Comparison of the Mini-Balance Evaluations Systems Test with the Berg Balance Scale in relationship to walking speed and motor recovery post stroke*

Background: The Mini-BESTest is a recently developed balance assessment tool that incorporates challenging dynamic balance tasks. Few studies have compared the psychometric properties of the Mini-BESTest to the commonly used Berg Balance Scale (BBS). However, the utility of these scales in relationship to post stroke walking speeds has not been explored.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the Mini-BESTest and BBS to evaluate walking speeds in individuals with stroke.

Design: A retrospective exploratory design.

Methods: Forty-one individuals with chronic stroke were evaluated with the Mini-BESTest, BBS, and 10-meter self-selected walk test (10MWT). Based on their self-selected gait speeds (below or above 0.8 m/s), participants were classified as slow and fast walkers.

Results: Significant linear correlations were observed between the Mini-BESTest vs. BBS (r = 0.72, p ≤ 0.001), Mini-BESTest vs. 10MWT (r = 0.58, p ≤ 0.001), and BBS vs. 10MWT (r = 0.30, p = 0.05). Independent t-tests comparing the balance scores for the slow and fast walkers revealed significant group differences for the Mini-BESTest (p = 0.003), but not for the BBS (p = 0.09). The Mini-BESTest demonstrated higher sensitivity (93%) and specificity (64%) compared to the BBS (sensitivity 81%, specificity 56%) for discriminating participants into slow and fast walkers.

Conclusions: The Mini-BESTest has a greater discriminative ability than the BBS to categorize individuals with stroke into slow and fast walkers.     

The improvement in respiratory function by inspiratory muscle training is due to structural muscle changes in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled pilot trial

Background: The changes effected by the inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on the structure of inspiratory muscles such as on the diaphragm, in patients with stroke, is unclear.

Objective: To investigate the effect of IMT on inspiratory function, diaphragm thickness, walking endurance, and fatigue in patients with stroke.

Methods: A total of 30 patients with stroke were randomized to either the experimental group or the control group. The experimental group (n = 15) underwent inspiratory muscle training with resistance adjusted to 30% of maximal inspiratory pressure, 90 breaths a day, 5 times a week for 6 weeks. Both groups received regular physical therapy for the same amount of time. The primary outcome measure was the diaphragm thickness ratio. The secondary outcomes were inspiratory function; maximal inspiratory pressure and inspiratory muscle endurance; and gait endurance and fatigue.

Results: There were significant differences between the two groups in the thickness ratio on the affected diaphragm thickness (medium effect size), maximal inspiratory pressure (medium effect size), and inspiratory muscle endurance (large effect size; Bonferroni correction p < 0.005). The gait endurance (medium effect size) and fatigue (small effect size) showed no significant differences in the between group comparison.

Conclusion: Inspiratory muscle training was effective in improving respiratory function and inducing structural changes, especially in the affected diaphragm.     

Skeletal muscle changes following stroke: a systematic review and comparison to healthy individuals

Background: Despite extensive study of the impact of stroke on muscle and functional performance, questions remain regarding the extent to which changes are due to the neurological injury vs. age-related loss of morphology and force production.

Objectives: To synthesize available evidence describing post-stroke changes in lower extremity muscle size and strength compared to healthy adults.

Methods: Scientific literature was searched up to April 2016 to identify studies that included lower extremity muscle size and strength measures in individuals with chronic stroke. Lower extremity muscle size and strength data from healthy controls were sought for comparison. Relative differences were calculated between paretic, nonparetic, and control limbs.

Results: Fifteen studies with 375 participants (61% male; age = 62 ± 5 years; time since stroke = 60 ± 42 months) were included. The paretic limb exhibited deficits of ~13% in thigh muscle size, ~5% in lower leg muscle size, and ~8% in lean leg mass compared to the nonparetic limb. Paretic plantarflexor and knee extensor strength were 52 and 36% lower, respectively, compared to the nonparetic limb. When compared to age-matched control data, both paretic and nonparetic limbs showed deficits in muscle size and strength.

Conclusions: Age-related differences support the impact of stroke-related sarcopenia as a contributor to hemiparetic muscle dysfunction. Understanding these muscular changes is necessary for designing appropriate exercise interventions aimed at restoring muscle function.     

The effect of self-management education following mild stroke: an exploratory randomized controlled trial*

Background: Mild stroke comprises 53% of stroke hospital admissions; however, the majority of those with mild stroke patients receive little support to address chronic symptoms following stroke.

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effect of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) for use with individuals immediately post mild-stroke.

Methods: Single-blind, exploratory, randomized controlled trial with participants who sustained a mild stroke (NIHSS <6). Participants were randomized to either receive the CDSMP intervention or to an inactive control group. Primary outcomes were self-reported health and self-efficacy and were obtained at baseline, post-intervention (treatment group only), and at six months post-baseline. Wilcoxon Signed Rank Tests were used to compare change score differences for all participants and effect size was computed using effect size r for non-parametric data.

Results: There were no differences between groups in demographics or baseline data with the exception of how participants felt they are able to manage their health in general (p = 0.05). At follow-up, effect sizes ranged from 0 to 0.35 (no effect to medium effect); however, while the treatment group reported improvements in several areas of health at follow-up, the results are not compelling when compared to the control group over the same time period.

Conclusions: The results did not identify a positive effect that would support the use of the CDSMP with individual’s post-mild stroke; however, the generalizability of these results is limited secondary to several limitations in this exploratory study.     

Analysis of muscle fiber conduction velocity during finger flexion and extension after stroke

Background: Stroke survivors experience greater strength deficits during finger extension than finger flexion. Prior research indicates relatively little observed weakness is directly attributable to muscle atrophy. Changes in other muscle properties, however, may contribute to strength deficits.

Objectives: This study measured muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) in a finger flexor and extensor muscle to infer changes in muscle fiber-type after stroke.

Methods: Conduction velocity was measured using a linear EMG surface electrode array for both extensor digitorum communis and flexor digitorum superficialis in 12 stroke survivors with chronic hand hemiparesis and five control subjects. Measurements were made in both hands for all subjects. Stroke survivors had either severe (n = 5) or moderate (n = 7) hand impairment.

Results: Absolute MFCV was significantly lower in the paretic hand of severely impaired stroke patients compared to moderately impaired patients and healthy control subjects. The relative MFCV between the two hands, however, was quite similar for flexor muscles across all subjects and for extensor muscles for the neurologically intact control subjects. However, MFCV for finger extensors was smaller in the paretic as compared to the nonparetic hand for both groups of stroke survivors.

Conclusions: One explanation for reduced MFCV may be a type-II to type-I muscle fiber, especially in extrinsic extensors. Clinically, therapists may use this information to develop therapeutic exercises targeting loss of type-II fiber in extensor muscles.     

Effect of whole body vibration on spasticity in hemiplegic legs of patients with stroke

Background: Several reports have focused on the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) on spasticity with differing results. Most studies used modified Ashworth scale (MAS) for qualitative measurements, but the effect was small.

Objective: To investigate the effect of WBV on spasticity in hemiplegic legs of patients with stroke using F-wave parameters.

Methods: Sixteen patients with stroke (mean age, 54.7 ± 13.5 years: time after stroke, 28.0 ± 26.3 months) were enrolled in a comparative before-and-after intervention trial. WBV was applied at 30 Hz (4–8 mm amplitude) for 5 min on the hamstrings, gastrocnemius, and soleus muscles in a sitting position. Spasticity was assessed according to the F-wave parameters, MAS, and active and passive range of motion (A-ROM and P-ROM, respectively). These assessments were obtained before, immediately after, and 20 min after each intervention.

Results: The F-wave parameters, MAS score, and P-ROM improved significantly after the WBV and remained below the baseline level, even after 20 min; no such change was noted in the unaffected limb via the F-wave parameters. The WBV also improved volitional movement immediately after intervention, as indicated by the A-ROM.

Conclusions: These results confirmed a significant reduction of motor neuron excitability until 20 min after the WBV, as indicated by F-wave parameters.     

The stroke caregiving trajectory in relation to caregiver depressive symptoms,burden, and intervention outcomes

Background: Caregiver depression and burden have a detrimental effect on stroke survivors’ rehabilitation and are contributors to stroke survivors’ hospital readmission and institutionalization. The stroke caregiving trajectory is unique compared to other illnesses, and the effect of length of caregiving on stroke caregiver outcomes is poorly understood. Interventions can improve caregiver outcomes, but the optimal timing of these interventions is unclear.

Objectives: We sought to determine the relationship between: (1) length of caregiving and stroke caregiver depressive symptoms and burden, and (2) length of caregiving and amount of change in depressive symptoms and burden following the Resources and Education for Stroke Caregivers’ Understanding and Empowerment (RESCUE) intervention – an online and telephone problem-solving, education, and support intervention.

Methods: We analyzed retrospective data collected from 72 stroke caregivers who participated in the RESCUE intervention. Outcomes were caregiver depressive symptoms and burden. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects regression analysis.

Results: Baseline depressive symptoms and burden were both negatively related to length of caregiving (p < 0.05). We found significant improvement in caregiver depressive symptoms and burden following an intervention. The interaction between changes in outcomes and length of caregiving was not significant for either depressive symptoms (p = 0.26) or burden (p = 0.10).

Conclusions: This study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between length of caregiving and depression, burden, and intervention outcomes. Clinicians should recognize that the stroke caregiving trajectory can be nonlinear. Routine and repeated clinical assessment of caregiver well-being is needed, along with implementation of interventions when necessary, regardless of how much time has passed since the stroke.     

Gender differences in physical activity and health-related behaviors among stroke survivors: data from the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background: Physical activity and health-related behaviors are important in primary prevention of stroke and are also recommended for secondary prevention. Gender differences in physical activity and health-related behaviors have been reported in various populations and diseased states but data is lacking on stroke survivors.

Objectives: To assess gender disparities in physical activity in stroke patients and to investigate possible reasons for such disparities.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using nationwide data from the 5th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2012). A total of 9539 participants (stroke (n = 170), non-stroke (n = 9369)) between the ages of 40–80, with no problems walking were included. Physical activity, smoking, and alcohol drinking of stroke survivors were assessed by gender and compared with non-stroke groups. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) for insufficient physical activity and possible explanatory variables for gender differences.

Results: Women showed higher prevalence of insufficient physical activity after adjusting for age (OR = 7.32, 95% CI: 1.89–28.32) compared to men. Medical conditions such as depression and comorbidities failed to explain the low physical activity in women with stroke but adding socioeconomic factors to the model nullified the gender difference in physical activity.

Conclusion: In order to reduce noted gender disparities in physical activity following stroke, more focused effort to increase physical activity in women, especially with lower socioeconomic status, has to be considered.     

Prevalence of anxiety in people with aphasia after stroke

Background: Anxiety is common after stroke and is associated with poorer recovery. People with aphasia after stroke are typically excluded from studies of anxiety prevalence and so the number of those affected is unclear.

Aims: To make a preliminary estimate of the prevalence of significant anxiety in people with aphasia after stroke.

Methods & Procedures: Carers to community-dwelling people with aphasia after stroke, N = 111, completed the Behavioural Outcomes of Anxiety scale (BOA), a modified Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale – Anxiety sub-scale (HADS-A), and a modified Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 item (GAD-7) scale to determine the presence of significant anxiety in the person for whom they cared. Associates of anxiety in people with aphasia after stroke were also investigated.

Outcomes & Results: The BOA identified 49 people (44%) as having significant anxiety. Findings for the HADS-A = 46 (41%) were similar; however, for the GAD-7, the rate was substantially lower = 18 (16%). Anxiety after stroke had a modest but significant association with younger age (all measures) and with the Frenchay Aphasia Severity Test scores (BOA and HADS-A only).

Conclusions: The prevalence of anxiety in people with aphasia after stroke is high and likely higher than in those with stroke with no aphasia when measured using a validated tool for this population. Risk factors for anxiety appear to be severity of aphasia and younger age. This finding should be tempered by the fact that this is a preliminary study in a relatively small sample consisting of those attending stroke groups and the use of caregiver assessments may overestimate the prevalence of mood disorder.     

Clinical and psychosocial predictors of exceeding target length of stay during inpatient stroke rehabilitation*

Background: In Ontario, Canada, patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation hospitals post-stroke are classified into rehabilitation patient groups based on age and functional level. Clinical practice guidelines, called quality-based procedures, recommend a target length of stay (LOS) for each group.

Objectives: The study objective was to evaluate the extent to which patients post-stroke at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital are meeting LOS targets and to identify patient characteristics that predict exceeding target LOS.

Methods: A quantitative, longitudinal study from an inpatient rehabilitation hospital was conducted. Participants included adult patients (≥18 years) with stroke, admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital between 2014 and 2015. The percentage of patients exceeding the recommended target LOS was determined. Logistic regression was performed to identify clinical and psychosocial patient characteristics associated with exceeding target LOS after adjusting for stroke severity.

Results: Of 165 patients, 38.8% exceeded their target LOS. Presence of ataxia, recurrent stroke, living alone, absence of a caregiver at admission, and acquiring a caregiver during hospital LOS was each associated with significantly higher odds of exceeding target LOS in comparison to patients without these characteristics after adjusting for stroke severity (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Findings suggest that social and stroke-specific factors may be helpful to adjust LOS expectations and promote efficient resource allocation. This exploratory study was limited to findings from one inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Cross-validation of results using data-sets from multiple rehabilitation hospitals across Ontario is recommended.     

Ultrasonographic measurements of the metacarpal and talar cartilage thicknesses in hemiplegic patients after stroke

Background: Immobilization of the extremities after stroke is known to be the foremost reason of articular cartilage degeneration and musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) has become increasingly important in the assessment of joint cartilage. To the best of our knowledge, US measurements of the metacarpal and talar cartilage thicknesses in hemiplegic patients after stroke have not been performed before.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore whether metacarpal and talar cartilage thicknesses were affected after stroke using US.

Methods: Fifty-eight patients (33 M and 25 F) with unilateral hemiplegia after stroke were enrolled between April and June 2015. Age, sex, body mass index, paretic side, and underlying etiology (ischemic or hemorrhagic) were noted. Modified Ashworth scale, Brunnstrom motor recovery stage (BMRS), motor functional independence measure and functional ambulation category were recorded. A 5–12 MHz linear array probe was used for ultrasonographic cartilage measurements at 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metacarpal heads and talus.

Results: When compared with the non-paretic side, metacarpal (but not talar) cartilage thicknesses were found to be less on the paretic side (significant for the 3rd and 4th ones) (both p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis yielded thinner 3rd and 4th metacarpal cartilage thicknesses between the groups in patients with BMRS 1–3 (p = 0.009 and 0.054, respectively) but not in patients with BMRS 4–6 (p = 0.416 and 0.571, respectively).

Conclusions: We may conclude that metacarpal (but not talar) cartilage is thinner on the paretic side of stroke patients that seems to be less with better motor functioning.     

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy for post-stroke non-fluent aphasia: A critical review

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for post-stroke non-fluent aphasia through a review of current literature.

Methods: Three electronic databases (Medline, Embase & Scopus) were searched for articles. Relevant studies were further evaluated and studies that met inclusion criteria were reviewed.

Results: The literature search yielded 4713 studies. Thirty-five articles were further evaluated to be included. Thirteen met all inclusion criteria and were chosen for review. The studies provide moderate to strong evidence that rTMS may be an effective treatment for non-fluent stroke aphasia.

Conclusion: There are some strong studies evaluating the efficacy of rTMS in non-fluent stroke patients but further research is required to fully establish the usefulness of this treatment. Future directions and limitations are presented.     

Cognitive-communication disorder following right hemisphere stroke: exploring rehabilitation access and outcomes.

Background: Rehabilitation positively influences return to activities and social roles in people with aphasia. The cognitive-communication disorder (CCD) found following a right hemisphere stroke has been less extensively researched with rehabilitation access and outcomes yet to be determined.

Objectives: To document rehabilitation access and outcomes for people with CCD post-stroke; and compare outcomes based on presence (viz CCD; aphasia) or absence of communication impairment.

Methods: A retrospective chart audit was completed for patients with first onset unilateral stroke, with a hospital length of stay (LOS) of at least two days and a communication assessment by a speech pathologist. Data extracted included presence and severity of communication impairment, access to and LOS in a rehabilitation unit, and functional outcome measures recorded at rehabilitation discharge.

Results: The majority of the 115 patients who met inclusion criteria were living independently (n = 112, 97.4%) at the time of stroke. CCD (66%) was diagnosed with similar frequency to aphasia (68%). The presence of communication impairment did not result in significant differences in rehabilitation LOS and discharge destination when compared to hemispheric strokes without communication impairment. Severity of CCD was an independent predictor of functional gain by rehabilitation discharge.

Conclusions: People with CCD require comparable access to rehabilitation as people with aphasia, and severity of CCD should be considered in determining rehabilitation LOS. A large number of people are discharged with ongoing CCD which warrants exploration of potential participation restrictions created by the communication impairment.     

Changes in gait and plantar foot loading upon using vibrotactile wearable biofeedback system in patients with stroke

Background: Patients with stroke walk with excessive foot inversion at the affected side, which may disturb their balance and gait.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of instant biofeedback of plantar force at the medial and lateral forefoot regions on gait and plantar foot loading in patients with stroke.

Methods: A total of eight patients with hemiplegic stroke, who had flexible rearfoot varus deformity at the affected side, participated in this study. A vibrotactile biofeedback system was developed and evaluated. It analyzed forces at the medial and lateral forefeet, and instantly provided vibration clues when the plantar force at medial forefoot was less than a threshold. Each subject’s three-dimensional gait parameters and plantar-pressure distribution during walking were measured under two experimental conditions (sequence randomized): with and without the device turned on (Trial-registration number: ChiCTR-IPB-15006530 and HKCTR-1853).

Results: Providing biofeedback significantly reduced the foot inversion and increased the mid-stance foot–floor contact area and medial midfoot plantar pressure of the affected limb, bringing the values of these parameters closer to those of the unaffected side. The biofeedback also significantly reduced the unaffected side’s excessive knee flexion and hip abduction.

Conclusions: There were signs of improved foot loading characteristics and gait upon provision of instant vibrotactile biofeedback of plantar force. The positive results of this study further support the development of wearable biofeedback devices for improving gait of patients with stroke.     

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on swallowing apraxia and cortical excitability in stroke patients

Background: Swallowing apraxia is characterized by impaired volitional swallowing but relatively preserved reflexive swallowing. Few studies are available on the effectiveness of behavioral therapy and management of the condition.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on swallowing apraxia and cortical activation in stroke patients.

Methods: The study included three inpatients (age 48–70 years; 1 male, 2 females; duration of stroke, 35–55 d) with post-stroke swallowing apraxia and six age-matched healthy subjects (age 45–65 years; 3 males, 3 females). Treatments were divided into two phases: Phase A and Phase B. During Phase A, the inpatients received three weeks of sham tDCS and conventional treatments. During Phase B, these patients received three weeks of anodal tDCS over the bilateral primary sensorimotor cortex (S₁M₁) of swallowing and conventional treatments. Swallowing apraxia assessments were measured in three inpatients before Phase A, before Phase B, and after Phase B. The electroencephalography (EEG) nonlinear index of approximate entropy (ApEn) was calculated for three patients and six healthy subjects.

Results: After tDCS, scores of swallowing apraxia assessments increased, and ApEn indices increased in both stimulated and non-stimulated areas.

Conclusions: Anodal tDCS might provide a useful means for recovering swallowing apraxia, and the recovery could be related to increased excitability of the swallowing cortex. Further investigations should explore the relationship between lesion size and/or lesion site and the prognosis of swallowing apraxia.

Clinical trial registry: http://www.chictr.org Registration Number: ChiCTR-TRC-14004955     

The use of virtual reality for balance among individuals with chronic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Virtual reality (VR) is becoming a popular alternative to traditional upper and lower limb rehabilitation following a stroke.

Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of VR interventions for improving balance in a chronic stroke (≥6 months) population.

Data sources: A literature search of Pubmed, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, Psycinfo, and Web of Science databases was conducted.

Study selection: English randomized controlled trials published up to September 2015 assessing balance with VR in chronic stroke participants.

Data extraction: Mean and standard deviations from outcome measures were extracted. Pooled standard mean differences ± standard error were calculated for the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG).

Results: In total, 20 studies were selected which assessed the Nintendo^® Wii Fit balance board (n = 7), treadmill training and VR (n = 7), and postural training using VR (n = 6). Significant improvements were found for VR interventions evaluating the BBS (n = 12; MD = 2.94 ± 0.57; p < 0.001) and TUG (n = 13; MD = 2.49 ± 0.57; p < 0.001). Sub-analyses revealed postural VR interventions had a significant effect on BBS (n = 5) and TUG (n = 3) scores (BBS: MD = 3.82 ± 0.79; p < 0.001 and TUG: MD = 3.74 ± 0.97; p < 0.001). VR and treadmill training (n = 5) had a significant effect on TUG scores (MD = 2.15 ± 0.89, p = 0.016).

Conclusion: Overall, VR interventions compared to conventional rehabilitation had significant improvements. The meta-analyses also suggest that the Nintendo^® Wii Fit balance board may not be effective, although further confirmatory studies are necessary. Results should be interpreted with caution due to differences in therapy intensities and effect sizes within the included studies.     

Levodopa,placebo and rotigotine change biomarker levels for oxidative stress

Introduction: Homocysteine increase and glutathione derivative cysteinyl-glycine fall are indirect biomarkers for oxidative stress, for instance due to dopamine D₁ receptor stimulation.

Objectives: To investigate the influence of the D₁ receptor agonists levodopa and rotigotine compared with placebo on homocysteine and cysteinyl-glycine in plasma of patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Methods: Patients received 100 mg levodopa, 4 mg rotigotine or placebo. Cysteinyl-glycine and homocysteine were measured every 30 min over three hours.

Results: Homocysteine rose during levodopa- and placebo administration. Rotigotine had no effect. Cysteine-glycine only increased after placebo- but not after levodopa- or rotigotine.

Discussion: Homocysteine elevation results from hepatic and gastrointestinal methylation processes. Transdermal rotigotine circumvents these methylation locations. Turnover of segregated alkyl residuals from rotigotine serves as methyl group donors, which counteract homocysteine increment. The placebo-related cysteinyl-glycine increase results from reduced free radical exposure. Low levodopa dosing and antioxidants in the rotigotine patch matrix prevented cysteinyl-glycine fall.     

Risk factors of sleep disorder after stroke: a meta-analysis

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate potential risk factors of sleep disorder in stroke patients by conducting a meta-analysis.

Methods: Relevant articles were searched in PubMed, Medline, Springer, Elsevier, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Google scholar database up to May 2014. The effect size of risk factors, including gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, smoking, alcohol use, previous stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and habitual snoring were measured by odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The heterogeneity of effect size across studies was evaluated by applying Cochran’s Q-statistic and the I² statistic. In addition, Egger’s linear regression test was used to evaluate the publication bias.

Results: A total of 8 studies, involving 1381 stroke patients (578 patients with sleep disorder, and 803 patients without sleep disorder) were suitable for this meta-analysis. Pooled results showed significant association of sleep disorder risk in stoke patients with diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.09–1.85), alcohol use (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.19–2.12) and habitual snoring (OR = 14.77, 95% CI = 5.52–39.53). No significant association was found between risk of sleep disorder in stoke patients and other factors. Furthermore, heterogeneity was just presented among studies involving gender, hypertension and smoking. Egger’s linear regression test showed no statistical publication bias.

Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus, alcohol use, and habitual snoring are associated with a significantly increased risk of sleep disorder in stroke patients.

Highlights: (1) Eight studies containing 1381 patients are included in this meta-analysis.

(2) Diabetes mellitus was associated with sleep disorder in stroke patients.

(3) Alcohol use could increase the risk of sleep disorder in stroke patients.

(4) Habitual snoring was obviously associated with sleep disorder in stroke patients.

     

Exercise after Stroke: Patient Adherence and Beliefs after Discharge from Rehabilitation

Background: Most people complete post-stroke rehabilitation within the first 6 months after stroke even though benefits from exercise are believed to persist well beyond 6 months. Physical and Occupational therapists provide home exercise programs (HEP) to instruct patients on exercises to continue after discharge from rehabilitation. Unfortunately, there is little known about HEP adherence rates in adults with stroke.

Objectives: The objectives of this project were to (1) determine the adherence rate with post-rehabilitation HEP and reasons for non-adherence, (2) assess for interactions between HEP adherence and self-report of depression and fatigue, and (3) determine patient beliefs about the benefit of exercise during stroke recovery.

Design: This was a cross-sectional, survey study.

Methods: A survey was developed and distributed during stroke support group meetings to determine adherence rates with post rehabilitation HEP, reasons for non-adherence, and patient beliefs about the benefit of exercise.

Results: Eighty-nine percent of participants reported receiving a HEP and 65.3% of those reported being adherent with at least part of the HEP. Several reasons for non-adherence were identified, including ‘doing different exercises than the ones given by the physical therapist’, as the most frequently given reason. Study participants identified positive roles of exercise in their recovery from stroke.

Conclusion: Patient adherence with HEP after discharge from rehabilitation is less than ideal. Reasons for non-adherence are varied. Rehabilitation therapists need to be able to identify and help patients manage barriers to HEP adherence to promote management of residual deficits.     

Exploratory factor analysis of the reintegration to normal living index in a stroke population

Background: The reintegration to normal living index (RNLI) is a global assessment of patient quality of life often utilized in stroke populations. Previous studies in various general disability samples have consistently reported a two-factor solution for the RNLI. Despite its common use with stroke patients, the RNLI has not been psychometrically evaluated in an exclusively stroke sample. This study is believed to represent the first factor analysis of the RNLI using a sample comprised exclusively of individuals who have survived cerebral infarct.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the RNLI in assessing quality of life of stroke survivors.

Methods: We retrospectively examined RNLI scores of 928 adults with strokes of varying severities as part of a multidisciplinary, interinstitutional collaboration across an academic medical center, acute care hospital, and rehabilitation center. We utilized a principal component factor analysis to evaluate the factor structure of the RNLI.

Results: Mean RNLI scores ±SD for the sample were 75.26 ± 19.85, ranging between 20 and 100. The Cronbach α was .94. A scree test for factor retention strongly suggested a single factor solution, explaining 64.50% of the total variance.

Conclusions: Previous factor analyses on the RNLI utilizing general disability samples commonly report a two-factor solution. Our data support the presence of a single factor solution across the RNLI within a large sample comprised exclusively of stroke survivors. This suggests that the RNLI acts as more of a unitary measure of quality of life within a stroke sample relative to other disabled samples.