Residual Deficits of Knee Flexors and Plantar Flexors Predict Normalized Walking Performance in Patients with Poststroke Hemiplegia

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate the relation of lower limb muscle strength with normalized walking value, gait speed, and balance in patients with poststroke hemiplegia.MethodsFunctional ambulatory unilateral hemiplegic patients were included in the study. Functionality of the lower limb was tested by Fugl-Meyer lower extremity motor subscale. Six-minute walk test (6MWT), 10-meter walk test, and Berg Balance Scale were performed to evaluate functional walking capacity, gait speed, and balance, respectively. Normalized 6MWT value was calculated by using a formula. Maximum isometric strengths of 8 muscle groups of both limbs were measured using a handheld dynamometry and residual deficits of the paretic side muscles were calculated.ResultsThe study population was comprised of 61 hemiplegic patients (mean age: 54.6 ± 11.7 years and mean duration after stroke: 23.4 ± 18.1 months). Mean normalized walking distance on 6MWT was 44.4% of expected. The residual deficits of the affected lower extremity muscles were negatively correlated with normalized 6MWT: hip flexors (r = −.651), hip extensors (r = −.621), hip abductors (r = −.657), hip adductors (r = −.630), knee flexors (r = −.738), knee extensors (r = −.659), ankle dorsiflexors (r = −.776), and ankle plantar flexors (r = −.773). Lower extremity residual deficits also showed moderate-strong negative correlations with Berg Balance Scores and gait speed. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that the residual deficits of the ankle plantar flexors and knee flexors are the major independent determinants of normalized 6MWT results (R: .791 R²: 625).ConclusionsResidual deficits of lower extremity muscles-particularly of ankle dorsiflexors, plantar flexors, and knee flexors-are related to walking performance, gait speed and balance. Besides, knee flexors and plantar flexors are predictors of normalized 6MWT.     

Effect of Rhythm of Music Therapy on Gait in Patients with Stroke

AimThis study aims to analyze the effects of rhythm of music therapy on gait in patients with ischemic stroke, and explore the value of music therapy in walking training in stroke.MethodsThe present study is a prospective clinical study. Sixty patients with ischemic stroke, who were admitted to our hospital from October 2017 to December 2018, were enrolled. These patients were divided into two groups, according to the method of the random number table, with thirty patients in each group: control group and study group. Patients in the control group received conventional drug therapy, rehabilitation training and walking training, while the patients in the study group were given music therapy on the basis of the above mentioned therapies for four weeks, during which Sunday was regarded as a rest day, and the music therapy was suspended. The main outcome measures included indexes in evaluating the walking ability of patients in these two groups. At each time point, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and stroke rehabilitation treatment satisfaction questionnaire were used.ResultsThe results revealed that the stride length, cadence and maximum velocity were higher in patients in the study group, when compared to patients in the control group, at the second week and end of the therapy, and the difference in step length between the affected side and healthy side was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the second week of therapy and at the end of therapy, the FMA and BBS scores were higher in the study group than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The total satisfaction rate was higher in the study group than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).ConclusionUnder the stimulation of music rhythm, applying music therapy to patients with ischemic stroke can improve their gait, walking ability, lower limb motor function, balance ability and treatment satisfaction.     

Robot-Assisted Therapy Combined with Trunk Restraint in Acute Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study

BackgroundReducing the compensatory mechanism by restraining unnecessary trunk movements may help enhance the effectiveness of robot-assisted therapy.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of robot-assisted therapy in combination with trunk restraint on upper extremity function and on daily activities in patients with acute stroke (≤ 30days of onset).MethodsThirty-six acute stroke patients were randomly assigned to an experimental (n=18) or control (n=18) group. The experimental group performed robot-assisted therapy combined with trunk restraint, while the control group performed only robot-assisted therapy. Both groups were treated for 30 min, 5 days a week, for a total of 3 weeks. The outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer assessment upper extremity, wolf motor function test, motor activity log, upper extremity muscle strength, and modified Barthel index.ResultsAfter the intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in Fugl-Meyer assessment upper extremity, wolf motor function test, motor activity log, elbow extensor muscle strength, and modified Barthel index (p < 0.05). Post-intervention, the experimental group exhibited greater changes in the Fugl-Meyer assessment upper extremity, motor activity log, and elbow extensor muscle strength (p < 0.05).ConclusionOur study suggests that robot-assisted therapy in combination with trunk restraint is more effective for improving upper extremity function than only robot-assisted therapy in acute stroke patients.     

Effects of Exergame on Patients' Balance and Upper Limb Motor Function after Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Stroke is a major cause of motor incapacity in adults and the elderly population, requiring effective interventions capable of contributing to rehabilitation. Different interventions such as use of exergames are being adopted in the motor rehabilitation and balance area, as they act as motivating instruments, making therapies more pleasurable. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exergame on patients’ balance and upper limb motor function after stroke. Methods: This study is a randomized controlled trial. Thirty-one participants of both genders, mean age of 76 years, were assigned to the experimental or control groups; the experimental group (n = 16) underwent exergame rehabilitation using Motion Rehab AVE 3D, and the control group (n = 15) underwent conventional physiotherapy. Both EG and GC sessions happened twice a week, for 30 minutes each, over a 12 weeks period, resulting in 24 sessions. All sessions were composed of similar exercises, with same purpose and elapsed time (5 minutes). Instruments applied to verify inclusion criteria were a sociodemographic questionnaire and clinical aspects and a Mini-Mental State Examination. At baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention, the Modified Ashworth Scale, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and the Berg Balance Scale were used. Results: In both groups, patients obtained significant improvement from baseline values in all analyzed variables (shoulder, elbow, and forearm; wrist; hand; and balance) (P < .001). In the intergroup comparison, there were significant differences between the 2 groups for changes in values from preintervention to postintervention of shoulder, elbow and forearm (P = .001), and total (P = .002). Conclusion: Exergame rehabilitation in poststroke patients can be an efficient alternative for restoring balance and upper limb motor function and might even reduce treatment time.     

Multifactor analysis for risk factors involved in the fear of falling in patients with chronic stroke from mainland China

Abstract

Objective:

To analyze the risk factors involved in FOF in patients with chronic stroke from mainland China.

Methods:

A cohort of 245 patients with chronic stroke were included in this study. Fear of falling severity was assessed using the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Physical function was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), and the lower extremity of Fugl-Meyer Assessment. Psychosocial function was assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Social Support Rating Scale, respectively. All factors related to FOF severity were analyzed by regression analysis.

Results:

Statistically significant factors affecting FOF severity included age, history of falling, balance, functional mobility, economic burden, and depression. Participants with a history of falls (N?=?81) were divided into high (score?≥?70, N?=?19) and low ABC score (score?<?70, N?=?62) groups. Compared with the low ABC score group, the high ABC score group had higher BBS scores, and lower CES-D scores.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that — in addition to age, economic burden, and a history of falls — balance, functional mobility, and depression are risk factors associated with FOF in patients with chronic stroke in mainland China.     

A Preliminary Study of Dual-Task Training Using Virtual Reality: Influence on Walking and Balance in Chronic Poststroke Survivors

BackgroundStroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the Western world, and leads to impaired balance and mobility. Objective: To investigate the feasibility of using a Virtual Reality-based dual task of an upper extremity while treadmill walking, to improve gait and functional balance performance of chronic poststroke survivors.MethodsTwenty-two individuals chronic poststroke participated in the study, and were divided into 2 groups (each group performing an 8-session exercise program): 11 participated in dual-task walking (DTW), and the other 11 participated in single-task treadmill walking (TMW). The study was a randomized controlled trial, with assessors blinded to the participants’ allocated group. Measurements were conducted at pretest, post-test, and follow-up. Outcome measures included: the 10-m walking test (10 mW), Timed Up and Go (TUG), the Functional Reach Test (FRT), the Lateral Reach Test Left/Right (LRT-L/R); the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, and the Berg Balance Scale(BBS).ResultsImprovements were observed in balance variables: BBS, FRT, LRT-L/R, (P < .01) favoring the DTW group; in gait variables: 10 mW time, also favoring the DTW group (P < .05); and the ABC scale (P < .01). No changes for interaction were observed in the TUG.ConclusionsThe results of this study demonstrate the potential of VR-based DTW to improve walking and balance in people after stroke; thus, it is suggested to combine training sessions that require the performance of multiple tasks at the same time.     

Effect of Robot Assisted Gait Training on Motor and Walking Function in Patients with Subacute Stroke: A Random Controlled Study

BackgroundRobot-assisted gait training has been confirmed to have beneficial effect on the rehabilitation of stroke patients. An exoskeleton robot, named BEAR-H1, is designed to help stroke patients with walking disabilities.Methods17 subjects in experimental group and 15 subjects in control group completed the study. The experimental group received 30 minutes of BEAR-H1 assisted gait training(BAGT), and the control group received 30 minutes of conventional training, 5 times/week for 4weeks. All subjects were evaluated with 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Fugl-Meyer Assessment for lower extremity (FMA-LE), Functional Ambulatory Classification (FAC), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and gait analysis at baseline and after 4 weeks intervention.ResultsThe improvements of 6MWT, FMA-LE, gait speed, cadence, step length and cycle duration in BAGT group were more noticeable than in the control group. However, there was no difference in the assessment of MAS between two groups.ConclusionsOur results showed that BAGT is an effective intervention to improve the motor and walking ability during 4 weeks training for subacute stroke patients.     

Effects of Virtual Reality Compared to Conventional Therapy on Balance Poststroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: The objective of this study was to systematically review the effect of virtual reality on balance as compared to conventional therapy alone poststroke. Methods: The databases of PubMed, Cochrane, and Ovid were searched using select keywords. The randomized controlled trials published between January 2000 and August 2017 in English language were included if they assessed the effect of virtual reality on balance ability compared to conventional therapy alone in adults’ poststroke. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale was used to assess the methodological quality. Results: Fourteen papers were included in this review. The experimental groups largely (n = 13) used virtual reality in combination with conventional therapy. Among the high quality studies, significant between-group improvement favoring virtual reality in combination with conventional therapy was found on Berg Balance Scale (n = 7) and Timed Up and Go Scale (n = 7) when compared to conventional therapy alone. The studies were limited by low powered, small sample sizes ranging from 14 to 40, and lack of blinding, concealed allocation, and reporting of missing data. Thirteen homogenous (n = 348, I² = 37.6%, P = .083) studies were included in the meta-analysis using Berg Balance Scale. Significant improvement was observed in the experimental group compared to control group with a medium effect size of .64, confidence interval of .36-.92. Conclusions: The findings of this review indicate that virtual reality when combined with conventional therapy is moderately more effective in improving balance than conventional therapy alone in individuals’ poststroke.     

The effects of Bobath-based trunk exercises on trunk control,functional capacity,balance, and gait: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Bobath-based individually designed trunk exercises on trunk control, upper and lower extremity function, and walking and balance in stroke patients. The main aim of treatment was to eliminate individual trunk impairments during various patient functions.

Methods: The study was planned as an assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. A total of 22 patients volunteered to participate in the study. Trunk function, functional capacity, and gait were assessed with the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), stroke rehabilitation assessment of movement (STREAM), and a 10-m walking test, respectively. The Berg Balance Test (BBT), functional reach (FR), and timed up-and-go (TUG) tests were used to evaluate balance. After the initial assessment, the patients were divided randomly into two groups, the study group (12 patients) and the control group (10 patients). The mean age of the patients in the study group was 55.91?years (duration of stroke 58.66?months) and that of the control group was 54.00?years (duration of stroke 67.20?months). Individual training programs were determined for the patients in the study group, taking into consideration their evaluation results; and strengthening, stretching, range of motion, and mat exercises were determined for the control group according to their functional level. The participants in both groups were taken into the physiotherapy program for 12?weeks, 3?days a week for 1?hour a day.

Results: In group analyses, both groups showed improvement in STREAM, TIS, and TUG tests. Only the study group produced significant gains in the BBT, FR, and 10?m walking tests (P?<?0.05). According to the pre- and post-treatment results, no significant difference was observed in any of the evaluated parameters between the two groups (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Individually developed exercise programs in the Bobath concept improve trunk performance, balance, and walking ability in stroke patients more than do conventional exercises.     

根据Brunnstrom分期制定针对性康复方案对脑卒中患者康复效果的影响

目的探讨Brunnstrom分期制定针对性康复方案对脑卒中患者康复效果的影响作用。方法选取90例脑卒中患者采用随机数字表法分为实验组和对照组各45例,实验组依据Brunnstrom分期制定针对性康复方案,对照组给予常规康复治疗方法。结果康复治疗前实验组和对照组的Fugl-Meyer运动功能评分法(FAM)、改良Barthel指数(MBI)、运动功能评估量表(MAS)、美国国立卫生研究院神经功能缺损量表(NIHSS)评分和脑卒中专用生存质量量表(SS-QOL)评分差异均不具有统计学意义(P0.05)。康复治疗后实验组的FAM评分(48.2±7.6)分、MBI评分(58.2±11.6)分、MAS评分(33.7±6.2)分和SS-QOL评分(44.8±5.3)分均高于对照组的(29.6±5.7)分、(53.6±9.8)分、(29.6±5.7)分和(40.2±5.0)分,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05);实验组NIHSS评分(13.5±3.8)分显著低于对照组的(15.7±4.0)分,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 Brunnstrom分期制定针对性康复方案较常规康复治疗对脑卒中患者具有更加显著的康复效果,具有提高患者生活质量的作用。     

3ontralateral needling at unblocked collaterals for ~emiplegia following acute ischemic stroke

Hemiplegia caused by stroke indicates dysfunction of the network between the brain and limbs, namely collateral shock in the brain. Contralateral needling is the insertion of needles into acupoints on the relative healthy side of the body to treat diseases such as apoplexy. However, there is little well-designed and controlled clinical evidence for this practice. This study investigated whether contralateral needling could treat hemiplegia after acute ischemic stroke in 106 randomly selected patients with acute ischemic stroke. These patients were randomly assigned to three groups： 45 in the contralateral needling group, receiving acupuncture on the unaffected limbs; 45 in the conven- tional acupuncture group, receiving acupuncture on the hemiplegic limbs; and 16 in the control group, receiving routine treatments without acupuncture. Acupuncture at acupoints Chize （LU5） in the upper limb and Jianliao （TEl4） in the lower limb was performed for 45 minutes daily for 30 consecutive days. The therapeutic effective rate, Neurological Deficit Score, Modified Barthel Index and FugI-Meyer Assessment were evaluated. The therapeutic effective rate of contralateral nee- dling was higher than that of conventional acupuncture （46.67% vs. 31.11%, P 〈 0.05）. The neuro- logical deficit score of contralateral needling was significantly decreased compared with conven- tional acupuncture （P 〈 0.01）. The Modified Barthel Index and FugI-Meyer Assessment score of contralateral needling increased more significantly than those of conventional acupuncture （both P 〈 0.01）. The present findings suggest that contralateral needling unblocks collaterals and might be more effective than conventional acupuncture in the treatment of hemiplegia following acute ischemic stroke.     

To What Extent is Walking Ability Associated with Participation in People after Stroke?

ObjectivesThis study aims to 1) identify the relation between walking ability and participation after stroke and 2) explore whether change in walking ability is associated with change in participation over time in community living-people after stroke.Materials and MethodsFifty-two people after stroke were assessed at baseline and after a 6-week gait training intervention. People were included between two weeks and six months after stroke. The Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation was used to measure participation. Assessment of walking ability included the six-minute walking test for walking endurance, Timed-up & Go test for functional mobility, Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test for dynamic balance, and total duration of walking activity per day to measure walking activity.ResultsAt baseline, six-minute walking test, Timed-up & Go test, and Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test were univariately associated with participation (P < 0.001). Backward multiple regression analysis showed that the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test independently explained 55.7% of the variance in participation at baseline. Over time, only change in the six-minute walking test was positively associated with change in participation (R² = 0.087, P = 0.040).ConclusionsCross-sectional associations showed that walking ability, and especially dynamic balance, contributes to participation after stroke. Dynamic balance, as underlying variable for walking, was an important independently related factor to participation after stroke which needs attention during rehabilitation. Longitudinally, improvement in walking endurance was significantly associated with improvement in participation, which indicates the relevance of training walking endurance to improve participation after stroke.     

下肢康复机器人训练对脑卒中偏瘫患者下肢运动功能的康复作用

目的探讨下肢康复机器人训练对脑卒中偏瘫患者下肢运动功能的康复作用。方法共60例发病6个月的脑卒中偏瘫患者随机接受常规康复训练联合减重步行训练(BWSTT组,30例)或常规康复训练联合下肢康复机器人训练(Robot组,30例),分别于训练前和训练8周时采用Fugl-Meyer下肢评价量表(FMA-LE)评价下肢运动功能、Berg平衡量表(BBS)评价平衡功能、下肢康复机器人力矩反馈系统评价下肢肌力。结果与训练前相比,两组患者训练8周时FMA-LE(P=0.000)和BBS(P=0.000)评分、步态周期中患侧髋关节(P=0.000)和膝关节(P=0.000)反馈力矩值均增加;与BWSTT组相比,训练8周时Robot组仅步态周期中患侧髋关节(P=0.000)和膝关节(P=0.000)反馈力矩值增加。结论常规康复训练联合减重步行训练和下肢康复机器人训练均可以改善脑卒中偏瘫患者下肢运动功能,下肢康复机器人训练在提高下肢肌力方面优于减重步行训练。     

Effectiveness of mirror therapy on lower extremity motor recovery,balance and mobility in patients with acute stroke: A randomized sham-controlled pilot trial

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of mirror therapy on lower extremity motor recovery, balance and mobility in patients with acute stroke.

Design:

A randomized, sham-controlled, assessor blinded, pilot trial.

Setting:

Inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit.

Subjects:

First time onset of stroke with mean post-stroke duration of 6.41 days, able to respond to verbal instructions, and Brunnstrom recovery stage 2 and above were enrolled.

Intervention:

Mirror therapy group performed 30 minutes of functional synergy movements of non-paretic lower extremity, whereas control group underwent sham therapy with similar duration. In addition, both groups were administered with conventional stroke rehabilitation regime. Altogether 90 minutes therapy session per day, six days a week, for two weeks duration was administered to both groups.

Outcome Measures:

Lower extremity motor subscale of Fugl Meyer Assessment (FMA), Brunnel Balance Assessment (BBA) and Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC).

Results:

Amongst the 22 patients included, equal number of patients participated in mirror group (N = 11) and control group (N = 11). Baseline variables were similar in both groups, except for Brunnstrom recovery stage. There was no statistical difference between groups, except for FAC. (FMA: P = 0.894; BBA: P = 0.358; FAC: P = 0.02). Significance was set at P < 0.05.

Conclusion:

Administration of mirror therapy early after stroke is not superior to conventional treatment in improving lower limb motor recovery and balance, except for improvement in mobility.Key Words: Acute stroke, balance, mobility, mirror therapy, motor recovery     

The effects of treadmill walking combined with obstacle-crossing on walking ability in ambulatory patients after stroke: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Background and objective: Treadmill walking training (TWT) provides greater amount and intensity of stepping practice than conventional walking training in patients with chronic stroke. However, there is not any conclusive evidence regarding the effects of TWT for ambulatory post-stroke patients. This study investigated the effects of treadmill walking combined with obstacle-crossing on the walking ability of ambulatory post-stroke patients.

Methods: Twenty-nine subjects from a university hospital-based rehabilitation center were randomly assigned to one of the following: experimental group (15 subjects) or control group (14 subjects). All subjects underwent 30 min of active/passive exercises and 30 min of gait training in the form of treadmill walking. The subjects in the experimental group underwent simultaneous training in obstacle-crossing while walking on the treadmill for 30 min/day, 5 times/week, for 4 weeks. Main measures were the 10-m walk test (10MWT), 6-min walk test (6MWT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), timed “Up & Go” (TUG) test, and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale used before and after the intervention.

Results: The changed values of the 6MWT and BBS were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group after adjusting for each baseline value, with large effects of 1.12 and 0.78, respectively, but not in the 10MWT, TUG, and ABC scale scores. Both groups showed a significant difference in all variables before and after the intervention.

Conclusion: Treadmill walking combined with obstacle-crossing training may help improve the walking ability of patients with hemiplegic stroke and can possibly be used as an adjunct to routine rehabilitation therapy as a task-oriented practice based on community ambulation.     

A型肉毒毒素治疗脑卒中后上肢肌痉挛的疗效分析

目的 探讨A型肉毒毒素(BTX-A)治疗脑卒中后肌痉挛的临床疗效.方法 选择54例脑卒中后存在上肢肌肉痉挛的患者,按随机数字表法分为研究组和对照组(各27例),两组患者均进行肢体康复训练.研究组加行注射BTX-A.分别观察比较两组治疗后2周、4周、12周的Fugl-Meyer运动功能评测、改良 Ashworth肌痉挛量表评定情况及Barthel指数.结果 治疗后2周、4周时,研究组与对照组的改良Ashworth评分评定比较差异具有统计学意义(P<0.01).治疗后4周、12周时,研究组与对照组的Fugl-Meycr评分变化、Barthel指数比较差异具有统计学意义(P<0.01).结论 BTX-A治疗脑卒中后上肢肌痉挛安全、简便、起效迅速,同时积极配合康复功能训缘,可以有效改善患者的运动功能和日常生活活动能力.     

High Intensity Exercise for Walking Competency in Individuals with Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: To assess the effects of high intensity exercise on walking competency in individuals with stroke. Data sources: A systematic electronic searching of the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), and SPORTSDiscus (EBSCOhost) was initially performed up to June 25, 2019. Study selection: Randomized controlled trials or clinical controlled trials comparing any walking or gait parameters of the high intensity exercise to lower intensity exercise or usual physical activities were included. The risk of bias of included studies was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. Data extraction: Data were extracted by 2 independent coders. The mean and standard deviation of the baseline and endpoint scores after training for walking distance, comfortable gait speed, gait analysis (cadence, stride length, and the gait symmetry), cost of walking, Berg Balance Scale , Time Up&Go (TUG) Test and adverse events were extracted. Data Synthesis: A total of 22 (n = 952) studies were included. Standardized mean difference (SMD), weighted mean difference (WMD), and odds ratios (ORs) were used to compute effect size and subgroup analysis was conducted to test the consistency of results with different characteristics of exercise and time since stroke. Sensitivity analysis was used to assess the robustness of the results, which revealed significant differences on walking distance (SMD = .32, 95% CI, .17-.46, P < .01, I² = 39%; WMD = 21.76 m), comfortable gait speed (SMD = .28, 95% CI, .06-.49, P = .01, I² = 47%; WMD = .04 m/s), stride length (SMD = .51, 95% CI, .13-.88, P < .01, I² = 0%; WMD = .12 m) and TUG (SMD = −.36, 95% CI, −.72 to .01, P = .05, I² = 9%; WMD = −1.89 s) in favor of high intensity exercise versus control group. No significant differences were found between the high intensity exercise and control group in adverse events, including falls (OR = 1.40, 95% CI, .69-2.85, P = .35, I² = 11%), pain (OR = 3.34, 95% CI, .82-13.51, P = .09, I² = 0%), and skin injuries (OR = 1.08, 95% CI, .30-3.90, P = .90, I² = 0%). Conclusions: This systematic review suggests that high intensity exercise could be safe and more potent stimulus in enhancing walking competency in stroke survivors, with a capacity to improve walking distance, comfortable gait speed, stride length, and TUG compared with low to moderate intensity exercise or usual physical activities.     

Active Video-Gaming Effects on Balance and Mobility in Individuals with Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Treatments that provide feedback, increase practice with multiple repetitions, and motivate patients are essential to rehabilitation post stroke. Objective: To determine whether playing active video games results in improved balance and mobility post stroke. Methods: Thirty participants with chronic (time since stroke = 3.0 [2.9] years) hemiparesis post stroke were randomly assigned to a gaming group or normal activity control group. Gaming systems provided participants with an interactive interface of real-time movement of either themselves or an avatar on the screen. Participants played games 50–60 minutes/day, 4 days/week, for 5 weeks. The intervention was strictly game-play, in standing position, without physical therapy. The control group received no special intervention and continued with normal activity. Both groups were tested prior to, following the 5 weeks (post test), and 3 months following the completion of the study. Outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, Timed Up & Go, 6-minute walk test, 3-meter walk (self-selected and fast), and perception of recovery. Results: No statistically significant differences between or within groups were found through analysis of covariance (covaried for side of hemiparesis) at post test or follow-up. Although the within-group effect sizes were primarily indexed as “small” (< .36), the gaming group exhibited higher within-group effect sizes before and after testing than did the control group on all 7 dependent variables analyzed. Conclusions: Even though the only intervention was game-play, there were small positive effects. Therapist assistance in making more optimum movement choices may be needed before significant improvements are seen with commercially available, general purpose games.     

Factors in the acquisition of independent walking in patients with cerebral infarction using decision tree analysis

Objectives: Independent walking is considered a rehabilitation factor for patients with stroke. There are no reports examining the predictors of independent walking at approximately one month after stroke onset. We aimed to examine factors related to the degree of independent walking, using a decision tree analysis, in patients with stroke.Materials and Methods: This retrospective, observational study was conducted on patients with cerebral infarction. The study period was from May 2017 to October 2021. Patients were categorized into independent (≥ 6; N=88) and dependent (≤ 5; N=98) groups based on the Functional Independence Measure locomotion scale at discharge. A decision tree analysis was performed to identify factors related to independent walking.Results: Overall, 186 participants (mean age, 77.8 ± 9.6 years; 104 men and 82 women) were included. The independent group had higher scores in Functional Assessment for Control of Trunk (14.7 ± 4.6 vs. 7.8 ± 6.0, p <.001), Berg Balance Scale (35.5 ± 15.1 vs. 17.9 ± 15.4, p <.001) and Mini Mental State Examination-Japanese (22.6 ± 5.2 vs. 16.1 ± 7.3, p <.001) on admission than the dependent group. Decision tree analysis identified the Functional Assessment for Control of Trunk score on admission as the best discriminator for independent walking.Conclusions: The interrelationship between trunk function, cognitive function, and balance function may influence the acquisition of independent walking in patients with stroke.     

术中超声引导神经内镜手术与脑室外引流术治疗脑室内血肿伴铸型的对比分析研究

目的对比分析术中超声引导神经内镜手术和脑室外引流术治疗脑室血肿伴铸型的安全性及有效性。方法选取我科2016年5月至2018年11月间脑室血肿伴铸型的患者60例,根据脑室血肿伴铸型的类型分为三型,采取分层数字随机法将患者分成两组,对照组(n=30)采取传统的脑室外引流术治疗,实验组(n=30)则采取术中超声引导神经内镜下脑室内血肿清除术,比较两组临床疗效。结果实验组术后24 h血肿清除率、术后24小时GCS评分、术后6月Barthel日常生活能力评分均明显高于对照组(P0.05),实验组引流管带管时间、住院时间较对照组缩短,同时降低死亡率(P0.05);实验组术区再出血、分流依赖性脑积水、颅内感染与对照组比较无统计学差异(P 0.05)。结论术中超声引导下神经内镜手术治疗脑室血肿伴铸型是安全、有效的,该治疗方案优于脑室外引流术。