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Background: In this trial we combined the effect of purposeful activity and electrical stimulation therapy (PA-EST) to promote transition of severely hemiparetic upper limb to auxiliary upper limb in chronic stroke survivors in a single-case study. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of PA-EST on the upper limb motor function in a crossover randomized controlled trial. Methods: The study included eight stroke survivors (age: 63.1±10.9 years) who were receiving home-based visiting occupational therapy. The average time since stroke onset was 8.8±5.6 years. All participants had severely hemiparetic upper limb, with the Fugl–Meyer Assessment upper extremity (FMA-U) score of 21.3±8.5. Participants were randomly assigned to group A or B. Group A received PA-EST for 3 months (phase 1), followed by standard stretching and exercise for 3 months (phase 2), whereas group B had the inverse order of treatments. To avoid carry-over effect, 1-month washout period was provided between the phase 1 and 2. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures was used for the analysis. The primary outcome was FMA-U, and the secondary outcomes were, Motor Activity Log (MAL; amount of use [AOU] and quality of movement [QOM]), and Goal attainment scale-light (GAS-light). Results: Repeated measures-ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between type of intervention and time for FMA-U (F = 16.303, P = 0.005), MAL AOU (F = 7.966, P = 0.026) and QOM (F = 6.408, P = 0.039), and GAS-light (F = 6.905, P = 0.034), where PA-EST was associated with significantly improved motor function and goal achievement compared with standard stretching. Conclusions: The PA-EST may have greater effects than stretch/exercise in the recovery of hand function as reflected in FMA-U, MAL, and GAS-light. Our results suggest that PA-EST is an important and useful home-based rehabilitation program for promoting the use of the severely hemiparetic upper limb in chronic stroke survivors.

Objective: To examine the effects of the provision of a cane, delivered to ambulatory people with chronic stroke, for improving walking and social participation. Design: Two-arm, randomized trial. Setting: Community-based. Participants: Ambulatory individuals with chronic stroke. Interventions: The experimental intervention was the provision of a single-point cane during one month. The control group received a placebo intervention. Outcome measures: Walking speed, step length, cadence, walking capacity, and walking confidence were measured without the cane to examine its rehabilitative effect. Walking speed was also measured with the cane for inclusiveness, and social participation was measured for examining carry over effects. Outcomes were measured at baseline, and after one and two months. Results: Fifty individuals were included. In the experimental group, mean age was 69 years (SD 14), and walking speed was 0.58 m/s (SD 0.17). In the control group, mean age was 68 years (SD 13), and walking speed was 0.63 m/s (SD 0.15). When walking without the cane, after one and after two months, there were no between-group differences in any measures. When walking with the cane, after one month, the experimental group walked 0.14 m/s (95% CI 0.05–0.23) faster than the control group and after two months, they were still walking 0.18 m/s (95% CI 0.06–0.30) faster. Conclusion: Use of a cane improved walking speed, only when participants walked with the cane. Use of cane for one month did not improve walking outcomes, when walking without the cane. People with stroke would need to continue to use the cane to maintain any benefits in walking speed.

Background Stroke survivors need continuing exercise intervention to maintain functional status. This study assessed the feasibility and efficacy of an interactive telerehabilitation exergaming system to improve balance in individuals with chronic stroke, compared to conventional one-on-one rehabilitation. Methods In this prospective case–control pilot study, 30 Taiwanese individuals with chronic stroke were enrolled and randomly allocated to an experimental group and a control group. All participants received intervention 3 times per week for 4 weeks in the study hospital. The experiment group underwent telerehabilitation using a Kinect camera-based interactive telerehabilitation system in an independent room to simulate home environment. In contrast, the control group received conventional one-on-one physiotherapy in a dedicated rehabilitation area. The effectiveness of interactive telerehabilitation in improving balance in stroke survivors was evaluated by comparing outcomes between the two groups. The primary outcome was Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores. Secondary outcomes were performance of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Modified Falls Efficacy Scale, Motricity Index, and Functional Ambulation Category. Results Comparison of outcomes between experimental and control groups revealed no significant differences between groups at baseline and post-intervention for all outcome measures. However, BBS scores improved significantly in both groups (control group: p = 0.01, effect size = 0.49; experimental group: p = 0.01, effect size = 0.70). Completion times of TUG tests also improved significantly in the experimental group (p = 0.005, effect size = 0.70). Conclusion The Kinect camera-based interactive telerehabilitation system demonstrates superior or equal efficacy compared to conventional one-on-one physiotherapy for improving balance in individuals with chronic stroke. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT03698357. Registered October 4, 2018, retrospectively registered.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of applying clam exercise on improving trunk control and balance ability in stroke patients. Based on this, we tried to provide clinical information. Methods: In this study, 18 patients with chronic stroke were recruited from a rehabilitation hospital. The patients were divided into two groups: a clam exercise group (9 patients) and a control group (9 patients). After 30 minutes of neuro-development therapy, they performed clam exercise or bridge exercise for 3 weeks, 5 times a week for 30 minutes. A trunk impairment scale (TIS) and a postural assessment scale for stroke patients-trunk control (PASS-TC) were performed to evaluate the subjects’ ability to control trunk before and after intervention. Balance ability was measured by Balancia before and after intervention. Results: After the training periods, area 95% COP and weight distribution of the affected side were significantly different from the clam exercise group compared to the control group (p

To describe the perspectives, satisfaction, and self-efficacy towards aerobic exercise and to investigate the barriers to aerobic exercise identified by individuals with stroke in a developing country.A cross-sectional study was performed with 15 individuals (55 ± 12 years, 69 ± 77 months post-stroke), who received a 12-week vigorous intensity aerobic treadmill training (three 30-min sessions/week). To assess participants' perspectives, satisfaction, self-efficacy, and barriers to aerobic exercise, a standardized interview and the Short Self-Efficacy for Exercise scale were employed.Participants considered aerobic exercise important (100% (IQR 20%), out of 100), recognized that it improves recovery (93%) and heart health (100%) and were satisfied with the training (80%). Self-efficacy was high (4 (IQR 1), out of 5). The main barriers were lack of information (86.7%), fear of falling (80%), lack of equipment (73.3%) or support (66.7%-73.3%), cognitive (66.7%) and physical impairments (60%) and severe weather conditions (60%). Most of them preferred to exercise in groups (93%).Individuals with stroke in a developing country considered aerobic exercise important. However, they perceived barriers related to safety, individual ability, social support, and aerobic exercise. It is necessary to improve education of these individuals, family members, and health care professionals regarding aerobic exercises.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONIndividuals after stroke in developing countries consider aerobic exercise important and recognized that it improves stroke recovery and health, although they perceived barriers related to safety, individual ability, social support, and aerobic exercise itself.It is important to improve education to stroke survivors, family members and healthcare professionals in developing countries about the possibilities, risks, and benefits of aerobic exercises.Rehabilitation professionals should provide aerobic exercise for individuals after stroke in groups.Rehabilitation professionals might use cycle ergometers or partial body weight support to overcome fear of falling and facilitate implementation of aerobic exercise after stroke.

Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a common symptom associated with disability and decreased quality of life. Distinction can be made between perceived fatigue and fatigability. The first aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of perceived fatigue and fatigability amongst patients with chronic stroke and to explore how these two parameters relate. The second aim was to study the relationship between modifiable factors (sleep disorders, anxiety, depression and activities of daily living) and fatigue in this population. Sixty-two patients with chronic stroke (> 6 months) were included. Perceived fatigue was evaluated using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Motor fatigability was assessed with the percent change in meters walked from first to last minute of the 6-min Walk Test and an isometric muscular fatigability test. Subjects also completed self-report questionnaires assessing anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-HADS), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-PSQI) and activity limitations (ACTIVLIM-stroke). Seventy-one percent of participants presented PSF. There was no correlation between the FSS and motor fatigability. FSS significantly correlated with HADS-Anxiety (ρ = 0.53, P

Background: Stroke is the chief cause of long-term disability in the world. Predominantly, the disease is known as a degenerative disease on geriatrics age group, yet several studies have proven that incidence on productive ages are also increasing. Objective: The study aimed to know whether there are any difference in Modified Shah Barthel Index (MSBI) score in different age group, geriatric and productive age group and to know independence score in daily activities based on age. Method: The study utilized the cross-sectional design and analytical observational method. Twenty five samples of chronic stroke patients was recruited and grouped into two groups productive and geriatric age group. MSBI score was calculated and compared between two groups. Result: Bivariate analysis proves that there is a significant association between MSBI score and age of stroke patients on chronic phase (p=0.017). Discussion. There is a significant association between age and MSBI score on stroke patients in chronic phase. Conclusion: There was a significance difference between productive and geriatric age with daily activities using MSBI in chronic stroke patients. The productive age group has a higher Modified Shah Barthel Index score than the geriatric age group.

Objective Clinicians may use implicit or explicit motor learning approaches to facilitate motor learning of patients with stroke. Implicit motor learning approaches have shown promising results in healthy populations. The purpose of this study was to assess whether an implicit motor learning walking intervention is more effective compared with an explicit motor learning walking intervention delivered at home regarding walking speed in people after stroke in the chronic phase of recovery. Methods This randomized, controlled, single-blind trial was conducted in the home environment. The 79 participants, who were in the chronic phase after stroke (age = 66.4 [SD = 11.0] years; time poststroke = 70.1 [SD = 64.3] months; walking speed = 0.7 [SD = 0.3] m/s; Berg Balance Scale score = 44.5 [SD = 9.5]), were randomly assigned to an implicit (n = 38) or explicit (n = 41) group. Analogy learning was used as the implicit motor learning walking intervention, whereas the explicit motor learning walking intervention consisted of detailed verbal instructions. Both groups received 9 training sessions (30 minutes each), for a period of 3 weeks, targeted at improving quality of walking. The primary outcome was walking speed measured by the 10-Meter Walk Test at a comfortable walking pace. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately after intervention, and 1 month postintervention. Results No statistically or clinically relevant differences between groups were obtained postintervention (between-group difference was estimated at 0.02 m/s [95% CI = −0.04 to 0.08] and at follow-up (between-group difference estimated at −0.02 m/s [95% CI = −0.09 to 0.05]). Conclusion Implicit motor learning was not superior to explicit motor learning to improve walking speed in people after stroke in the chronic phase of recovery. Impact To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effects of implicit compared with explicit motor learning on a functional task in people after stroke. Results indicate that physical therapists can use (tailored) implicit and explicit motor learning strategies to improve walking speed in people after stroke who are in the chronic phase of recovery.

Aim. To describe exercise preferences and to investigate the contribution of exercise preferences, walking ability, and current levels of physical activity in predicting exercise adherence in individuals with chronic stroke. Methods. For this exploratory study, exercise adherence was measured using the first question of the first section of the Exercise Preference Questionnaire (stroke)-Brazil (EPQ (stroke)-Brazil). Nine independent variables were included as potential predictors of exercise adherence: the seven factors of the EPQ (stroke)-Brazil, walking speed, and level of physical activity. Results. Participated 93 individuals with stroke, who had a mean age of 62 (SD 12) years and a mean time since the onset of the stroke of 58 (SD 67) months. The most preferable exercise was walking. Logistic regression analysis revealed that self-efficacy to engage in physical exercise and walking ability predicted and explained 80% of the variance in exercise adherence. Conclusion. The findings showed that feeling able to perform physical exercise and having higher walking ability predicted higher exercise adherences in individuals with chronic stroke. The knowledge of potential contributors to exercise adherence may help in designing exercise programs for individuals with stroke.

BACKGROUND Functional autonomy and social inclusion are of key importance for stroke patient's rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE To evaluate activity and participation of chronic stroke patients by means of basic (BADL), instrumental (IADL) and social (SADL) activities of daily living. METHODS Forty individuals, 24 patients and 16 healthy individuals fill in a functional activities habits questionnaire. RESULTS Regarding BADL, 25% of the patients did not get out of bed and 70.8% did not use toilet by themselves. Considering IADL, 29.2% of the patients did not dial the telephone, 70.8% did not wash dishes and clothes, 58.3% did not cook, 100% did not sew, 87.5% did not carry out repairs, 41.7% did not go to the bank, 54.2% did not shop and 45.8% did not write (all p

Purpose: To estimate the levels of physical activity (PA) in community-dwelling adults with stroke and to correlate it with the quality of life (QoL). Methods: In a cross-sectional study, adults with chronic stroke were assessed for PA using Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD) and an accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X).QoL was assessed using Stroke Specific Quality of Life (SSQoL).Results: PA levels of our participants (n¼33; mean age 58.4 ± 12.1 years; mean FMA score 165.7 ± 31.1) were low with the mean activity of 252.9 ± 149.2 kilo counts per day and median energy expenditure of 77(44.6, 117.7) kilocalories per day. Median step count was 1635 (1084.9, 2434.3) steps per day. Mean time spent in sedentary and light activities were 504.1 ± 139 and 149.8 ± 68.3minutes per day, respectively. Median time spent in moderate and vigorous activities were 1.6(1, 4.4) and 0(0,0) minutes per day, respectively. Median PASIPD score was 12.3(6.1, 25.8) MET. Hours/day. SSQoL was found to have a positive correlation with average kilo counts/day, kilo calories/day, steps/day and PASIPD (r¼0.48, p¼.06; r¼0.46, p¼.009; r¼0.44, p¼.016; and r¼0.61, p�.001 respectively). Conclusions: PA levels of adults with stroke living in the semi-urban region of India are low and do not meet the recommended guidelines

BACKGROUND Mirror therapy for stroke patients was reported to be effective in improving upper-extremity motor function and daily life activity performance. In addition, game-based virtual reality can be realized using a gesture recognition (GR) device, and various tasks can be presented. Therefore, this study investigated changes in upper-extremity motor function, quality of life, and neck discomfort when using a GR device for mirror therapy to observe the upper extremities reflected in the mirror. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 36 subjects with chronic stroke were randomly divided into 3 groups: GR mirror therapy (n=12), conventional mirror therapy (n=12), and control (n=12) groups. The GR therapy group performed 3D motion input device-based mirror therapy, the conventional mirror therapy group underwent general mirror therapy, and the control group underwent sham therapy. Each group underwent 15 (30 min/d) intervention sessions (3 d/wk for 5 weeks). All subjects were assessed by manual function test, neck discomfort score, and Short-Form 8 in pre- and post-test. RESULTS Upper-extremity function, depression, and quality of life in the GR mirror therapy group were significantly better than in the control group. The changes of neck discomfort in the conventional mirror therapy and control groups were significantly greater than in the GR mirror therapy group. CONCLUSIONS We found that GR device-based mirror therapy is an intervention that improves upper-extremity function, neck discomfort, and quality of life in patients with chronic stroke.

Objective: To determine the effect of whole body vibration (WBV) therapy on gait dynamics in chronic stroke patients in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: The present study was randomized, assessor-blinded, parallel-group, clinical trial conducted at Physiotherapy Department, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from November 2017 to April 2019. After taking written informed consent, 64 chronic stroke patients were randomly allocated (1:1) to routine physiotherapy (RP) group (n=32) and whole-body vibration (WBV) group (n=32) by computer random number generator method. Twelve sessions of vibration therapy were given to WBV group with an amplitude of 3 mm and frequency of 20Hz. Sessions comprises of 5 bouts of 120 seconds with 60 seconds rest intervals for 6 days/week x 2 weeks in erect standing position. The outcome measure was score of Timed Up and Go test (TUG test) and 10 Meter Walk test (10MWT) before and after intervention. Mann Whitney U Test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test were used to analyze data. Results: After 2-week intervention, significant difference was seen in TUG, 10 Meter Walk test Slow Speed (10MWTSS), 10 Meter Walk test fast speed (10MWTFS) score for both treatment groups (p-value

Objective: To find the effect of mental imagery and conventional physical therapy for the treatment of hand function in chronic stroke patients. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Rana and Alvi welfare society. A sample of 50 stroke patients was selected and divided in two groups; group A (experimental) and group B (control). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established and patients meeting inclusion criteria were included in the study. P value was set as 0.05. Group A was treated with conventional physical therapy combined with mental imagery whereas Group B was treated with conventional physical therapy alone. Wolf motor function test and action research arm test was used as outcome measures. Results: Group A consisted of 68% of females and 32% of males and group B comprised of 44% females and 32% males. Mean age of group A and B were 59.68 + 2.37 and 58.52 + 2.46 respectively. Mean duration (in months) of stroke for group A was 16.32+3.77 (minimum and maximum duration 13 and 23 months respectively). The stroke mean duration of group B was 16.00 +2.34 (minimum and maximum duration 13 and 20 months respectively). Both groups did not show significant difference at 5th week (P=0.721) whereas a significant difference was observed at 10th week (P=0.000) Conclusion: It was concluded that mental imagery technique in combination with conventional physical therapy is significantly effective to improve hand function among chronic stroke patients in comparison to conventional physical therapy alone. Continuous...

BACKGROUND: Aquatic exercises are among the treatments available to improve the quality of life after stroke. OBJECTIVES: To investigate changes in the quality of life after 8-week of aquatic exercises in post-stroke individuals. METHODS: A case series study was designed, including four male participants. Exclusive aquatic exercise was performed for 8-week, 50 minutes per session, 2×/week. Their quality of life was evaluated before and after the intervention using the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). RESULTS: Participant 1 improved in the mobility domain, achieving a Clinically Important Difference (CID). Participant 2 improved in the strength and mobility domain, achieving CID; his stroke recovery was 6%, and it reached 50% post-intervention. Participant 3 improved in the mobility domain, achieving a CID and a Minimal Detectable Change (MDC); his stroke recovery increased from 45 to 60% post-intervention. Participant 4 improved the strength, mobility, and activities of daily living domains, achieving a CID and a MDC, but his stroke recovery remained unchanged at 80%. CONCLUSIONS: All participants achieved a CID in the mobility domain; thus, the aquatic exercise intervention was considered meaningful. Moreover, the SIS is able to evaluate aspects of the recovery process regarding health-related quality of life after stroke, as demonstrated by the results of the overall recovery after aquatic exercises.

Chiropractic spinal adjustments have been shown to result in short-term increases in muscle strength in chronic stroke patients, however, the effect of longer-term chiropractic spinal adjustments on people with chronic stroke is unknown. This exploratory study assessed whether 4 weeks of chiropractic spinal adjustments, combined with physical therapy (chiro + PT), had a greater impact than sham chiropractic with physical therapy (sham + PT) did on motor function (Fugl Meyer Assessment, FMA) in 63 subacute or chronic stroke patients. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life and other measures of functional mobility and disability. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks (post-intervention), and 8 weeks (follow-up). Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models or generalized linear mixed models. A post-hoc responder analysis was performed to investigate the clinical significance of findings. At 4 weeks, there was a larger effect of chiro + PT, compared with sham + PT, on the FMA (difference = 6.1, p = 0.04). The responder analysis suggested the improvements in motor function seen following chiropractic spinal adjustments may have been clinically significant. There was also a robust improvement in both groups in most measures from baseline to the 4- and 8-week assessments, but between-group differences were no longer significant at the 8-week assessment. Four weeks of chiro + PT resulted in statistically significant improvements in motor function, compared with sham + PT, in people with subacute or chronic stroke. These improvements appear to be clinically important. Further trials, involving larger group sizes and longer follow-up and intervention periods, are required to corroborate these findings and further investigate the impacts of chiropractic spinal adjustments on motor function in post-stroke survivors. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03849794.

Understanding the fostering factors of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) in post-stroke chronic survivors is critical to address preventive and health interventions. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the association of barriers to PA, fear of falling and severity of fatigue encountered by stroke chronic survivors with device-measured PA and SB. Ambulatory community-dwelling post-stroke subjects (≥six months from stroke onset) were evaluated and answered the Barriers to Physical Activity after Stroke Scale (BAPAS), Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (Short FES-I) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). SB and PA were measured with an Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer for ≥seven consecutive days. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with PA and SB. Fifty-seven participants (58.2 ± 11.1 years, 37 men) met the accelerometer wear–time criteria (three days, ≥eight h/day). The physical BAPAS score explained 28.7% of the variance of the prolonged sedentary time (β = 0.547, p &lt, 0.001). Additionally, the walking speed (β = 0.452) together with physical BAPAS (β = −0.319) explained 37.9% of the moderate-to-vigorous PA time (p &lt, 0.001). In chronic post-stroke survivors, not only the walking speed but, also, the perceived physical barriers to PA are accounted for the SB and PA. Interventions to reverse SB and to involve subjects post-stroke in higher levels of PA should consider these factors.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text, Background: This study aimed to describe the effects of a 90-minute group-based constraint-induced movement therapy protocol (CIMT) on upper extremity (UE) rehabilitation in poststroke patients. Method: The study was a case series clinical study with 6 patients with chronic stroke admitted to the institutional integrated clinic. Ten 90-minute CIMT sessions were administered, based on the principles of the original therapy. On completion of the protocol, participants underwent group care once a week, for 1 hour a day. For comparison purposes, the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Motor Activity Log (MAL), and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) were applied on admission, shortly after completing the protocol, and 3 months after completion. In addition, the MAL and shaping tasks were applied daily. Results: There was a statistically significant difference only in the MAL Amount of Use Scale applied daily between the 2nd (3.56) and 9th (3.31) and 2nd and 10th days (4.49) (P = .004), with a moderate effect size (d’ = 0.46), and in the average value of shaping repetitions between the 1st (16.10) and 2nd (6.00) and 1st and 10th tasks (7.00) (P = .014), with a moderate effect size (d’ = 0.35). Conclusion: The 90-minute CIMT protocol resulted in significant improvements in use of the more affected arm in activities of daily living during the 2-week protocol. Additional research with a larger sample and a control group is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Recovery of lower extremity (LE) function in chronic stroke patients is considered a barrier to community reintegration. An adequate training program is required to improve neural and functional performance of the affected LE in chronic stroke patients. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of somatosensory rehabilitation on neural and functional recovery of LE in stroke patients. Thirty male and female patients were recruited and randomized to equal groups: control group (GI) and intervention group (GII). All patients were matched for age, duration of stroke, and degree of motor impairment of the affected LE. Both groups received standard program of physical therapy in addition to somatosensory rehabilitation for GII. The duration of treatment for both groups was eight consecutive weeks. Outcome measures used were Functional Independent Measure (FIM) and Quantitative Electroencephalography (QEEG), obtained pre- and post-treatment. A significant improvement was found in the FIM scores of the intervention group (GII), as compared to the control group (GI) (p &lt, 0.001). Additionally, QEEG scores improved within the intervention group post-treatment. QEEG scores did not improve within the control group post-treatment, except for &ldquo, Cz-AR&rdquo, compared to pretreatment, with no significant difference between groups. Adding somatosensory training to standard physical therapy program results in better improvement of neuromuscular control of LE function in chronic stroke patients.

Numerous Virtual Reality (VR) systems address post-stroke functional recovery of the lower extremity (LE), most of them with low early applicability due to the gait autonomy they require. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of a specific VR treatment and its clinical effect on LE functionality, gait, balance, and trunk control post-stroke. A controlled, prospective, clinical trial was carried out with 20 stroke patients, who were divided into two groups: the first group (VR + CP, n = 10) received combined therapy of 1 h VR and 1 h of conventional physiotherapy (CP) and the second group (CP, n = 10) received 2 h of CP (5 days/week, for 3 weeks). The following pre-post-intervention measuring scales were used: Functional Ambulatory Scale (FAC), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FM), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Trunk Control Test (TCT). Only VR + CP showed a significant improvement in FAC. In FIM, CP presented a tendency to significance, whereas VR + CP showed significance. Both groups improved significantly in FM (especially in amplitude/pain in VR + CP and in sensitivity in CP) and in BBS. In TCT, there was a non-significant improvement in both groups. The results indicate that the intervention with VR is a feasible treatment in the post-stroke functional re-education of the LE, with the potential to be an optimal complement of CP.

Background Virtual and mixed reality systems have been suggested to promote motor recovery after stroke. Basing on the existing evidence on motor learning, we have developed a portable and low-cost mixed reality tabletop system that transforms a conventional table in a virtual environment for upper limb rehabilitation. The system allows intensive and customized training of a wide range of arm, hand, and finger movements and enables interaction with tangible objects, while providing audiovisual feedback of the participants’ performance in gamified tasks. This study evaluates the clinical effectiveness and the acceptance of an experimental intervention with the system in chronic stroke survivors. Methods Thirty individuals with stroke were included in a reversal (A-B-A) study. Phase A consisted of 30 sessions of conventional physical therapy. Phase B consisted of 30 training sessions with the experimental system. Both interventions involved flexion and extension of the elbow, wrist, and fingers, and grasping of different objects. Sessions were 45-min long and were administered three to five days a week. The body structures (Modified Ashworth Scale), functions (Motricity Index, Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale), activities (Manual Function Test, Wolf Motor Function Test, Box and Blocks Test, Nine Hole Peg Test), and participation (Motor Activity Log) were assessed before and after each phase. Acceptance of the system was also assessed after phase B (System Usability Scale, Intrinsic Motivation Inventory). Results Significant improvement was detected after the intervention with the system in the activity, both in arm function measured by the Wolf Motor Function Test (p

Objectives: To assess the effect of a home-based over-ground robotic-assisted gait training program using the AlterG Bionic Leg orthosis on clinical functional outcomes in people with chronic stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Home. Participants: Thirty-four ambulatory chronic stroke patients who recieve usual physiotherapy. Intervention: Usual physiotherapy plus either (1)10-week over-ground robotic-assisted gait training program ( n = 16), using the device for ⩾30 minutes per day, or (2) control group ( n = 18), 30 minutes of physical activity per day. Measurements: The primary outcome was the Six-Minute Walk Test. Secondary outcomes included: Timed-Up-and-Go, Functional Ambulation Categories, Dynamic Gait Index and Berg Balance Scale. Physical activity and sedentary time were assessed using accelerometry. All measurements were completed at baseline, 10 and 22 weeks after baseline. Results: Significant increases in walking distance were observed for the Six-Minute Walk Test between baseline and 10 weeks for over-ground robotic-assisted gait training (135 ± 81 m vs 158 ± 93 m, respectively; P ⩽ 0.001) but not for control (122 ± 92 m vs 119 ± 84 m, respectively). Findings were similar for Functional Ambulation Categories, Dynamic Gait Index and Berg Balance Scale (all P ⩽ 0.01). For over-ground robotic-assisted gait training, there were increases in time spent stepping, number of steps taken, number of sit-to-stand transitions, and reductions in time spent sitting/supine between baseline and 10 weeks (all P 0.05). Conclusion: Over-ground robotic-assisted gait training combined with physiotherapy in chronic stroke patients led to significant improvements in clinical functional outcomes and physical activity compared to the control group. Improvements were maintained at 22 weeks.

Background and objectives This study evaluated the validity and reliability of the Stroke Physical Activity Questionnaire (SPAQ), a Thai self-report questionnaire for assessing physical activity (PA) in participants with chronic stroke. Methods The validity of the SPAQ was tested by correlating PA data from the SPAQ with data obtained from a waist worn accelerometer which participants wore for seven days. The participants completed the SPAQ twice, one week apart and test-retest reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficient. Results Forty-one participants, at least 3 months post-stroke (24 men and 17 women) were enrolled. The average age was 55.3 years (SD 11.9). Correlation coefficients of 0.58 and 0.57 were found between SPAQ and the accelerometer data for moderate PA and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), respectively. There was no significant correlation between light PA determined from SPAQ and accelerometer. The intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.56, 0.91 and 0.90 for light, moderate PA and MVPA, respectively. Conclusions The validity of the SPAQ for moderate and MVPA was acceptable and the test-retest reliability of the SPAQ was excellent. This suggests the SPAQ is a useful tool for assessing moderate PA and MVPA among chronic stroke participants. However, it cannot be used to quantify light PA.

Background Intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) has been suggested to improve poststroke rehabilitation. The cerebellum is considered crucial for motor control. However, the effects of cerebellar iTBS with routine physical therapy on balance and motor recovery in subacute and chronic stroke patients have not been explored. Objective To measure the short-term effects of cerebellar iTBS with physiotherapy on the balance and functional outcomes in subacute and chronic stroke patients with hemiparesis. Methods Thirty hemiparetic patients were recruited for this randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial, and randomized into either the treatment or sham group. Both groups participated in physiotherapy 5 times per week for 2 weeks, and cerebellar iTBS or sham iTBS was performed daily, immediately before physiotherapy. The primary outcome was the Berg balance scale (BBS) score. Secondary outcomes included the trunk impairment scale (TIS) score, Fugl-Meyer assessment scale score for lower extremities (FMA-LE), Barthel index (BI), and corticospinal excitability, as measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation. The outcomes were measured before and 1 week and 2 weeks after the intervention. Results Compared with those at baseline, significant increases were identified in all clinical scores (BBS, TIS, FMA-LE, and BI) in both groups after the 2-week intervention. The BBS and TIS scores improved more in the iTBS group than in the sham group. Conclusions Cerebellar iTBS with physiotherapy promotes balance and motor recovery in poststroke patients. Therefore, this method can be used in low-cost, fast, and efficient protocols for stroke rehabilitation (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1900026450).

Background and Objectives: Stroke survivors face severe problems affecting their mobility, such as balance impairments and an increased risk of falls. The principal aim of this study was to quantify the effects of 12 sessions of Halliwick aquatic therapy for the treatment of balance in patients with chronic stroke. Materials and Methods: Twenty-nine people with stroke participated in this single-group experimental pilot study. Sessions were performed three times a week for a total of 12 sessions. A stabilometric assessment was conducted using a computerized platform. The evaluations were performed at baseline, at four weeks, and one month after completing the aquatic program. Results: The results obtained revealed significant differences for postural stability values (p &lt, 0.001) and single-leg stabilometry. However, in the case of values within the limits of stability, such as forward (F = 0.339, p = 0.676), backward (F = 0.449, p = 0.644), forward right oscillations (F = 1.637, p = 0.21), and the anterior/posterior instability index (F = 0.614, p = 0.55), no significant differences were found. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Halliwick therapy may potentially improve stroke balance impairments. The main limitations of the study were the sample size, the lack of a control group, and the study not being blind.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to find out an effective treatment method to improve affected side function and activity of daily living through task-oriented movement therapy that can be performed in daily life for stroke patients. Methods Task-oriented movement therapy was applied to six post-stroke patients twice a week, 30 minutes a day, for a total of four weeks. As a tool for evaluating the function of stroke patients, post-evaluation was performed 4 weeks after the pre-evaluation using the Korean Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), Manual Functional Test (MFT), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FMA). Results Through post-evaluation the following results were obtained significant improvements were made in both acute and chronic stroke patients and more significant improvements in acute patients with shorter incidence periods in K-MBI and MFT. FMA showed more significant improvements in chronic patients with longer periods of development, but significant improvements were observed in one chronic subject, comparing to acute patients. Conclusion Task oriented movement therapy was found to be effective for the functional recovery of affected side function and improvement of performance activity of daily living in acute and chronic stroke patients.

To assess the effect of Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) and Routine Physiotherapy (RP) on obstacle crossing and stair negotiation time in chronic stroke patients.The current study was randomized, parallel-group, assessor-blinded, clinical trial conducted in Physiotherapy Department of Lahore General Hospital, involving 64 patients with chronic stroke. Patients were randomly allocated to 2 groups, i.e., the WBV group (n = 32) and the RP group (n = 32). The WBV group was given additional twelve sessions of vibration therapy (amplitude of 3 mm and frequency of 20 Hz), 6 days/week for 2 weeks. The outcome measures were change in score of height and depth of obstacles cleared, i.e., 6, 8, 1012 inches height and 6, 8, 1012 inches depth and stair negotiation time, i.e., Stair-Climb Test. Chi square test, Independent sample t-test and Paired sample t-test were used to analyze the data.Results show that higher number of patients improved in crossing the maximum height and maximum depth of obstacles in the WBV group but improvement was significant only in height, i.e., (p 0.05). In the WBV group, Stair Negotiation Time decreased significantly as compared to the RP group, i.e., (p 0.05).The present study concluded that both study groups, i.e., RP and WBV, improved despite better results for the latter. Speed of stair climbing and capacity to cross obstacles improved with the WBV therapy in chronic stroke survivors.IRCT, IRCT20190328043131N1. Registered 03 august 2019 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.irct.ir/user/trial/38832/view.

Impairments in walking speed, capacity, and endurance are commonly seen after stroke. Treadmill training improves endurance and gait speed. However, the lack of variable training speed and automated speed progression increases the risk of backward displacement and falling. An automated, speed-sensing treadmill prototype with partial body weight support, the Variable Automated Speed and Sensing Treadmill II (VASST II), was tested in an outpatient rehabilitation setting. Eleven subacute or chronic hemiplegics who could ambulate at > 0.2 m/s for >50 m participated in the study. All subjects underwent physiotherapist-supervised training on VASST II for 60 min daily, 3 times per week, for 5 weeks (total 15 h). Outcome measures at Week 3 (mid-VASST II training), Week 6 (post-VASST II training), Week 12 (first follow-up), and Week 24 (second follow-up) included the 6 minute walk test (6 MWT), 10 meter walk test (10 MWT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score, and Functional Ambulation category (FAC) score. User acceptability of VASST II for both study subjects and physiotherapists were also assessed. All subjects [median (IQR) age: 53.0 (22) years; median (IQR) duration post-stroke: 524 (811) days] completed VASST II training. At baseline, mean ± SD 6 MWT was 114 ± 50.9 m; mean ± SD 10 MWT was 0.37 ± 0.18 m/s; mean ± SD BBS score was 40 ± 10; and, mean ± SD FAC score was 4 ± 1. At Week 6, there were significant improvements in the 6 MWT [158.91 ± 88.69 m; P = 0.003], 10 MWT [0.49 ± 0.30 m/s; P = 0.016], and BBS score [42 ± 10; P = 0.003]. Improvements in 6 MWT and BBS scores were sustained at Week 24, but not in the 10 MWT. No VASST II-training related falls were reported. All subjects rated their VASST II training positively and indicated that it improved their current walking ability. VASST II training was effective, feasible, and safe in patients with subacute or chronic post-stroke hemiparetic gait, with sustained gains in distance walked (6 MWT) and functional balance (BBS score) up to 19 weeks post-intervention.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to examine the sleep quality, pain, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) of outpatients with chronic stroke, and to examine their correlation. [Participants and Methods] This study was conducted on 42 outpatients with chronic stroke, and data on their sleep quality, pain, and instrumental activities of daily living were collected and analyzed using the survey measurement tools. [Results] The analysis shows significant correlations among the sleep quality, pain, and instrumental activities of daily living of the outpatients with chronic stroke. [Conclusion] The findings of this study confirmed that the sleep quality and pain of outpatients with chronic stroke was related with their capacities of instrumental activities of daily living.

Objectives The purpose of this research was to study the influences of dual task training on upper extremity function and performance of daily activities of chronic stroke patients. Methods Dual task training was performed on 21 patients who had suffered a chronic stroke with hemiplegia. The dual task training was performed for 30 minutes per session, for 5 days a week, for 3 weeks. There were 5 evaluations carried out over 3 weeks before and after the intervention. Changes in upper extremity function were measured by using the Box and block test. Changes in the performance of daily activities were measured using the Korea-Modified Barthel Index. Results The mean upper limb function score of the chronic stroke patients increased significantly from 21.88 ± 19.99 before the intervention, to 26.22 ± 15.65 after the intervention (p < 0.05), and the mean daily activities score increased significantly from 65.82 ± 12.04, to 67.29 ± 12.90 (p < 0.05). Conclusion Dual task training effectively improved upper extremity function, and the performance of daily activities in chronic stroke patients.

Aims: To investigate the effects of an exercise program with action observation versus conventional physical therapy on upper limb functionality in chronic stroke subjects. Methods: In this controlled clinical trial, thirty-five stroke patients were divided into two groups, experimental group, comprising eighteen patients that received an exercise program with action observation; and a control group, comprising seventeen patients that received conventional exercise program. Functional recovery was assessed with the Fugl-Meyer Scale, manual dexterity was assessed with the Box and Blocks test, and the functional use of the affected upper limb was assessed with the Reach scale. Evaluations occurred at baseline, after three and six months of intervention. Statistical analyses were performed with the Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance and the Friedman test, under a 5% significance. Results: Both interventions provided benefits to chronic stroke patients. Exercise program with action observation presented better results on motor recovery (p < 0.001) and functional use of the affected limb (p < 0.001) when compared with conventional therapy. Both treatments improved the manual dexterity of the participants (p = 0.002), but in a similar way (p = 0.461). Conclusion: A six-month exercise program with action observation provided benefits on functional recovery and functional use of an affected upper limb in chronic stroke patients. Exercises with action observation demonstrated the potential for improving affected upper limb in chronic stroke patients.