Abstract
BackgroundStroke is a common, serious, and disabling health-care problem throughout the world. Although great advances have been made in acute stroke management, the most of post-stroke care to reduce a patient’s dependency relies on rehabilitation.PurposeTo compare the effectiveness of exercises using an Erigo tilt-table and conventional physiotherapy in the rehabilitation of acute stroke patients.MethodsA total of 110 acute stroke patients (age 51.08 ± 7.48 years, 8.69 ± 4.62 days after stroke) were assigned randomly into two groups, 55 in each for 30 days of conventional physiotherapy (Group A) or Erigo tilt-table (Group B) rehabilitation. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Mini-Mental Scale Examination (MMSE), Modified Ashworth Scale were used to measure muscle tone, quality of life (QOL) and muscle strength (MMT), Affected upper (UE) and lower limb (LE) outcomes were assessed at baseline (day 0), after day 30 of the intervention and on 90th day of follow up. Repeated measures ANOVA followed by a Bonferroni post-hoc test and independent Student’s t-test were used for statistical analysis to evaluate the improvement in outcome variables within and between the groups.ResultsBoth the treatments were effective. Notably, Group B patients showed a significant improvement in both QOL (p < 0.001) and lower limb strength (p = 0.030) at day 90 and muscle tone (p = 0.011) at day 30 compared to Group A.ConclusionBoth the groups improved with time but the Erigo tilt-table group experienced greater improvement in QOL, NIHSS and muscle strength of the lower limb. Thus, Erigo tilt-table can be used for early rehabilitation of acute hemiplegic patients and improving their quality of life and motor system, resulting in better functional performances.
Highlights
Stroke is a major cause of death and disability [1], and is often associated with negative secondary complications that might postpone or prevent recovery [2]
Both the groups improved with time but the Erigo tilt-table group experienced greater improvement in quality of life (QOL), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and muscle strength of the lower limb
Erigo tilt-table can be used for early rehabilitation of acute hemiplegic patients and improving their quality of life and motor system, resulting in better functional performances
Summary
Stroke is a major cause of death and disability [1], and is often associated with negative secondary complications that might postpone or prevent recovery [2]. Mobilization averts such negative effects and promotes recovery [3, 4]. It is challenging as many patients are severely impaired and are non-cooperative. Mobilization using an Erigo tilt-table is a well-tolerated method of mobilization and can be considered a safe system of early mobilization of patients with severe brain injuries and stroke [5, 6]. Great advances have been made in acute stroke management, the most of post-stroke care to reduce a patient’s dependency relies on rehabilitation.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
