Kinematic and clinical analyses of upper-extremity movements after constraint-induced movement therapy in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) relative to traditional intervention on motor-control strategies for upper-arm reaching and motor performance at the impairment and functional levels in stroke patients. DESIGN: Two-group randomized controlled trial (RCT); pretreatment and posttreatment measures. SETTING: Rehabilitation clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-seven stroke patients (mean age, 55y) 3 weeks to 37 months postonset of a first-ever cerebrovascular accident. INTERVENTIONS: Forty-seven patients received either CIMT (restraint of the less affected hand combined with intensive training of the more affected upper extremity) or traditional intervention (control treatment) during the study. The treatment intensity was matched between the 2 groups (2h/d, 5d/wk for 3wk). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes were evaluated using (1) kinematic variables of reaching movement used to describe the control strategies for reaching, (2) the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) of motor-impairment severity, and (3) the Motor Activity Log (MAL) evaluating the functional ability of the upper extremity. RESULTS: After treatment, the CIMT group showed better strategies of reaching control than the control group (P<.03). The CIMT group also showed less motor impairment on the FMA (P=.019) and higher functional ability on the MAL (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first RCT to show differences in motor-control strategies as measured by kinematic variables after CIMT versus traditional intervention. In addition to improving motor performance at the impairment and functional levels, CIMT conferred therapeutic benefits on control strategies determined by kinematic analysis.     

Constraint-induced movement therapy after stroke: efficacy for patients with minimal upper-extremity motor ability

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) on chronic moderate-to-severe upper-extremity motor impairment after stroke. DESIGN: Within-subjects design; pre- and posttesting as well as 1-month follow-up. SETTING: Outpatient clinic within a rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty participants, each greater than 12 months poststroke. INTERVENTION: Three weeks of CIMT including restraint of the nonparetic upper extremity and 6 hours of training a day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Graded Wolf Motor Function Test (GWMFT), and Motor Activity Log (MAL). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant effect of treatment on upper-extremity motor impairment as assessed by the FMA, the MAL, and the functional ability scale of the GWMFT. There was a trend toward an effect of CIMT on mean speed of performance on the GWMFT. Post hoc analysis showed significant differences between motor impairment scores between pretreatment and posttreatment assessments, and improvements in motor impairment scores remained stable 1 month after completion of formal treatment. Improvements appeared to be mostly in the use of the involved upper extremity for bimanual activities. CONCLUSIONS: CIMT conferred significant changes in objective measures in subjects with chronic moderate-to-severe impairments after stroke. Additional studies of long-term benefits of this treatment on poststroke motor impairments and related functional disabilities are warranted.     

Comparison of the action research arm test and the Fugl-Meyer assessment as measures of upper-extremity motor weakness after stroke

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relative responsiveness of 2 commonly used upper-extremity motor scales, the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), in evaluating recovery of upper-extremity function after an acute stroke in patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. DESIGN: Prospective. SETTING: An acute stroke rehabilitation unit. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred four consecutive admissions (43 men, 61 women; mean age +/- standard deviation, 72+/-13y) to a rehabilitation unit 16+/-9 days after acute stroke. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The following assessments were completed within 72 hours of admission and 24 hours before discharge: ARAT, upper-extremity motor domain of the FMA, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, FIM instrument total score, and FIM activities of daily living (FIM-ADL) subscore. RESULTS: The Spearman rank correlation statistic indicated that the 2 upper-limb motor scales (ARAT, FMA) correlated highly with one another, both on admission (rho = .77, P < .001) and on discharge (rho = .87, P < .001). The mean change in score from admission to discharge was 10+/-15 for the ARAT and 10+/-13 for the FMA motor score. The responsiveness to change as measured by the standard response mean was .68 for the ARAT and .74 for the FMA motor score. The Spearman rank correlation of each upper-limb motor scale with the FIM-ADL at the time of admission was as follows: ARAT, rho equal to .32 (P < .001) and FMA motor score, rho equal to .54 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Both the FMA motor score and the ARAT were equally sensitive to change during inpatient acute rehabilitation and could be routinely used to measure recovery of upper-extremity motor function.     

Upper limb robot-assisted rehabilitation versus physical therapy on subacute stroke patients: A follow-up study

This study aims to analyse the long-term effects (6 months follow-up) of upper limb Robot-assisted Therapy (RT) compared to Traditional physical Therapy (TT), in subacute stroke patients. Although the literature on upper-limb rehabilitation with robots shows increasing evidence of its effectiveness in stroke survivors, the length of time for which the re-learned motor abilities could be maintained is still understudied. A randomized controlled follow-up study was conducted on 48 subacute stroke patients who performed the upper-limb therapy using a planar end-effector robotic system (Experimental Group-EG) or TT (Control Group-CG). The clinical assessments were collected at T0 (baseline), T1 (end of treatment) and T2 (6 months follow-up): Upper Limb part of Fugl-Meyer assessment (FM-UL), total passive Range Of Motion (pROM), Modified Ashworth Scale Shoulder (MAS-S) and Elbow (MAS-E). At T1, the intra-group analysis showed significant gain of FM-UL in both EG and CG, while significant improvement in MAS-S, MAS-E, and pROM were found in the EG only. At T2, significant increase in MAS-S were revealed only in the CG. In FM-UL, pROM and MAS-E the improvements obtained at the end of treatment seem to be maintained at 6 months follow-up in both groups. The inter-groups analysis of FM-UL values at T1 and T2 demonstrated significant differences in favour of EG. In conclusion, upper limb Robot-assisted Therapy may lead a greater reduction of motor impairment in subacute stroke patients compared to Traditional Therapy. The gains observed at the end of treatment persisted over time. No serious adverse events related to the study occurred.     

Cortical reorganization following modified constraint-induced movement therapy: a study of 4 patients with chronic stroke

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cortical changes occur following participation in a program of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT). DESIGN: Pre-post, case series. SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Two men and 2 women with unilateral stroke occurring more than 1 year prior to study entry and moderate stable motor deficits. INTERVENTION: Subjects participated in mCIMT, comprised of structured, 30-minute therapy sessions emphasizing affected arm use in valued activities, which occurred 3 days a week for 10 weeks. Their unaffected arms were restrained 5 days a week for 5 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), upper-extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Motor Activity Log (MAL), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at 4T were administered before and after mCIMT. RESULTS: Three subjects exhibited score increases on the MAL, ARAT, and FMA, representing increased affected arm use, impairment, and function. These subjects reported new ability to perform valued activities with the affected hand, such as writing. These subjects also displayed cortical reorganization on fMRI. One subject exhibited minimal affected arm use changes, modest function changes, and no cortical fMRI changes. CONCLUSIONS: Increased affected arm use during mCIMT appears to induce cortical reorganization, as measured by fMRI. In patients who responded to mCIMT, cortical reorganization was positively related to degree of increase in affected arm use and ability. Because mCIMT is more easily administered than longer duration protocols, mCIMT may be a more practicable way of studying plasticity.     

Estimating minimal clinically important differences of upper-extremity measures early after stroke

Lang CE, Edwards DF, Birkenmeier RL, Dromerick AW. Estimating minimal clinically important differences of upper-extremity measures early after stroke.

Objective

To estimate minimal clinically important difference (MCID) values of several upper-extremity measures early after stroke.

Design

Data in this report were collected during the Very Early Constraint-induced Therapy for Recovery of Stroke trial, an acute, single-blind randomized controlled trial of constraint-induced movement therapy. Subjects were tested at the prerandomization baseline assessment (average days poststroke, 9.5d) and the first posttreatment assessment (average days poststroke, 25.9d). At each time point, the affected upper extremity was evaluated with a battery of 6 tests. At the second assessment, subjects were also asked to provide a global rating of perceived changes in their affected upper extremity. Anchor-based MCID values were calculated separately for the affected dominant upper extremities and the affected nondominant upper extremities for each of the 6 tests.

Setting

Inpatient rehabilitation hospital.

Participants

Fifty-two people with hemiparesis poststroke.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Estimated MCID values for grip strength, composite upper-extremity strength, Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Motor Activity Log (MAL), and duration of upper-extremity use as measured with accelerometry.

Results

MCID values for grip strength were 5.0 and 6.2kg for the affected dominant and nondominant sides, respectively. MCID values for the ARAT were 12 and 17 points, for the WMFT function score were 1.0 and 1.2 points, and for the MAL quality of movement score were 1.0 and 1.1 points for the 2 sides, respectively. MCID values were indeterminate for the dominant (composite strength), the nondominant (WMFT time score), and both affected sides (duration of use) for the other measures.

Conclusions

Our data provide some of the first estimates of MCID values for upper-extremity standardized measures early after stroke. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to refine these estimates and to determine whether MCID values are modified by time poststroke.     

A randomized controlled comparison of upper-extremity rehabilitation strategies in acute stroke: A pilot study of immediate and long-term outcomes

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immediate and long-term effects of 2 upper-extremity rehabilitation approaches for stroke compared with standard care in participants stratified by stroke severity. DESIGN: Nonblinded, randomized controlled trial (baseline, postintervention, 9mo) design. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation hospital and outpatient clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-four patients with recent stroke admitted for inpatient rehabilitation were randomized within severity strata (Orpington Prognostic Scale) into 1 of 3 intervention groups. Forty-four patients completed the 9-month follow-up. INTERVENTIONS: Standard care (SC), functional task practice (FT), and strength training (ST). The FT and ST groups received 20 additional hours of upper-extremity therapy beyond standard care distributed over a 4- to 6-week period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Performance measures of impairment (Fugl-Meyer Assessment), strength (isometric torque), and function (Functional Test of the Hemiparetic Upper Extremity [FTHUE]). RESULTS: Compared with SC participants, those in the FT and ST groups had significantly greater increases in Fugl-Meyer motor scores (P=.04) and isometric torque (P=.02) posttreatment. Treatment benefit was primarily in the less severe participants, where improvement in FT and ST group Fugl-Meyer motor scores more than doubled that of the SC group. Similar results were found for the FTHEU and isometric torque. During the long term, at 9 months, the less severe FT group continued to make gains in isometric muscle torque, significantly exceeding those of the ST group (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Task specificity and stroke severity are important factors for rehabilitation of arm use in acute stroke. Twenty hours of upper extremity-specific therapy over 4 to 6 weeks significantly affected functional outcomes. The immediate benefits of a functional task approach were similar to those of a resistance-strength approach, however, the former was more beneficial in the long-term.     

强制性使用运动疗法在亚急性期和慢性期脑卒中患者中的效力

目的：强制性使用运动疗法（CIMT）是近年来针对脑卒中后上肢功能障碍的一种新的康复训练技术。本研究目的是评价和比较CIMT在亚急性期和慢性期脑卒中患者中的康复效力。方法：30例脑卒中偏瘫患者参与此研究，其中亚急性期组患者14例（平均病程3．5个月），慢性期组患者16例（平均病程12．1个月）。在CIMT治疗期间要求两组患者健侧穿戴吊带和夹板来限制健侧肢体动作，每天清醒时固定时间不少于90％，连续12天。同时接受塑形训练．密集的训练患侧肢体活动，完成日常生活中的动作，连续2周共10个工作日。在接受CIMT治疗前和治疗后用上肢功能测验（UEFT）来评价两组患者的上肢运动功能。结果：两组患者在CIMT治疗前UEFT的比较差异无显著性意义（P〉0.05），在治疗后两组患者UEFT的比较差异无显著性意义（P〉0．05），但是亚急性期组治疗后UEFT的改善值明显高于慢性期组患者治疗后UEFT的改善值，两组改善值的比较差异有显著性意义（P〈0．05）。亚急性期组患者和慢性期组患者在CIMT在治疗前、后UEFT的比较差异有显著性意义（P〈0.001），但CIMT在上肢运动功能改善效果上亚急性期组患者优于慢性期组患者（效应值ES：1.51：0.89）。结论：本文的研究结果表明CIMT在亚急性期和慢性期患者中均显现出较大的康复效力，尤其在亚急性期患者中显现出更大的康复效力。     

康复系列器具在脑卒中上肢瘫痪患者康复中的应用研究

目的探讨护理创新康复系列器具在脑卒中上肢瘫痪患者康复中应用效果。方法选取脑卒中上肢瘫痪患者60例,根据入院时间单双日分观察组和对照组各30例,两组住院期间均给予脑卒中常规治疗、护理及被动康复锻炼,出院后电话随访1次/月,观察组在此基础上给予使用护理创新康复系列器具,并采用系列康复器具一体化锻炼方案。两组患者均予干预1、3个月门诊复诊,比较两组患者日常生活活动功能测评指数(Barthel)、Fugl-Meyer上肢运动功能评分(FMA)、Lovett肌力评分、改良Ashworth量表评分(MAS)的差异。结果干预后1、3个月,观察组BL评分、上肢FMA评分、患侧肢体肌力分级均高于对照组,两组差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);干预1个月时,观察组MAS肌张力分级与对照组相比,差异无统计学意义,但干预3个月后,观察组手部痉挛发生率明显下降,MAS肌张力分级明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论护理创新康复器具有助于促进脑卒中偏瘫上肢功能恢复,改善患者手部肌力,预防挛缩,提高患者生活自理能力,可在临床推广应用。     

Effectiveness of upper-limb robotic-assisted therapy in the early rehabilitation phase after stroke: A single-blind,randomised, controlled trial

BackgroundUpper-limb robotic-assisted therapy (RAT) is promising for stroke rehabilitation, particularly in the early phase. When RAT is provided as partial substitution of conventional therapy, it is expected to be at least as effective or might be more effective than conventional therapy. Assessments have usually been restricted to the first 2 domains of the International classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF).ObjectiveThis was a pragmatic, multicentric, single-blind, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of upper-limb RAT used as partial substitution to conventional therapy in the early phase of stroke rehabilitation, following the 3 ICF domains.MethodsWe randomized 45 patients with acute stroke into 2 groups (conventional therapy, n = 22, and RAT, n = 23). Both interventions were dose-matched regarding treatment duration and lasted 9 weeks. The conventional therapy group followed a standard rehabilitation. In the RAT group, 4 sessions of conventional therapy (25%) were substituted by RAT each week. RAT consisted of moving the paretic upper limb along a reference trajectory while the robot provided assistance as needed. A blinded assessor evaluated participants before, just after the intervention and 6 months post-stroke, according to the ICF domains UL motor impairments, activity limitations, and social participation restriction.ResultsIn total, 28 individuals were assessed after the intervention. The following were more improved in the RAT than conventional therapy group at 6 months post-stroke: gross manual dexterity (Box and Block test +7.7 blocks; P = 0.02), upper-limb ability during functional tasks (Wolf Motor Function test +12%; P = 0.02) and patient social participation (Stroke Impact Scale +18%; P = 0.01). Participants’ abilities to perform manual activities and activities of daily living improved similarly in both groups.ConclusionFor the same duration of daily rehabilitation, RAT combined with conventional therapy during the early rehabilitation phase after stroke is more effective than conventional therapy alone to improve gross manual dexterity, upper-limb ability during functional tasks and patient social participation.     

Group modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) in a clinical setting

Purpose: We evaluated the effectiveness of a modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) program delivered in a group format. Methods: Thirteen subacute or chronic stroke and two subacute brain injured participants attended a group mCIMT program for 3.5 h daily for 10 treatment days. The groups consisted of three participants supervised by two staff. Motor recovery, functional arm use, and participation were evaluated by an independent assessor at five time points (baseline, immediately preprogram, immediately postprogram, 1 and 3-month postprogram). Results:Participants achieved statistical and clinically significant improvements in motor recovery (Wolf Motor Function Test), functional use (Motor Activity Log) and participation (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure). These improvements were maintained over a 3-month follow-up period. Conclusion: Group delivery of mCIMT produces meaningful results and is a potentially effective way of extending availability of this program without placing overwhelming demands on health care resources.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is an effective treatment for upper extremity weakness as a result of stroke or brain injury.

• Development of CIMT programs in a clinical setting have been limited by the heavy demands it places on personnel, space and equipment

• A clinically based group modified CIMT (mCIMT) program with stroke and brain injury survivors showed statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements in motor recovery, functional use, and participation.

• Group delivery of mCIMT can be an effective way of extending availability of this program without placing overwhelming demands on hospital resources.

     

Distributed form of constraint-induced movement therapy improves functional outcome and quality of life after stroke

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a distributed version of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT). DESIGN: Within-subjects control intervention study. SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation center. PARTICIPANTS: Eleven persons with chronic stroke. All had active extension of at least 20 degrees at the wrist and at least 10 degrees for each finger of the more-affected hand. INTERVENTIONS: Intensive motor training of the more-affected arm for 3 hours a day for 20 days; restraint of the other arm for 9.3 hours daily to limit its use. This intervention provides the same amount of training as provided in the conventional CIMT therapy protocol (60 h) but distributes training time over twice the number of days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Real-world (Motor Activity Log) and laboratory motor activity (Wolf Motor Function Test, Frenchay Arm Test, Nine Hole Peg Test), strength (grip force) and spasticity (Ashworth Scale), and quality of life (QOL; Stroke Impact Scale) were assessed. RESULTS: Participants showed significant improvements in more-affected arm real-world motor activity, laboratory motor activity, strength and spasticity, as well as in some aspects of QOL, up to 6 months after treatment ( P .05). CONCLUSIONS: Distributed CIMT is a promising intervention for improving motor function and QOL in patients with chronic stroke.     

Efficacy of modified constraint-induced movement therapy in chronic stroke: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To determine efficacy of a modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) protocol for patients with chronic stroke. DESIGN: Multiple-baseline, pre-post, single-blinded randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen patients who experienced stroke more than 1 year before study entry and who had upper-limb hemiparesis and learned nonuse. INTERVENTION: Seven patients participated in structured therapy sessions emphasizing more affected arm use in valued activities, 3 times a week for 10 weeks. Their less affected arms were also restrained 5d/wk for 5 hours (mCIMT). Four patients received regular therapy with similar contact time to mCIMT. Six patients received no therapy (control). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery (FMA), Action Research Arm (ARA) Test, and Motor Activity Log (MAL). RESULTS: The mCIMT patients exhibited greater motor changes on the FMA and ARA (18.4, 11.4) than regular therapy (6.0, 7.1) or control (-2.9, -4.5). Statistical analyses showed significant differences in motor improvement on the FMA (F(2,12)=11.2, P=.002) and the ARA (F(2,12)=14.0, P=.001). Post hoc analyses showed that, when pretreatment motor differences are controlled, mCIMT resulted in substantially higher posttreatment FMA and ARA scores. Amount and quality of arm use, measured by the MAL, improved only in mCIMT patients. CONCLUSIONS: mCIMT may be an efficacious method of improving function and use of the more affected arms of chronic stroke patients. Findings further affirm that repeated, task-specific practice is critical to reacquisition of function, whereas practice schedule intensity is less critical.     

A randomized controlled trial of modified constraint-induced movement therapy for elderly stroke survivors: changes in motor impairment, daily functioning, and quality of life

OBJECTIVE: To examine the benefits of modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) on motor function, daily function, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in elderly stroke survivors. DESIGN: Two-group randomized controlled trial, with pretreatment and posttreatment measures. SETTING: Rehabilitation clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-six elderly stroke patients (mean age, 72 y) with 0.5 to 31 months postonset of a first-ever cerebrovascular accident. INTERVENTIONS: Twenty-six patients received either mCIMT (restraint of the unaffected limb combined with intensive training of the affected limb) or traditional rehabilitation for a period of 3 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), FIM instrument, Motor Activity Log (MAL), and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). The FMA evaluated the severity of motor impairment; the FIM instrument and MAL reported daily function; and the SIS detected HRQOL. RESULTS: The mCIMT group exhibited significantly greater improvements in motor function, daily function, and the physical domain of HRQOL than the traditional rehabilitation group. Patients in the mCIMT group perceived significantly greater percent of recovery after treatment than patients in the traditional rehabilitation group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest mCIMT is a promising intervention for improving motor function, daily function, and physical aspects of HRQOL in elderly patients with stroke. The mCIMT was well tolerated by the elderly patients even though it is a rigorous training program.     

基于镜像神经元理论的动作观察疗法对缺血性脑卒中患者上肢运动功能及体感诱发电位的影响

目的 探讨基于镜像神经元理论的动作观察疗法对早期脑卒中患者上肢运动功能和体感诱发电位(SEP)的影响.方法 将30例脑卒中患者按随机数字表法分为观察组(15例)和对照组(15例).对照组采用常规康复治疗,如肢体良肢位摆放、平衡训练、日常生活活动(ADL)能力训练等,观察组在对照组基础上辅以动作观察疗法,每周治疗10次,共治疗8周.分别于治疗前、治疗4周和治疗8周后采用Fugl-Meyer运动功能评分法(FMA)(上肢部分)及Barthel指数(BI)对2组患者的上肢运动功能和SEP进行评估检测,记录SEP检测中N9 、N20的潜伏期和波幅.结果 观察组治疗4周及治疗8周后的上肢FMA评分分别为(18.87±6.62)分和(26.27 ±9.22)分,与治疗前相比,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05);对照组治疗4周和治疗8周后的上肢FMA评分分别为(16.53±4.79)分和(20.07 ±6.77)分,组内比较仅治疗8周后的上肢FMA评分与治疗前差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);与对照组比较,观察组治疗8周后上肢FMA评分的提高值大于对照组治疗8周后上肢FMA评分的提高值(P＜0.05).观察组治疗4周及治疗8周后的BI指数评分分别为(58.00 ±19.89)分和(62.33±20.34)分,而对照组治疗4周及治疗8周后的BI指数评分分别为(65.67±18.01)分和(71.33 ±14.82)分,2组BI评分与治疗前相比,差异均具有统计学意义(P＜0.05);治疗8周后观察组BI提高值与对照组BI提高值相比,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).治疗4周及治疗8周后,观察组偏瘫侧SEP的N9和N20潜伏期分别为[(9.35±1.63) ms和(9.03±1.68)ms、(20.84 ±2.07)ms和(20.32±2.56)ms],波幅分别为[(3.71±1.28) μV和(3.91 ±1.18) μV、(1.83±0.44) μV和(2.08±0.51)μV],比较后发现,N9、N20的潜伏期均逐渐缩短、波幅逐渐增高(P＜0.05);对照组偏瘫侧SEP的N9 、N20潜伏期分别为[(9.87±1.68)ms和(9.52±1.54) ms、(20.89 ±2.38)ms和(20.51±2.69) ms],波幅分别为[(2.75±1.54)μV和(2.84±1.47) μV、(1.38 ±0.43) μV和(1.51±0.44)μV],治疗4周后的N20潜伏期和治疗8周后的N9、N20潜伏期与治疗前相比,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05),对照组偏瘫侧仅治疗8周后的N20波幅与治疗前相比,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 基于镜像神经元理论的动作观察疗法可改善早期脑卒中患者的上肢运动功能,改善其SEP.     

Attentional focus of feedback for improving performance of reach-to-grasp after stroke: a randomised crossover study

Objective

To investigate whether feedback inducing an external focus (EF) of attention (about movement effects) was more effective for retraining reach-to-grasp after stroke compared with feedback inducing an internal focus (IF) of attention (about body movement). It was predicted that inducing an EF of attention would be more beneficial to motor performance.

Design

Crossover trial where participants were assigned at random to two feedback order groups: IF followed by EF or EF followed by IF.

Setting

Research laboratory.

Participants

Forty-two people with upper limb impairment after stroke.

Intervention

Participants performed three reaching tasks: (A) reaching to grasp a jar; (B) placing a jar forwards on to a table; and (C) placing a jar on to a shelf. Ninety-six reaches were performed in total over one training session.

Main outcome measures

Kinematic measures were collected using motion analysis. Primary outcome measures were movement duration, peak velocity of the wrist, size of peak aperture and peak elbow extension.

Results

Feedback inducing an EF of attention produced shorter movement durations {first feedback order group: IF mean 2.53 seconds [standard deviation (SD) 1.85]; EF mean 2.12 seconds (SD 1.63), mean difference 0.41 seconds; 95% confidence interval -0.68 to 1.5; P = 0.008}, an increased percentage time to peak deceleration (P = 0.01) when performing Task B, and an increased percentage time to peak velocity (P = 0.039) when performing Task A compared with feedback inducing an IF of attention. However, an order effect was present whereby performance was improved if an EF of attention was preceded by an IF of attention.

Conclusions

Feedback inducing an EF of attention may be of some benefit for improving motor performance of reaching in people with stroke in the short term; however, these results should be interpreted with caution. Further research using a randomised design is recommended to enable effects on motor learning to be assessed.     

Selection for inpatient rehabilitation after acute stroke: a systematic review of the literature

Hakkennes SJ, Brock K, Hill KD. Selection for inpatient rehabilitation after acute stroke: a systematic review of the literature.

Objective

To identify patient-related factors that have been found to correlate with functional outcomes post acute stroke to guide clinical decision making with regard to rehabilitation admission after acute stroke.

Data Sources

We systematically searched the scientific literature between 1966 and January 2010. The primary source of studies was the electronic databases Medline, CINAHL, and Embase. The search was supplemented with citation tracking.

Study Selection

Two reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria to identify relevant articles from the citations obtained through the literature search. Eligible studies included systematic reviews of prognostic indicators, studies of prognostic indicators of acute discharge disposition, and studies of rehabilitation admission criteria after acute stroke. Of the 8895 studies identified, 83 articles, representing 79 studies, were included in the review.

Data Extraction

One reviewer extracted the data relating to the participants, prognostic indicators, and outcomes. A second reviewer independently checked data extracted with disagreement resolved by a third reviewer. Quality of included studies was assessed for internal and external validity.

Data Synthesis

Of the 79 studies, 26 were systematic reviews of prognostic indicators of functional level and/or discharge disposition, 48 were studies of prognostic indicators of acute discharge disposition, and 6 were studies of rehabilitation selection criteria. The methodologic quality of the included studies was generally poor. Age, cognition, functional level after stroke, and, to a lesser extent, continence were found to have a consistent association with outcome across all 3 research areas. In addition, stroke severity was also associated with acute discharge disposition, final discharge disposition, and functional level. Sex and side of stroke appeared to have no association across all 3 of the research areas.

Conclusions

This review highlights a number of important prognostic indicators and rehabilitation selection criteria that may assist clinicians in improving selection procedures and standardizing access to inpatient rehabilitation after stroke, although the quality of many studies is low. Further high quality studies and reviews of prognostic indicators and clinician decision making with regards to rehabilitation acceptance are required.     

The effects of mental practice in stroke rehabilitation: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of a mental practice intervention on recovery in stroke patients. DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature search of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, Pedro, Rehadat, and RehabTrials was performed by 2 researchers independently. Eligible studies published through August 2005 were selected. STUDY SELECTION: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 1 controlled clinical trial (CCT), 2 patient series, and 3 case reports that investigated the effects of a mental practice intervention on recovery of stroke patients were included. DATA EXTRACTION: The selected RCTs and CCT were assessed on a methodologic quality rating scale. Important characteristics and outcomes were extracted and summarized. Results and characteristics from the patient series and case reports were only provided if they added information. DATA SYNTHESIS: Included studies differed clearly from one another with regard to patient characteristics, intervention protocol, and outcome measures. Four different mental practice strategies were used. Most tasks involved mentally rehearsing movements of the arm. Intervention periods varied from 2 to 6 weeks, frequencies ranged from multiple sessions per day to 3 times a week. Studies were limited in size. Power could not be increased by pooling or meta-analysis because studies were not comparable. Three of the 4 RCTs were of reasonable methodologic quality. There was some evidence that mental practice as an additional therapy intervention had positive effects on recovery of arm function after stroke. Two mental practice techniques appeared to be effective-tape instruction and self-regulation. Results from the single case studies indicate that mental practice is also promising for improvement of leg function. CONCLUSIONS: No definite conclusions could be drawn except that further research, using clear definitions of the content of mental practice and standardized measurement of outcome, are needed.     

Validity, responsiveness, and clinically important difference of the ABILHAND questionnaire in patients with stroke

Wang T, Lin K, Wu C, Chung C, Pei Y, Teng Y. Validity, responsiveness, and clinically important difference of the ABILHAND questionnaire in patients with stroke.

Objective

To investigate the criterion-related validity, responsiveness, and clinically important differences of the ABILHAND questionnaire in patients with stroke.

Design

Validation and clinimetric study.

Setting

Three medical centers.

Participants

Patients with stroke (N=51).

Interventions

A total of 51 patients with stroke received 1 of 3 upper extremity rehabilitation programs for 4 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures

The ABILHAND and the criterion measures, including the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), FIM, Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL), and accelerometers, were administered at pretreatment and posttreatment. The score of the ABILHAND, given in logits, was based on the conversion of the ordinal score into a linear measure of ability.

Results

Correlation coefficients (Pearson r) were moderate to large between the ABILHAND and SIS physical domains (.54–.66), fair to moderate between the ABILHAND and FIM-motor and NEADL (.28–.48), and moderate between the ABILHAND and accelerometer data (.45–.54). The responsiveness of the ABILHAND was large (standardized response mean=1.27). The minimal clinically important difference range for the ABILHAND was .26 to .35, and 51.0% of the patients showed a positive change that exceeded the lower bound of a clinically important difference after intervention.

Conclusions

The results support that the ABILHAND is an appropriate outcome measure for assessing upper extremity performance in daily activities in patients with stroke and is sensitive to detect change after rehabilitative interventions. The change score of a patient with stroke on the ABILHAND should reach .26 to .35 logits points to be regarded as a clinically important change.     

Back from the brink: electromyography-triggered stimulation combined with modified constraint-induced movement therapy in chronic stroke

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of a regimen that combines electromyography-triggered neuromuscular stimulation (ETMS) with modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) in patients with chronic stroke. DESIGN: Pre-post, case series. SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Six subjects who had had a stroke more [corrected] than 1 year before the study and who had upper-limb hemiparesis. All subjects were only able to activate the affected wrist extensors. INTERVENTION: Subjects underwent ETMS twice every weekday in 35-minute increments during an 8-week period. One week after they completed the ETMS regimen, and after the outcome measures were readministered, subjects participated in mCIMT, which consisted of structured therapy sessions that emphasized use of the more affected arm in valued activities. The sessions were held 3 times a week for 10 weeks. The less affected arms were also restrained 5 days a week for 5 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) of motor recovery, Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and goniometry. RESULTS: Subjects had nominal changes on the ARAT (mean change, 0.3), and no functional changes after ETMS. However, they had a mean increase of 21.5 degrees in affected wrist extension and an improved ability to perform the wrist items of the FMA (reflected by a mean increase of 4.1 points on the FMA), which qualified them for mCIMT. After mCIMT, subjects had a 15.5-point change on the FMA, an 11.4-point change on the ARAT, and a new ability to perform valued activities. CONCLUSIONS: ETMS alone does not result in functional changes. However, it may elicit sufficient active affected wrist and finger extension increases to permit possible participation in mCIMT, which can result in marked functional gains. This study is among the first to show improved function in stroke patients who initially had little hand motor control, and it is among the first to effectively combine 2 singularly efficacious regimens.