Dynamic postural control in patients with hemiparesis

OBJECTIVE: Decreased postural stability is a common problem associated with hemiparesis secondary to stroke. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dynamic postural control in patients with hemiparesis and in normal subjects matched for age. DESIGN: Quantitative posturography (EquiTest System) was performed to assess the response of subjects to sudden perturbations. A total of 59 patients with hemiparesis and 98 healthy volunteers were evaluated. All the patients were able to walk inside their house without lower limb orthoses. Both the patients and the healthy volunteers were subjected to forward and backward perturbations while standing on a movable force platform. Balance responses were analyzed in terms of weight symmetry, latency, amplitude (relative response strength), and strength symmetry. They were also subjected to toes-up and toes-down perturbations to evaluate their response to a disruptive balance force. RESULTS: The response latency to perturbations was longer and the response strength was weaker on the paretic side of patients with hemiparesis. The dynamic postural control was impaired in patients with hemiparesis as compared with healthy subjects. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that patients with hemiparesis tend to fall easily and that the risk of falls toward the paretic side is high.     

脑卒中患者姿势控制能力的量化评价

目的:探讨动态姿势平衡仪对脑卒中后偏瘫患者姿势控制能力的量化评价。方法:选取28例符合入选标准的偏瘫患者,随机分为平衡仪训练组(n=14)和传统训练组(n=14)。平衡仪训练组根据动态姿势平衡仪评估结果采用的训练方案进行个性化的平衡功能训练;传统训练组进行传统的平衡功能训练。两组训练时间均为20min/次,5d/周,共2周。在治疗前和治疗2周后分别采用动态姿势平衡仪中的感觉组织能力试验(SOT),稳定极限测试(LOS)及徒步走测试进行准确客观的量化评估。结果:平衡仪训练组SOT测试中的EOSS、ECSS、SVSS条件下的平衡指数及LOS测试结果中患者EPE和DCL,治疗前后比较及与传统训练组相应指标比较,差异有显著性意义(P0.05)。徒步走测试中平衡仪训练组的步长与步速治疗前后比较及与传统训练组相应指标比较,差异有显著性意义(P0.05)。传统训练组组内各项参数比较差异无显著性意义。结论:动态姿势平衡训练可以明显改善脑卒中患者的姿势控制能力,提高中枢神经系统根据变化的任务重建感觉(特别是前庭系统)和运动系统的能力,同时能明显提高偏瘫患者的步行能力。     

三种量表评定脑卒中急性期患者姿势控制能力的分析研究

目的探讨3种量表在评定脑卒中急性期患者姿势控制能力方面的应用情况。方法对45例脑卒中急性期患者分别采用脑卒中患者姿势评定量表（PASS）、Fugl—Meyer平衡量表（FM—B）及Berg平衡量表（BBS）对其姿势控制能力进行评定。所有病例均评定3次，评定时间分别为脑卒中起病后1周内、起病第3周时及出院前。选用Spearman统计法分析3种量表间的相关性；并同时计算3种量表的地板效应及天花板效应。结果PASS与FM—B及BBS间均具有高度相关性（r=0.867—0．957，P〈0．01）；在本研究各次评定中，PASS无明显的地板效应和天花板效应，而FM-B和BBS在第1次评定时均存在明显的地板效应（FM—B为26．6％．BBS为26．6％）。结论PASS与FM—B及BBS均能客观反映脑卒中急性期患者的姿势控制能力，而且PASS还能对脑卒中患者的卧位姿势控制能力进行评定，故在评定脑卒中急性期患者姿势控制能力方面，PASS优于FM—B和BBS。     

前交叉韧带重建术后患者膝本体感觉与姿势控制的相关性

目的:探讨前交叉韧带重建术后患者本体感觉及姿势控制的相关性.方法:选取32例符合纳入排除标准的前交叉韧带重建患者和10例健康对照组,观察组行常规康复治疗,观察组患者术后16周与健康对照组使用多关节等速测试及训练系统进行角度再现测试评估膝关节本体感觉,平衡测试仪进行单腿支撑动态平衡测试来评估姿势控制能力.动态平衡指标为总...     

基于惯性传感器的运动捕捉系统对儿童脑性瘫痪步态特征的分析研究

目的：采用基于惯性传感器的运动捕捉系统分析脑性瘫痪（简称脑瘫）患儿和正常儿童以自然步速在日常生活环境中行走时的步态特征。方法：2021年6—12月,在广州市妇女儿童医疗中心康复科招募20例6—12岁脑瘫患儿,面向社会招募同龄20例正常儿童。采集所有儿童的年龄及性别等基本资料后,利用基于惯性传感器的运动捕捉系统采集并分析其以自然步速在日常生活环境中（医院走廊,连续两次行走20m）行走时的步态时空、运动学参数和腰部活动角度。结果：与正常儿童相比,脑瘫患儿的步行周期变长（P<0.05）,支撑相在整个周期的占比增大,摆动相的占比减少（P<0.05）;跨步长变短,步频加快（P<0.05）;髋屈曲、伸展角度受限,髋内旋角度增大,膝屈曲、踝跖屈角度受限,腰后伸、侧屈及右旋转角度增大（P<0.05）。结论：脑瘫患儿的步行周期、支撑相、跨步长、步频、下肢及腰部关节活动度有明显异常。基于惯性传感器的运动捕捉系统可有效识别脑瘫患儿在日常生活环境中行走时的步态特征。     

Quantification of shoulder tightness and associated shoulder kinematics and functional deficits in patients with stiff shoulders

Measurement of anterior/posterior shoulder tightness, humeral external/internal rotation range of motion (ROM), scapular upward rotation/tipping ROM, and functional limitations were made in 46 patients with unilateral stiff shoulders (SSs) using a clinical measurement (shoulder tightness), a three-dimensional electromagnetic tracking device (shoulder ROM), and self-reports of function. Patients with SSs in their dominant shoulder demonstrated statistically greater posterior shoulder tightness compared to nondominant shoulder. Control dominant shoulders demonstrated decreased internal ROM as compared with control nondominant shoulders (p=0.021). In SSs, significant relationships were found between humeral internal rotation ROM and posterior shoulder tightness (R=0.49, p<0.0005), humeral external rotation ROM and anterior shoulder tightness (R=0.59, p=0.0002), scapular tipping and anterior shoulder tightness (R=0.57, p=0.004). Specifically, in patients with dominant SSs, posterior shoulder tightness and functional limitation were related (R=0.56, p=0.002). In patients with dominant involved shoulders, emphasise on posterior tightness stretch may improve functional ability directly. In addition to stretching program in patients with SSs, internal rotation ROM of control dominant shoulder is also important to consider in the rehabilitation of patients with SSs.     

Impaired postural control in patients affected by tension-type headache

Sixteen subjects, affected by chronic tension-type headache (TTH) accordingly to the International Headache Society Classification (1988) criteria, in presence of tenderness in pericranial muscles,with a mean age of 37+/-11.8 years, and ten healthy volunteer subjects, age and sex matched, were submitted to postural analysis by Static Posturography (S.Ve.P. Amplaid). Aim of the study was to evaluate whether patients with TTH have disturbed postural control, as compared to normal subjects. Postural analysis considered all posturographic variables but focused on spectral frequency analysis of body sway. In both open (OE) and closed eyes (CE) condition, spectral frequency analysis showed a significantly increased body sway at low (OE= p < or = 0.01; CE= p < or = 0.01) and middle (OE= p < or = 0.01; CE= p < or = 0.01) frequencies on the antero-posterior (y) plane and at low frequencies (OE= p < or = 0.05; CE= p < or = 0.05) on the lateral (x) plane. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t test for unpaired data, p value 0.05 defined significant. The proprioceptive input seems to be predominant at middle and high frequencies in maintaining posture, our results seem then to suggest a proprioceptive disturbance in TTH patients. The disturbance is likely related to chronic pericranial muscle contraction and tenderness. Posturography and spectral analysis may help not only in the diagnosis of a postural disturbance but even more in the follow-up of TTH patients, during and after a medical and/or a rehabilitative treatment.     

Augmented reality-based postural control training improves gait function in patients with stroke: Randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of augmented reality (AR)-based postural control training on balance and gait function in stroke patients. Twenty-one stroke patients were assigned to either an experimental group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 11). Patients in both groups received a general physical therapy program for a duration of 30 minutes per session, 5 days per week, for a period of 4 weeks. Participants in the experimental group received additional AR-based postural control training for 30 minutes per day, 3 days per week, for a period of 4 weeks. Patients were assessed with the timed up-and-go test, Berg Balance Scale test, and spatiotemporal parameters using the GAITRite system. Results of repeated-measures analysis of covariance showed a significant main effect of time on timed up-and-go test, Berg Balance Scale, velocity, cadence, step length and stride length of paretic and nonparetic sides. In addition, walking velocity, step length, and stride length on both the paretic and nonparetic sides showed a significant group × time interaction effect. The results of this study provide evidence in support of incorporating an AR environment into postural control training for improving gait of stroke patients.     

The effects of sandals on postural stability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: An exploratory study

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis results in postural instability, pain and functional limitations. As rheumatoid arthritis progresses, localised forefoot deformities such as hallux valgus and clawing of the lesser toes occur, leading to a high proportion of people with rheumatoid arthritis wearing sandals. Sandals may affect postural stability due to poor motion control. The aim was to assess two different open-toe sandals on postural stability in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

Twenty women with rheumatoid arthritis were assessed in quiet standing under four conditions: (1) open-back sandal; (2) closed-back sandal; (3) own footwear and (4) bare feet. Postural stability was assessed as postural sway in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions, with eyes open and eyes closed, using a pressure mat. Repeated measures analysis of variance tested the interaction effect of the footwear and eye conditions on anterior-posterior and medial-lateral sway.

Findings

In eyes-open, there was no significant difference in anterior–posterior sway (P = .169) and medial-lateral sway (P = .325) for footwear conditions. In eyes-closed testing, compared with barefoot conditions, increased anterior–posterior sway was observed with participants' footwear (P < .0001), the open-back sandal (P = .005), and the closed-back sandal (P = .017). With eyes closed, increased anterior–posterior sway was also observed with the participants' footwear compared with the closed-back sandal (P = .041). Increased medial-lateral sway was observed with the closed-back sandal compared with bare feet (P = .014).

Interpretation

Sandals may be detrimental to older women with well-established rheumatoid arthritis when eyes are closed. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the effect of sandals on dynamic tasks.     

脑震荡的多形式诱发电位研究

目的 研究脑震荡患者的多形式诱发电位变化。方法 对 26例急性期脑震荡患者行视觉诱发电位 (VEP)、脑干听觉诱发电位 (BAEP)、体感诱发电位 (SEP)及事件相关电位 (ERP)检测,并与年龄、身高匹配的健康者对比。结果 VEP、 BAEP、 SEP、 ERP及 EEG异常率分别为 30.8％、 69.2％、 50％、 61.5％、 38.5％;其中有两项诱发电位异常者占 80.8％,较 EEG异常率高 (P     

认知干预对社区脑卒中患者认知障碍的影响

目的探讨认知干预在社区脑卒中患者认知障碍康复中的价值，为社区认知康复干预提供依据。方法将92例符合人组标准的脑卒中后认知功能障碍患者以随机数字表法分为认知干预组与对照组，2组均接受规范、系统的社区康复治疗与指导，认知干预组在此基础上进行专门的认知康复训练。2组患者在人组时及治疗结束后分别采用神经行为认知状态检查（NCSE）量表、综合功能量表（FCA）、改良的巴氏指数（MBI）进行认知功能、运动功能和日常生活活动（ADL）能力的评定。结果认知干预组治疗后，NCSE各领域评分和总分、FCA评分及MBI评分均明显高于治疗前和对照组（均P〈0．05）。结论社区认知干预不仅能改善脑卒中患者的认知功能障碍，而且能促进患者运动功能与ADL能力的恢复。     

脑震荡患者的诱发电位研究

目的 :研究脑震荡患者的诱发电位变化。方法 :对 30例急性期脑震荡患者进行视觉诱发电位 (VEP)、脑干听觉诱发电位 (BAEP)及体感诱发电位 (SEP)检测 ,并与年龄、身高匹配的健康者对比。结果 :VEP、BAEP及SEP异常率分别为 30 %、 6 6 7%、 5 4 5 %。结论 :脑震荡患者存在脑干、大脑半球功能受损及视通路机能障碍 ,脑诱发电位对脑震荡的诊断有一定价值。     

Physiotherapy for patients with chronic pain: An operant-behavioural approach

The aim of this study was to demonstrate a physiotherapy application of operant-behavioural theoretical principles for patients with chronic pain. The goals of treatment from this theoretical orientation were to decrease pain behaviours and suffering and to improve function. The treatment programme incorporated members from a number of disciplines, including physicians, physiotherapists and psychologists, over the course of 3 weeks. Four female patients with intractable, heterogeneous chronic pain complaints comprised the sample. Each subject was studied in a single-case format, using a multiple-baseline design. Standardised measures of function, exercise tolerance and pain were collected the first, second and third week of treatment for each subject. The data were analysed graphically. Clinically significant reductions in degree of suffering were noted for three subjects; pain intensity either increased or remained constant for all subjects. There were improvements in several of the function and exercise tolerance measures for three subjects between the first and third week measurements. The results of these case studies demonstrate the potential and efficacy of applying operant-behavioural principles to physiotherapy for reduction of suffering and improvement in physical functioning.     

Dynamics of postural control in the child with Down syndrome

We examined the development of neural control processes underlying stance balance in both developmentally normal children and children with Down syndrome to test the hypothesis that motor deficiencies in children with Down syndrome are associated with deficits within the automatic postural control system. We compared children with Down syndrome and developmentally normal children in two age groups (1-3 and 4-6 years) by using displacements of a platform and measuring electromyograms from leg muscles. The automatic muscle response pattern in both normal children and children with Down syndrome were directionally specific, although the pattern were more variable than in adults. Responses in children with Down syndrome showed no adaptive attenuation to changing task conditions. Onset latencies of responses in children with Down syndrome were significantly slower than in normal children. Presence of the monosynaptic reflex during platform perturbations at normal latencies suggests that balance problems in children with Down syndrome do not result from hypotonia, which researchers have defined as decreased segmental motoneuron pool excitability and pathology of stretch reflex mechanisms, but rather result from defects within higher level postural mechanisms.     

Short-term effects of whole-body vibration on postural control in unilateral chronic stroke patients: preliminary evidence

The short-term effects of whole-body vibration as a novel method of somatosensory stimulation on postural control were investigated in 23 chronic stroke patients. While standing on a commercial platform, patients received 30-Hz oscillations at 3 mm of amplitude in the frontal plane. Balance was assessed four times at 45-min intervals with a dual-plate force platform, while quietly standing with the eyes opened and closed and while performing a voluntary weight-shifting task with visual feedback of center-of-pressure movements. Between the second and third assessments, four repetitions of 45-sec whole-body vibrations were given. The results indicated a stable baseline performance from the first to the second assessment for all tasks. After the whole-body vibration, the third assessment demonstrated a reduction in the root mean square (RMS) center-of-pressure velocity in the anteroposterior direction when standing with the eyes closed (P < 0.01), which persisted during the fourth assessment. Furthermore, patients showed an increase in their weight-shifting speed at the third balance assessment (P < 0.05) while their precision remained constant. No adverse effects of whole-body vibration were observed. It is concluded that whole-body vibration may be a promising candidate to improve proprioceptive control of posture in stroke patients.     

Increased postural stiffness during challenging postural tasks in patients with knee osteoarthritis with high pain sensitization

BackgroundPostural stability is affected in knee osteoarthritis patients who present with pain but the link to pain sensitization is unclear.MethodsPatients with knee osteoarthritis completed the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and pressure pain thresholds were assessed bilaterally at the knee, lower leg and forearm prior to standing quietly (1 min) on a force platform in four conditions: Firm surface with open eyes, firm surface with closed eyes, soft surface with open eyes, and soft surface with closed eyes. Pain intensity during standing was assessed via numerical rating scale. Postural stability was assessed by the range, velocity, and standard deviation of the Center of Pressure (CoP) extracted from the force platform. The means of three repeated measures per standing condition were analysed. High-sensitization and low-sensitization groups were defined based on bilateral pressure pain thresholds from leg and arm.FindingsFifty-six patients were included. Compared with the low-sensitization group, the high-sensitization group demonstrated 1) smaller pressure pain thresholds at the knee (P < 0.05) although the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and pain intensity were not significantly different between groups, and 2) smaller range of the CoP in the anterior-posterior direction during the soft surface with closed eyes condition (P < 0.05).InterpretationSmaller CoP range suggest that patients with more widespread pain sensitivity have increased postural stiffness compared with the low-sensitization group. The greater stiffness found in high-sensitization patients under sensory restrictions (closed eyes and reduced proprioception) might relate to restricted integration of sensory information due to widespread pain sensitization.     

Central haemodynamics in patients with severe postural hypotension

Central haemodynamics in the supine and head-up tilted positions were studied in 24 patients with severe postural hypotension with and without supine hypertension. Results were compared with those obtained in eight normotensive and eight untreated hypertensive controls. In the supine position the patients had higher vascular resistances, lower stroke volumes and longer left ventricular ejection time indexes compared to controls, whereas left ventricular ejection fractions did not differ significantly. The patients with supine hypertension had significantly higher vascular resistance compared to those with supine normotension. The highest supine blood pressure levels were found in patients with multiple system atrophy. During tilt, vascular resistance and heart rates were increased and stroke volumes and left ventricular ejection time indexes were decreased in the controls. The patients were unable to increase their vascular resistance, but increased their heart rate and decreased their left ventricular ejection time indexes to a degree similar to the controls. The reductions in stroke volume were smaller in the patients compared to the controls. Changes in haemodynamics in response to head-up tilting did not differ significantly between patients with supine hypertension and supine normotension. It is concluded that patients with postural hypotension have higher supine vascular resistance and are unable to contract peripheral arteries and arterioles during head-up tilting. Contractility of the left ventricle is preserved and the baroreceptors are partially intact. Postural hypotensive patients with supine hypertension differ from those with supine normotension only with respect to supine vascular resistances.