借助功能磁共振探讨对神经功能重塑的影响。方法:选取急性脑梗死上肢运动功能障碍患者60例,随机分为对照组及治疗组,各30例。对照组行常规药物治疗和运动康复训练,治疗组在对照组的基础上给予针刺穴位治疗;均治疗3个月。于治疗前、后,对2组患者行美国国立卫生院脑卒中量表(NIHSS)评分、Fugl-Meyer上肢运动量表(FMA-UE)评分、患肢的食指轻叩试验检查、握力测量及运动任务态的功能磁共振扫描。结果:治疗后,2组的NIHSS评分、FMA-UE评分、患肢食指轻叩试验及握力测量均较治疗前改善(均P<0.01),且治疗组改善程度较对照组明显(均P<0.01)。治疗前,2组患者左手握拳运动可稳定激活对侧初级运动区(M1)及辅助运动区(SMA);治疗后,2组患者左手握拳运动时,对侧M1区及双侧SAM区较治疗前激活增强(P<0.01),且治疗组较对照组激活增强明显(P<0.01)。结论:针刺穴位联合康复训练治疗急性脑梗死上肢运动功能障碍疗效肯定,促进对侧M1及双侧SAM脑区的激活、调节神经功能重塑可能是其机制之一。