Changes of Motor Function according to Attention Differences in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Pilot Study

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of electroencephalography (EEG) activity on balance and gait while physiotherapy in stroke patients.METHODS: General physiotherapy was applied to 18 stroke patients for 30 minutes per session, 5 times a week, for a total 4 weeks. EEG measured for one week while intervention. Based on the attention score, group was classified into high and low attention groups. We used functional reaching test to measure dynamic balance and GAITRite to measure spatiotemporal variables during gait.RESULTS: In the high attention group, the sensorimotor rhythm wave was high and the dynamic balance was significantly increased (p<.05). There were significant differences in stance time, single support time, and double support time among temporal variables (p<.05). There were significant differences in step length, stride length, swing % of cycle, stance % of cycle, single support % of cycle, and double support % of cycle among the spatial gait variables (p<.05).CONCLUSIONS: The high attention during physiotherapy helps improvement of balance and gait ability in stroke patients, therefore, it may be considered in intervention.