Brunnstrom Motor Recovery Stage Research Articles

Effects of virtual balance training and conservative rehabilitation on balance in chronic stroke patients

Objective: This study aimed to test the comparative efficacy of virtual balance training (VBT) and conservative rehabilitation (CR) relative to CR alone on balance in chronic stroke patients. Methods: Thirty patients with chronic stroke (>6-months post-stroke) were allocated into 2 groups (n=15) as Group CR and Group VBT. CR was performed for 60 min, 4 times a week, for 8 weeks in both groups. VBT was applied for 20 min, 4 times a week, for 8 weeks along with the CR, in Group VBT. Brunnstrom motor recovery (BMR) stage, spasticity degrees, Functional Ambulation Scale (FAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36) scale, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) in both groups were assessed before and after treatment. Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to evaluate BBS data (p<0.05). Results: Although, no significant difference was observed between groups in terms of BBS scores, BMR stages, FAS scores, SF-36 scale scores, and spasticity degrees before and after treatment; significant improvements were observed in BBS scores, BMR stages, and FAS scores after treatment in both groups (p<0.05). Comparing the SF-36 subscale scores before and after treatment, significant differences were noted in emotional role limitation scores for Group VBT (p=0.03) and in pain scores for Group CR (p=0.01). Conclusion: VBT along with the CR in chronic stroke patients was not superior to the CR alone, in terms of improving balance, motor recovery, ambulation level, and quality of life.

The Effect of Rehabilitation without Specific Cognitive Rehabilitation on the Improvement of Cognitive Functions in Stroke Patients: Evaluation with Risk Factors

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate if rehabilitation without specific cognitive rehabilitation improved cognitive functions in patients who had suffered a stroke more than 1 year ago, and to correlate this finding with risk factors. Material and Methods: Thirty stroke patients were included in the study. A rehabilitation program was administered to the patients for a total of 30 sessions, 5 days a week. In addition, demographic data of the patients were collected, as well as several risk factors that may impair their cognitive function. The pre-and post-treatment cognitive function of the patients was evaluated using mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and functional independence measure (FIM)-cognitive. With the FIM cognitive evaluation, cognitive functions such as comprehension, expression, social interaction, problem solving, and memory were evaluated. With MMSE, from cognitive functions; orientation, registration, attention and calculation, recall, language, and praxis were evaluated. Pre- and post-treatment motor function was measured by the Brunnstrom motor recovery stage (BMRS). Pre- and post-treatment walking ability was assessed with Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC). Along with the general comparison of cognitive function pre- and post-treatment, additional pre- and post-treatment comparisons were made according to risk factors. Results: According to MMSE and FIM-cognitive scores, improvement in cognitive function was detected following treatment (p<0.001, p=0.001, respectively). There was no statistical improvement in FAC and BMRS scores. According to MMSE, cognitive functions were more impaired before treatment in women, those with <5 years of education, and those with aphasia (p=0.025, p=0.004, p=0.002, respectively). According to FIM-cognitive, cognitive functions were lower in patients with aphasia, and those with left-sided brain damage (p=0.002, p=0.045, respectively). There was no difference in the magnitude of improvement between the risk factors. Conclusion: This study showed that the rehabilitation program applied without a specific cognitive rehabilitation program in patients with chronic stroke can improve cognitive functions, although it does not cause a significant improvement compared to BMRS and FAC. Therefore, we believe that rehabilitation without specific cognitive rehabilitation will improve patients' daily activities and increase their participation in treatment.

The effect of offline anosognosia for hemispatial neglect on neglect rehabilitation in patients with subacute and chronic right hemispheric brain injury. A retrospective cohort study

ABSTRACT We investigated the effects of offline anosognosia for hemispatial neglect on neglect severity, functional ability, mobility, and motor recovery in left hemispatial neglect (HN) patients with right hemisphere injury. Eighty-five patients were included in this retrospective study. All patients had undergone a routine neglect rehabilitation programme. Neglect and anosognosia severities were determined by the Catherine Bergego Scale. Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores, Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC) levels, and Brunnstrom motor recovery stages were noted. The prevalence of anosognosia for HN was 81.2% (69 of 85 patients). Neglect and neglect anosognosia severities were strongly correlated (r = 0.85, p < 0.001). Patients with anosognosia had more severe hemispatial neglect. There was no difference in median FIM score between those with and without anosognosia. The severity of anosognosia negatively correlated with FIM and FAC scores. Linear mixed model analysis revealed a significant decrease in neglect scores in patients with anosognosia than in those without. Anosognosia severity also decreased through rehabilitation and the decrease in anosognosia significantly predicted neglect improvement. Our study emphasizes that neglect anosognosia is related to severe hemispatial neglect, poor functional ability, and limited mobility. Addressing neglect anosognosia may be a valuable component of neglect rehabilitation. Clinical Trials Registration Number NCT05145855.

The Sonoelastography and Functional Outcome of Upper Extremity after Kinesiotaping on the Spastic Forearm in Patients with Subacute Stroke.

This study is aimed at exploring the feasibility of sonoelastography on muscle stiffness of spastic forearm and evaluating the improvement of functional performance in patients with poststroke spasticity (PSS) after receiving kinesiotaping (KT) and rehabilitation. According to the spastic levels (using modified Ashworth scale (MAS)) of the affected upper extremity, 59 patients with stroke were allocated into two groups, group A (MAS 0-1): 31 patients (14 men and 17 women; mean age: 60 years) and group B (MAS 1+-2): 28 patients (22 men and 6 women; mean age: 51 years). The Brunnstrom motor recovery stage at the wrist/distal parts in groups A and B was stage 3/3.5 and stage 2.75/3. We evaluated the Brunnstrom stage, spastic levels by MAS and modified Tardieu scale (MTS), and Fugl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE). We also evaluated the muscle spasticity of flexor carpi radialis (FCR), flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU), and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) muscles using sonoelastography with shear wave velocity (SWV). We applied KT for 20 patients in group B, comparing the changes in sonoelastography and functional outcomes between KT and without KT interventions. Both the MAS and MTS scales were moderately correlated with the SWV in forearm muscles on hemiplegic side (r = 0.336-0.554) After KT intervention, the SWV in FCR decreased (p = 0.028). Muscle spasticity was reduced (p < 0.01), and distal part of the Brunnstrom stage and FMA-UE were increased (p = 0.045 and p = 0.001). In patients without KT intervention, only the MTS degree reduced (p = 0.026). The SWV of sonoelastography could objectively assess the reduction of muscle stiffness of the affected forearms in patients with PSS after KT intervention. Advances in Knowledge. Sonoelastography could be a quantitative method to follow up for therapeutic effect of the spastic forearm.

Predictive nomogram for soft robotic hand rehabilitation of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

BackgroundFew studies focused on the risk factors for hand rehabilitation of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) using of soft robotic hand therapy (SRHT). The aim of this study was to establish a predictive nomogram for soft robotic hand rehabilitation in patients with ICH.MethodsAccording to the Brunnstrom motor recovery (BMR) stage, the patients were grouped into poor and good motor function groups. The data of patient demographic information and serum level of C-terminal Agrin Fragment (CAF), S100B and neurofilament light (NfL) were collected. The logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for poor hand function.ResultsFinally, we enrolled 102 and 103 patients in the control and SRHT groups. For the SRHT group, there were 17 and 86 cases with poor and good motor function at 6-months follow-up respectively. In the good motor function group, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Wrist and Hand (FMA-WH score) and BMR score at admission were all better than that in the poor motor function group respectively (p < 0.001). The mean serum level of CAF, S100B and NfL in the good motor function group were 2.5 ± 0.82 ng/mL, 286.6 ± 236.4 ng/L and 12.1 ± 10.4 pg/mL respectively, which were lower than that in the poor motor function group (p < 0.001, Table 3). The multivariate logistic regression showed that hematoma volume (OR = 1.47, p = 0.007), FMA-WH score admission (OR = 0.78, p = 0.02), S100B (OR = 1.32, p = 0.04), and NfL (OR = 1.24, p = 0.003) were all significant predictors of poor motor function.ConclusionsWe found that Soft robotic hands therapy benefited in hand function in patients with ICH and hematoma volume, FMA-WH score admission, S100B, and NfL were all significant predictors for poor motor function of patients with ICH.

The Effects of Upper Extremity Isokinetic Strengthening in Post-Stroke Hemiplegia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of isokinetic strengthening in paretic upper extremity among patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. MethodsHemiplegic patients with at least 6 months post-stroke and those with arm and hand Brunnstrom motor recovery stage ≥ 3 were included to the study. Patients were randomized into two groups. Isokinetic training group received 4 weeks (3 days/week) of isokinetic strengthening, while the control group was tailored strengthening exercises with exercise bands. Outcome measures were the isokinetic peak torque of wrist flexor and extensors, Fugl-Meyer Assessment of upper extremity, Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, hand grip strength, peak isometric strength of wrist flexor and extensors. Outcome measures were evaluated before treatment, after treatment (at the end of week 4) and 4 weeks after the end of treatment (at the end of week 8). The trial was registered at ClinicalTtrials.gov (ID: NCT03834311). ResultsAfter 4 weeks, changes in extensor peak torque at 60°/sn (p=0.007) and extensor peak isometric muscle strength (p=0.007) were higher in the isokinetic group (n=12) than those in the control group (n=12). At the end of week 8, only DASH score revealed a significantly higher improvement in the isokinetic group than that in the control group (p=0.014). ConclusionsIsokinetic strengthening may provide motor and functional improvement in paretic upper extremity among patients with post-stroke hemiplegia.

Mirror Therapy in Stroke Rehabilitation: Why, How Early, and Effects: A Meta-analysis

Background and Aims: The use of visual stimuli to facilitate a desired response in the affected limb in mirror therapy (MT) makes it an effective treatment modality even in instances of a complete plegic upper extremity poststroke. This article analyzes the effects of MT on impairments, activity limitation, and participation restriction in the acute and chronic phases poststroke. Methods: In total, 16 out of 3871 studies were included in the meta-analysis, using PRISMA guidelines. Data were categorized based on application in stroke rehabilitation (acute/chronic, motor/sensory/neglect/activity of daily living, upper limb/lower limb), modes and dosage of intervention delivery, types of control, and outcome assessment. RevMan 5.0 software was used for analysis. Results: Studies were equally distributed between chronic and acute phases. Therapy durations lasted between 1 and 8 weeks. Most studies intervened for upper limb motor impairments showing improvement in Brunnstrom motor recovery stages of arm ( P value: .04, 95% CI, 0.05-1.54, I2 = 59%) and hand ( P value: &lt;.001, 95% CI, 0.80-2.01, I2 = 0%) during acute phase (0-4 weeks). “Activity/function” measured by functional independence measure showed improvement only in self-care subsection ( P value: &lt;.001, 95% CI, 2.05-5.16, I2 = 0%). No long-term effects were analyzed in any of the included studies. Conclusion: A significant finding of this study is the role of MT in improving arm and hand impairments in acute phase poststroke. Rehabilitation protocols can be improved based on this finding. As MT is effective, affordable, and feasible, we have made suggestions toward its incorporation in physiotherapy protocols for low- and middle-income countries.

Sonographic Predictors in Patients with Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the sonographic findings of soft tissues more comprehensively, to investigate the relationship between sonographic pathologies and clinical features, and to determine the predicted factors that may interfere with the most common sonographic findings in patients with hemplegic shoulder pain (HSP) . MethodsSixty-four consecutive stroke patients with HSP admitted to inpatient clinic were included in this cross-sectional study. Demographic, clinical, and sonographic findings were recorded. Patients were assigned to poor or good motor function groups according to the Brunnstrom motor recovery (BMR) stages. ResultsThere were abnormal sonographic findings in 63 patients (98.4%). A significant reverse correlation was found between the sonographic grading and functional independence measure (p=0.005) and a positive correlation with energy level (p=0.044). The main risk factors were age for acromioclavicular joint degeneration, BMR stage for glenohumeral joint subluxation, subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis for partial-thickness rotator cuff tear, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for long head of the biceps tenosynovitis. ConclusionAge, motor recovery, subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis, and sleep quality were the strongest predictors of different sonographic findings in HSP patients. Functional capacity and energy level are negatively affected by an increased number of abnormal sonographic findings. Therefore, sonographic evaluation of shoulder soft tissue lesions eventually might provide a more constructive rehabilitation approach to achieve optimal outcomes, particularly in elderly patients with poor motor function and sleep quality.

Assessment of responsiveness of four hand-related scales in stroke patients.

Self-reporting scales are commonly utilized in determining appropriate treatment strategies and follow-up in hand-related disorders. Responsiveness is described as the ability of a scale to detect clinically significant changes. We aimed to evaluate responsiveness of Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), Duruöz Hand Index (DHI), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and ABILHAND questionnaire in stroke patients. Fifty-one stroke patients were assessed in this descriptive study. Participants received conventional stroke rehabilitation program consisting of 30 sessions. Brunnstrom stages of the stroke patients were recorded before and after treatment. MHQ, DHI, DASH, ABILHAND questionnaire and patient satisfaction scores were filled in by participants before and after the conventional rehabilitation program. Significant improvements were found in MHQ, DHI, DASH, ABILHAND, patient satisfaction scores and Brunnstrom motor recovery stages after the rehabilitation program (p < 0.001). Responsiveness values of the scales were calculated as MHQ (effect size (ES) = - 0.74; standardized response mean (SRM) = - 1.25), DHI (ES = 0.64; SRM = 1.22), DASH (ES = 0.71; SRM = 1.01), and ABILHAND (ES = - 0.55; SRM = - 1.22). Our study revealed that MHQ, DHI, DASH and ABILHAND are responsive scales in detecting treatment-related changes in stroke patients. MHQ, DHI, DASH and ABILHAND can be used in the evaluation of treatment responses in stroke patients.

Prediction of Motor Recovery in Patients with Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging.

Predicting prognosis in patients with basal ganglia hemorrhage is difficult. This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of diffusion tensor imaging in predicting motor outcome after basal ganglia hemorrhage. A total of 12 patients with putaminal hemorrhage were included in the study (aged 50 ± 12 years), 8 patients were male (aged 46 ± 11 years) and 4 were female (aged 59 ± 9 years). We performed diffusion tensor imaging and measured clinical outcome at baseline (pre) and 3 weeks (post1), 3 months (post2), and 6 months (post3) after the initial treatment. In the affected side of the brain, the mean fractional anisotropy (FA) value on pons was significantly higher in the good outcome group than that in the poor outcome group at pre (p = 0.004) and post3 (p = 0.025). Pearson correlation analysis showed that mean FA value at pre significantly correlated with the sum of the Brunnstrom motor recovery stage scores at post3 (R = 0.8, p = 0.002). Change in the FA ratio on diffusion tractography can predict motor recovery after hemorrhagic stroke.

Ultrasonographic assessment of neuromuscular electrical stimulation efficacy on glenohumeral subluxation in patients with hemiplegia: a randomized-controlled study.

This study aims to investigate the short-term effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on glenohumeral subluxation (GHS) in stroke patients. This prospective, randomized-controlled study included 24 unilateral hemiplegic patients (10 males, 14 females; mean age 64.1±14.8 years; range 22 to 84 years) with GHS as assessed by ultrasonography between December 2013 and September 2014. The patients were randomly divided into two groups as those in the NMES group (n=12) who were treated with NMES to supraspinatus, upper trapezius, and posterior deltoid muscles combined with conventional physiotherapy and as those in the control group (n=12) who were received conventional physiotherapy alone. Clinical (the Brunnstrom Motor Recovery Stage, Visual Analog Scale [VAS] for Pain and Shoulder Disability Questionnaire [SDQ]) and ultrasonographic (acromion-greater tuberosity distance, thicknesses of supraspinatus, upper trapezius, and posterior deltoid muscles) variables were evaluated before and after treatment in both groups. The SDQ index, acromion-greater tuberosity distance, and supraspinatus muscle thickness were improved in the NMES group, compared to the control group (for all p<0.05). The VAS-pain scores decreased in both groups. There was no statistically significant alterations in the other measurements in both groups (for all p>0.05). The percentage change (%) of the VAS-pain scores was not significantly different between two groups (p=0.03). Our study results showed that GHS decreased after 20 sessions of NMES treatment. Based on these findings, ultrasonography appears to be a proper imaging tool for the evaluation of GHS in stroke patients.

Assessment of the Anterior Talofibular Ligament Thickness in Patients with Chronic Stroke: An Ultrasonographic Study

BackgroundPatients with equinovarus deformity have an increased risk of fall and ankle ligament injury, because of inappropriate prepositioning of the ankle at the end of the swing phase, and inadequate leg and ankle stability during the stance phase. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to compare anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) thickness of chronic stroke patients with that of healthy individuals using ultrasonography. MethodsThis was a case-control study conducted in a university hospital between July 2015 and July 2016. We included 38 patients [study group; mean age, 59.0±11.1 years; mean body mass index (BMI), 25.4±4.3 kg/m2] and a control group of age-, sex-, and BMI-matched healthy individuals. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients (i.e., age, weight, height, Brunnstrom motor recovery stage, Functional Ambulation Scale, Ashworth Scale, and duration of hemiplegia) were recorded during their visits. Furthermore, ultrasound image of the ATFL was obtained from each ankle. The thickness of the ATFL was measured at the midpoint of the ligament between the attachments on the lateral malleolus and the talus using ultrasonography. ResultsIn the study group, the mean thickness of the ATFLs of the affected side (2.75±0.41 mm) was thicker than both the unaffected side (2.42±0.30 mm) and the healthy controls (2.35±0.19 mm; p=0.007, p<0.001, respectively). No differences were seen between the two sides of the control group. ConclusionChronic stroke patients have a thicker ATFL on both the affected and unaffected sides, compared with healthy individuals. This architectural feature of the ATFL may be a result of equinovarus deformity together with spastic muscles. For this reason, early treatment of deformed ligaments and spastic muscles is needed to prevent equinovarus deformity in patients with stroke.

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.

Motor recovery of stroke patients after rehabilitation: one-year follow-up study

Purpose To investigate motor recovery of stroke patients 1 year after rehabilitation. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study of 192 stroke patients discharged from rehabilitation wards in nine tertiary hospitals was conducted. Motor recovery was assessed using the Brunnstrom motor recovery stages (BMRS), at 6 and 12 months after discharge. Factors related to the BMRS of the hand, arm and leg were analyzed. Results The mean age of patients was 62.2 years (57.3% male). Significantly more patients presented improvement of at least one BMRS of the hand, arm and leg compared with those with decreasing BMRS (p < 0.001). The percentage of patients with BMRS III– VI at 6 months was greater than that at discharge, but the recovery at 12 months was slightly higher than that at 6 months. It seems that motor recovery from stroke was near maximal at six months. Regarding the factors related to motor recovery, only lengths of stay (LOS) <30 d during the first admission and Barthel index at discharge ≥10 were related to the improvement of BMRS of the hand, arm and leg on multivariate analysis. Additionally, no complication at discharge was associated with the improvement of BMRS of the leg. Conclusions Approximately half of our stroke patients had motor improvement of at least one stage of BMRS at one year. Motor recovery after stroke at the end of the first year was associated with shorter LOS during the first admission, higher discharge Barthel index score and absence of complications at discharge.

Musculoskeletal ultrasonographic findings of the affected and unaffected shoulders in hemiplegic patients

There are many sonographic changes in affected and unaffected shoulders in patients with established hemiplegia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sonographic findings of hemiplegic shoulder in patients after acute stroke and the detection of the correlation between the physical or sonographic findings and early-onset hemiplegic shoulder pain. Shoulders of 30 patients with cerebrovascular stroke (six male and 24 female patients), 18 with right-sided and 12 with left-sided established hemiplegia, were tested. Wasting and weakness of the deltoid were recorded in the involved side. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography examination of both affected and unaffected shoulders of all patients was carried out. Two physicians classified the severity of the injury on a six-point rating scale, and Brunnstrom motor recovery stages and Brief Pain Inventory score were assessed. Biceps tendon calicification, tendinosis, and tear (73.3, 76.6, and 13.3%, respectively), deltoid calcification and tendinosis (33.3 and 33.3%, respectively), supraspinatus calcification and tear (53.3 and 26.7%, respectively), and the subacromial–subdeltoid bursitis (43.75%) were the most frequent abnormalities in the affected painful shoulder. No significant relationship (P = 0.1) was found between the US grades of the painful hemiplegic shoulder and the Brunnstrom motor recovery stages. Ultrasonographic grades of the unaffected shoulder correlated with the stroke duration (P = 0.001). The ultrasonographic rating scores of hemiplegic shoulders correlated with age, duration of stroke, shoulder pain duration, limitation of shoulder movement, the Brief Pain Inventory score and degree of spasticity (P = 0.04, 0.03, 0.001, 0.03, 0.046, and 0.001, respectively). Hemiplegic stroke results in injury to the affected shoulder and the shoulder on the unaffected side. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography is an essential method in the evaluation of poststroke painful hemiplegic shoulder. However, the US grades did not correlate with the stages of motor recovery.

Efficacy of Mirror Therapy Containing Functional Tasks in Poststroke Patients.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of mirror therapy containing functional tasks on upper extremity function and activities of daily living in patients with subacute stroke.MethodsThe subjects were randomly divided into two groups: the mirror therapy group (30 patients) and the sham therapy group (30 patients). The mirror therapy group underwent a mirror therapy program together with conventional therapy for 20 minutes per day on 5 days per week for 4 weeks. The control group received a sham conventional therapy program under the same schedule as the mirror therapy group. The Fugl-Meyer Motor Function Assessment (FMA), Brunnstrom motor recovery stage, and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were evaluated 4 weeks after the treatment.ResultsThe upper extremity function on the affected side and ability to perform daily life activities after the intervention were significantly improved in both groups. After 4 weeks of intervention, improvements in the FMA (p=0.027) and MBI (p=0.041) were significantly greater in the mirror therapy group than the sham therapy group.ConclusionIn this study, we found that the mirror therapy containing functional task was effective in terms of improving the upper extremity functions and activities of daily living in patients with subacute stroke.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the median and sciatic nerves in hemiplegic patients after stroke.

The aim of this study was to evaluate morphologically and electrophysiologically the peripheral nerves of hemiplegic patients. Thirty-three (18 women and 15 men) stroke patients were recruited. The mean (SD) age was 55.6 (11.3) yrs, and the mean (SD) disease duration was 14.2 (16.0) mos. Motor nerve conduction study of the median, ulnar, fibular, and tibial nerves as well as sensory nerve conduction study of the median, ulnar, and sural nerves were performed. Diameters and cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements of the median (wrist/midarm levels) and sciatic nerves (midthigh level) were acquired using a 7- to 12-MHz linear probe. The values of the nonparetic limbs were taken as controls. Prolonged distal latency and slowed motor conduction velocity of the tibial nerve as well as reduced amplitudes of the median and ulnar nerves were observed on the paretic sides when compared with those of the nonparetic sides (all P < 0.05). The median and sciatic nerve cross-sectional area values were found to be smaller on the paretic sides when compared with the nonparetic sides (all P < 0.05). The median and ulnar nerve compound muscle action potential amplitudes (paretic side) were positively correlated with arm/hand Brunnstrom Motor Recovery Stage, disease duration, motor Functional Independence Measure score, and Functional Ambulation Category. The peripheral nerves of stroke patients seem to be affected--morphologically and electrophysiologically--on the paretic side.

Ultrasonographic and clinical study of post-stroke painful hemiplegic shoulder

Aim of the workTo describe the structural abnormalities of the painful hemiplegic shoulder (PHS) by ultrasound (U/S) and their relationship with some clinical variables. Materials and methodsEighty consecutive patients with post-stroke PHS were subjected to both clinical assessment and ultrasonographic examination of both shoulders. Ultrasonographic imaging data were classified into five grades. ResultsThe biceps tendon sheath effusion (51.25%) and the SA–SD bursitis (43.75%) were the most frequent abnormalities in the affected painful shoulder. No significant relationship (P=0.114) was found between the U/S grades of the painful hemiplegic shoulder and the Brunnstrom motor recovery stages. Ultrasonographic grades of the unaffected shoulder were significantly correlated with the stroke duration (P<0.001), the Brief Pain Inventory score (P<0.05), shoulder pain duration (P<0.001), and degree of spasticity (P<0.001). ConclusionUltrasonography is an essential method in evaluation of post-stroke PHS. However, the U/S grades were not correlated with the stages of motor recovery. Avoiding overuse of the unaffected shoulder will be helpful for prevention of shoulder injuries following hemiplegic stroke.

Effect of Interferential Current Stimulation in Management of Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain

ObjectiveTo study the immediate effects of interferential current stimulation (IFC) on shoulder pain and pain-free passive range of motion (PROM) of the shoulder in people with hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP). DesignDouble-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. SettingInstitutional physical therapy clinic, neurologic rehabilitation center. ParticipantsA population-based sample of people with HSP (N=30) was recruited. InterventionParticipants were divided into 2 groups—an IFC group and a placebo group—by using a match-paired method (age, sex, and Brunnstrom motor recovery stage). In the IFC group, participants received IFC for 20 minutes with an amplitude-modulated frequency at 100Hz in vector mode. The current intensity was increased until the participants felt a strong tingling sensation. Main Outcome MeasuresPain intensity and pain-free PROM of the shoulder until the onset of pain were measured at baseline and immediately after treatment. ResultsParticipants reported a greater reduction in pain during the most painful movement after treatment with IFC than with placebo (P<.05). The IFC group showed a greater improvement in posttreatment pain-free PROM than the placebo group in shoulder flexion (P<.01), abduction (P<.01), internal rotation (P<.01), and external rotation (P<.01). ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that IFC is effective for the relief of pain during movement and also increases the pain-free PROM of the shoulder in people with HSP.

Oxygen uptake response to cycle ergometry in post-acute stroke patients with different severity of hemiparesis

This study evaluated the impact of severity of hemiparesis on oxygen uptake (V˙O2) response in post-acute stroke patients. Sixty-four patients with a mean poststroke interval of 8.6 ± 3.8 days underwent a ramp cardiopulmonary exercise test on a cycling ergometer to volitional termination. Mean peak V˙O2(V˙O2peak) and work efficiency (ΔV˙O2/ΔWR) were measured by open-circuit spirometry during standard upright ergometer cycling. Severity of the hemiparetic lower limb was assessed by Brunnstrom's motor recovery stages lower extremity (BMRSL). V˙O2peak was 10% lower in hemiparetic leg with BMRSL V than in that with BMRSL VI, 20% lower in BMRSL IV, and 50% lower in BMRSL III. ΔV˙O2/ΔWR was higher for the group with increased BMRSL. The relations were consistent after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, stroke type, hemiparetic side, modified Ashworth Scale, time poststroke, comorbidities, and medications. Our findings revealed that O2peak is dependent on the severity of hemiparesis in leg, and along with ΔO2/ΔWR closely related to the severity of hemiparesis in post-acute stroke patients, regardless of the types and locations of lesion after stroke, as well as the differences in comorbidities and medications.