Function In Ischemic Stroke Patients Research Articles

Efficacy of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation for upper extremity function after ischemic stroke: A systematic review of parallel randomized clinical trials

BackgroundAlthough existing studies had shown therapeutic effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on upper limb dysfunction after stroke, previous systematic reviews had mostly provided general analyses on the polarity of tDCS and the type of stroke, with inconsistent results. We aimed to determine the efficacy of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation in enhancing upper extremity function following ischemic stroke. MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted across a variety of databases, spanning from their inception to March 15th, 2024.The focus was on parallel randomized clinical trials published that explored the impact of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation on upper extremity function in ischemic stroke patients. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was utilized to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. ResultsA total of 19 studies involving 1032 participants were included in the analysis. The pooled results of these studies indicated that anodal transcranial direct current stimulation had a positive impact on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity, Wolf Motor Function Test, Resting Motion Threshold, and Barthel Index Score in ischemic stroke patients with upper extremity dysfunction. Follow-up data suggested the potential long-term efficacy of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation in ischemic stroke. Reported adverse reactions indicated that anodal transcranial direct current stimulation was relatively safe for stroke patients. ConclusionsAnodal transcranial direct current stimulation is an effective intervention and relatively safe and effective intervention for improving upper extremity function in ischemic stroke patients.

Recovery after human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) treatment in post-MCAO rats requires repeated handling.

Rehabilitation is the only current intervention that improves sensorimotor function in ischemic stroke patients, similar to task-specific intensive training in animal models of stroke. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are promising in restoring brain damage and function in stroke models. Additionally, the non-invasive intranasal route allows EVs to reach the brain and target specific ischemic regions. Yet unclear is how handling might enhance recovery or influence other therapies such as EVs after stroke. We used the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of stroke in rats to assess how intensive handling alone, in the form of sensorimotor behavioral tests, or in combination with an intranasal treatment of EVs restored neurological function and ischemic damage. Handled rats were exposed to a battery of sensorimotor tests, including the modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS), beam balance, corner, grid walking, forelimb placement, and cylinder tests, together with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at 2, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post-stroke (dps). Handled MCAO rats were also exposed to an intranasal multidose or single dose of EVs. Non-handled rats were evaluated only by mNSS and MRI at 2, 28, and 56 dps and were treated with a single intranasal dose of EVs. Our results showed that handling animals after MCAO is necessary for EVs to work at the tested dose and frequency, and that a single cumulative dose of EVs further improves the neurological function recovered during handling. These results show the importance of rehabilitation in combination with other treatments such as EVs, and highlight how extensive behavioral testing might influence functional recovery after stroke.

Effects of a nurse-led motor function rehabilitation training program for patients with ischemic stroke and family caregivers: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundBoth individuals and society bear a considerable burden from ischemic stroke (IS), not only do patients continue suffering from motor dysfunction after discharge from hospital, but their caregivers also undertake the principal responsibility of assisting them in reintegrating into the family and society. To better improve the IS patients’ limb function and daily life activities, their caregivers should also be involved in the training of the motor function rehabilitation during the period transitioning from hospital back home. This study mainly aims to investigate the effects of a nurse-led training for IS patients and their family caregivers on the improvement of the patients’ physical function and the burden of caregivers.Methods/designA randomized controlled trial with blind assessment will be conducted in hospitals and during the follow-ups at home. Fifty-eight pairs of adults diagnosed with ischemic stroke and their primary caregivers will be included. Participants will be randomly given with (1) a nurse-led, home-based motor rehabilitation training participated by caregivers (intervention group) or (2) routine self-care (control group). Both groups will receive assessment and health guidance on the day of discharge, and the intervention group will receive an additional home-based training program and supervision. These two groups will be followed up every week after discharge. The primary results are drawn from the evaluation of physical function and caregiver-related burden, and the secondary results derived from statistics of the modified Barthel index, stroke-specific quality of life, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Differences between the two groups will be measured by two-way repeated measures ANOVA, considering the data at baseline and at 1-week and 4-week follow-up after training.DiscussionResults may provide novel and valuable information on the effects of this culturally appropriate, caregiver-involved, and home-based rehabilitation training on the physical function of IS patients and caregiver-related burden.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (chictr.org.cn) ChiCTR2300078798. Registered on December 19, 2023.

Altered Intrinsic Brain Activity in Ischemic Stroke Patients Assessed Using the Percent Amplitude of a Fluctuation Method.

Ischemic stroke is a vascular disease that may cause cognitive and behavioral abnormalities. This study aims to assess abnormal brain function in ischemic stroke patients using the percent amplitude of fluctuation (PerAF) method and further explore the feasibility of PerAF as an imaging biomarker for investigating ischemic stroke pathophysiology mechanisms. Sixteen ischemic stroke patients and 22 healthy controls (HCs) underwent resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scanning, and the resulting data were analyzed using PerAF. Then a correlation analysis was conducted between PerAF values and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. Finally, the abnormal PerAF values were extracted and defined as features for support vector machine (SVM) analysis. Compared with HCs, ischemic stroke patients showed decreased PerAF in the bilateral cuneus, left middle frontal gyrus, precuneus and right inferior temporal gyrus, and increased PerAF in the bilateral orbital part of middle frontal gyrus and right orbital part of superior frontal gyrus. Correlation analyses revealed that PerAF values in the left orbital part of middle frontal gyrus was negatively correlated with the MoCA scores. The SVM classification of the PerAF values achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.98 and an accuracy of 94.74%. Abnormal brain function has been found among ischemic stroke patients, which may be correlated with visual impairment, attention deficits, and dysregulation of negative emotions following a stroke. Our findings may support the potential of PerAF as a sensitive biomarker for investigating the underlying mechanisms of ischemic stroke.

Therapeutic effect and mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine compound (Qilong capsule) in the treatment of ischemic stroke

Background Qilong capsule (QLC) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine compound extensively used in clinical practice. It has been approved by the China's FDA for the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS). In our clinical trial involving QLC (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03174535), we observed the potential of QLC to improve neurological function in IS patients at the 24th week, while ensuring their safety. However, the effectiveness of QLC beyond the initial 12-week period remains uncertain, and the precise mechanisms underlying its action in IS have not been fully elucidated.Purpose In order to further explore the clinical efficacy of QLC in treating IS beyond the initial 12-week period and systematically elucidate its underlying mechanisms.Study Design This study employed an interdisciplinary integration strategy that combines post hoc analysis of clinical trials, transcriptome sequencing, integrated bioinformatics analysis, and animal experiments.Methods In this study, we conducted a post-hoc analysis with 2302 participants to evaluate the effectiveness of QLC at the 12th week. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients achieving functional independence at the 12th week, defined as a score of 0–2 on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), which ranges from 0 (no symptoms) to 6 (death). Subsequently, we employed RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) techniques in the QLC trial to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of QLC in IS. Simultaneously, we utilized integrated bioinformatics analyses driven by external multi-source data and algorithms to further supplement the exploration and validation of QLC's therapeutic mechanism in treating IS. This encompassed network pharmacology analysis and analyses at the mRNA, cellular, and pathway levels focusing on core targets. Additionally, we developed a disease risk prediction model using machine learning. By identifying differentially expressed core genes (DECGs) between the normal and IS groups, we quantitatively predicted IS occurrence. Furthermore, to assess its protective effects and determine the key regulated pathway, we conducted experiments using a middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MACO/R) rat model.Results Our findings demonstrated that the combination of QLC and conventional treatment (CT) significantly improved the proportion of patients achieving functional independence (mRS score 0–2) at the 12th week compared to CT alone (n = 2,302, 88.65 % vs 87.33 %, p = 0.3337; n = 600, 91.33 % vs 84.67 %, p = 0.0165). Transcriptome data revealed that the potential underlying mechanism of QLC for IS is related to the regulation of the NF-κB inflammatory pathway. The RT-qPCR results demonstrated that the regulatory trends of key genes, such as MD-2, were consistent with those observed in the RNA-Seq analysis. Integrated bioinformatics analysis elucidated that QLC regulates the NF-κB signaling pathway by identifying core targets, and machine learning was utilized to forecast the risk of IS onset. The MACO/R rat model experiment confirmed that QLC exerts its anti-CIRI effects by inhibiting the MD-2/TLR-4/NF-κB signaling axis.Conclusion: Our interdisciplinary integration study has demonstrated that the combination of QLC with CT exhibits significant superiority over CT alone in improving functional independence in patients at the 12th week. The potential mechanism underlying QLC's therapeutic effect in IS involves the inhibition of the MD-2/TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway, thereby attenuating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion inflammatory injury and facilitating neurofunctional recovery. The novelty and innovative potential of this study primarily lie in the novel finding that QLC significantly enhances the proportion of patients achieving functional independence (mRS score 0–2) at the 12th week. Furthermore, employing a "multilevel-multimethod" integrated research approach, we elucidated the potential mechanism underlying QLC's therapeutic effect in IS.

Onset-To-Door and Cognitive Function in Ischemic Stroke patients

Stroke could cause a decrease in cognitive function. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment play an important role in preventing the advancement of the disease. This study was aimed to determine the correlation between onset-to-door and cognitive function in ischemic stroke patients. This research was conducted in 31 ischemic stroke patients. Data collected from medical records and cognitive function examinations were measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Onset-to-door (OTD) was the period from the first onset of symptoms of ischemic stroke to getting help in the emergency room Dr Ramelan naval hospital, which was divided into two groups: the golden period and non-golden period. Data were analyzed using Somer’s d correlation and Mann-Whitney U test. The results of majority (67.7%) of ischemic stroke patients had OTDin the golden period and 45.2% hadno cognitive impairment. Correlation test between OTD and cognitive function showed d = 0.576, p = 0.001. Orientation and language function were found to be different between golden period and non-golden period groups (p = 0.020 and p = 0.001, respectively). It was concluded that onset-to-door is associated with impaired cognitive function in ischemic stroke patients, especially in orientation and language function.

Assessing left atrial size and pump function in ischemic stroke patients: Is cardiac MRI superior to transthoracic echocardiography?

ObjectivesCurrent guidelines recommend transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) following an ischemic stroke as the primary technique to identify cardiac abnormalities associated with an increased risk of cerebral embolism. It is unclear whether cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI), a technique shown to provide increased imaging resolution, may also enhance the cardiac assessment of ischemic stroke patients. We compared cMRI with TTE in the evaluation of Left Atrial (LA) size and pump function in a cohort of 44 patients with ischemic stroke. Materials and methodsThe biplane method was utilized to acquire LA diameters as well as area measurements in both TTE and cMRI. We calculated LA volume (LAV), LAV index (LAVI), LA Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) and LA pump function. Results were compared using paired two sample for means t-test. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Bland-Altman methods quantified the agreement of measurements obtained by TTE and cMRI. ResultsLAVI measurements by cMRI were significantly larger (34.97 v. 28.81; p = 0.001) than by TTE. The concordance correlation demonstrated only a weak agreement between LA size measured by cMRI and TTE (ρc = 0.397; p= 0.001, 95% CI 0.16 - 0.59), and the Bland-Altman plot demonstrated that LAVI measured by cMRI averaged 6.3 ml/m2 larger magnitude than those obtained by TTE. ConclusionsUsing TTE alone leads to an underestimation of LA abnormalities important in the evaluation of ischemic stroke patients. Nearly one in every five ischemic stroke patients evaluated based on the current guidelines may have a missed potential source of cardiac embolism.

Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering and Renal Function in Ischemic Stroke Patients: Secondary Analysis of the ENCHANTED Trial

Introduction: Renal failure is a major safety concern of intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) lowering. We aimed to determine the effect of this treatment on early change in renal function in participants of the international Enhanced Control of Hypertension and Thrombolysis Stroke Study (ENCHANTED). Methods: Post hoc analysis of the ENCHANTED BP-arm in which thrombolyzed patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) were randomized to intensive (target 130–140 mm Hg within 1 h) or guideline-recommended (target ∆eGFR = 24 h – baseline eGFR), analyzed using linear regression with adjustment for clinical variables. Key SBP parameters were attained (mean), variability (standard deviation), and magnitude of reduction within 24 h. Results: Of 2,151 participants (mean age 66.9 years; 38% female) included with the available baseline eGFR, there were significant differences in attained 144.3 ± 10.2 versus 149.8 ± 12.0 [Δ5.5 mm Hg]; p p p ∆eGFR (adjusted mean difference −1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] −3.14 to −0.94; p = 0.29) between the intensive and guideline groups, respectively. The neutral effect on ∆eGFR was consistent in patients with different baseline eGFR stages and in sensitivity analysis after multiple imputations for missing follow-up eGFR. SBP variability was significantly associated with decreasing ∆eGFR (per 5 mm Hg increase by category: adjusted mean difference −1.35, 95% CI: −2.43 to −0.28; p for trend = 0.01). Conclusion: Intensive SBP lowering with a target of 130–140 mm Hg had no impact on early renal function in thrombolyzed AIS patients. Wide SBP variability was associated with a larger decline in eGFR.

Prognostic effect of osteoprotegerin in patients with ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is supposed to participate in the development of atherosclerosis and cardio-cerebrovascular disease. However, the results of research on relationship between OPG and ischemic stroke (IS) are controversial. Therefore, we carried out the first systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate prognostic effect of osteoprotegerin in patients with IS. We comprehensively searched databases of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library through 21 August 2023 to identify observational studies that evaluated effect of OPG on poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] Score of 3-6) and mortality in patients with IS. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of each included study were used as much as possible to assess the pooled effect. Five studies that enrolled 4,506 patients in total fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Three studies were included in the pooled analysis for each endpoint since one of the included studies had provided data on poor functional outcome as well as mortality. OPG was neither associated with poor functional outcome (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 0.90-1.85) nor with mortality (aOR 1.57, 95% CI 0.90-2.74) in patients with IS. There is insufficient evidence to demonstrate the correlation between OPG and mortality or poor functional outcome in IS patients. OPG cannot be applied to predict worse neurological function in IS patients based on the current evidence.

The relationship between the development of post-stroke cognitive impairment and changes in the coagulation component of hemostasis

To evaluate the relationship between the severity of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and coagulation parameters assessed using the dynamic thrombophotometry. Thirty-five patients with hemispheric ischemic stroke (IS) with moderate neurological deficit at admission were included. All patients underwent a comprehensive clinical and instrumental assessment according to the current guidelines. On days 10-14, the cognitive status of patients was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Coagulation parameters were assessed using the dynamic thrombophotometry at admission, on 6-8th days and 13-15th days from the onset of the disease. A database of laboratory studies of 30 apparently healthy volunteers was used as a comparison group. Data analysis revealed that a number of spatial and temporal parameters were within the reference values, and there were no significant changes over time. Nevertheless, though the optical density of the fibrin clot (D) was within the reference values, it showed a steady increase from the admission by the end of the 1st week of the disease (p=0.007) and by 13-15th days (p=0.009). Correlation and multivariate linear regression, including baseline stroke symptom severity, showed significant associations (p<0.01 in all tests) between the higher optical density of the fibrin clot (D) on days 6-8 and 13-15 and lower MoCA score, confirming the negative effect of altered hemostatic parameters on cognitive function in IS patients. The increase of optical density of the fibrin clot (D) by 6-8th and 13-15th days is a potential prognostic biomarker for the early development of PSCI.

Effects of acupoints-based TENS combined with tDCS on spasticity and motor function in ischemic stroke with spastic hemiplegia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSpastic hemiplegia following ischemic strokes seriously impedes the recovery of motor function posing a vast rehabilitation challenge. As the uncertain effects of recommended conventional treatments such as botulinum toxin injections on active functional improvement and potential adverse effects cannot be bypassed, there is an increasing need in alternative, more effective and safer modalities. Acupoints-based transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (Acu-TENS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are effective non-invasive modalities for stroke rehabilitation, particularly showing anti-spastic effect and functional improvements as well. However, the optimal stimulation frequency of Acu-TENS and whether combination of Acu-TENS and tDCS exert synergistic effect remain to be investigated.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Acu-TENS combined with tDCS on spasticity and motor function in ischemic stroke patients with spastic hemiplegia and screen the optimal frequency of Acu-TENS.MethodsA total of 90 post-ischemic stroke patients with spastic hemiplegia will be intervened for 4 weeks and followed up for 4 weeks. They will be randomly assigned to three groups including two observation groups and a standard care control group in a 1:1:1 ratio. All patients will receive standard care and regular rehabilitation accordingly. In addition, the two observation groups will receive 12 sessions of Acu-TENS at 20 Hz or 100 Hz for 30 min combined with 1 mA tDCS for 20 min, three times a week, for 4 weeks. The primary outcome is the change in total modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score from baseline to week 4. Secondary outcomes include changes in surface electromyography (SEMG), Fugl-Meyer Motor Function Scale, Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and 10-meter walk test from baseline to week 4. MAS score will also be measured after 4 weeks of follow-up. Adverse events throughout the study will be recorded.DiscussionThis trial will evaluate, for the first time, the therapeutic potentials and safety of Acu-TENS combined with tDCS on spasticity and motor function in stroke patients. It will provide evidence for frequency-dependent anti-spastic effect of Acu-TENS, and a reference for rated parameter setting of new mixed transcutaneous and transcranial stimulation system for stroke rehabilitation, thereby promoting proactive healthcare consequently.Trial registration:Chinese Clinical Trials Register ChiCTR2200067186.

The effect of five activities daily living on improving cognitive function in ischemic stroke patients

This study aimed to assess the effects of five activities of daily living (ADL) interventions on improving cognitive function in patients with ischemic stroke. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with 16 ischemic stroke patients (n=8 per group) in an inpatient ward at a regional hospital in Samarinda, Indonesia. Inclusion criteria were: i) confirmed ischemic stroke via medical records, ii) effective communication, iii) current inpatient status, and iv) hemiparesis. Data collection used an ADL activity instrument sheet, while cognitive function was assessed with the MoCA-Ina screening (maximum score: 30 points). Data analysis included the Wilcoxon test and independent T-Test, with significance set at p&lt;0.05. After the intervention, the intervention group's cognitive function significantly improved (from mean 20.25 ± 2.60 to 25.13 ± 1.81), while the control group changed from mean 17.13 ± 2.10 to 20.50 ± 2.00. The intervention group showed a significant cognitive improvement compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, ADL interventions enhance cognitive function in ischemic stroke patients, aiding recovery and serving as an effective hospital nursing intervention.

Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Change in Delta Theta Alfa Beta Ratio (DTABR) and Motor Function in Ischemic Stroke Patients

Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Change in Delta Theta Alfa Beta Ratio (DTABR) and Motor Function in Ischemic Stroke Patients

Effects of predictive nursing intervention on cognitive impairment and neurological function in ischemic stroke patients.

Ischemic stroke is a clinical emergency caused by insufficient intracranial blood supply, which eventually leads to brain tissue necrosis and neurological impairment. Predictive nursing intervention has achieved impressive success in the nursing of multiple surgeries. However, the role of predictive nursing intervention in the care of patients with ischemic stroke remains unclear. This study was a randomized controlled trial. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 126 patients were randomly assigned into two groups, namely the control group and the predictive nursing intervention group. Both groups were treated with thrombolytic therapy with alteplase. The patients in the control group were given routine nursing intervention and the predictive nursing intervention group received additional predictive care. Neurologic functions and cognitive impairment were evaluated by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scales, respectively. Door-to-Needle Times, venous thromboembolism (VTE)-related parameters, and complications were recorded. Predictive nursing intervention significantly shortened the Door-to-Needle Times and enhanced the peak/average femoral venous blood flow and femoral venous diameter. In addition, predictive nursing intervention improved the NIHSS, FMA, MMSE, and MoCA scores and remarkably reduced the recurrence of ischemic stroke, deep vein thrombosis and gingival bleeding. Predictive nursing intervention is beneficial to improve the effects of thrombolytic therapy in patients with ischemic stroke, which improves the neurological, cognitive and motor functions of patients, and reduces the occurrence of complications, suggesting an important clinical application value.

Comparison of Cognitive Function of Ischemic Stroke Patients with and without Pneumonia

Background: Pneumonia is a common complication of ischemic stroke that may worsens brain injury, leading to cognitive impairment as well as patient outcome. The aim of this study was to compare cognitive function in ischemic stroke patients with and without pneumonia. Methods: This study was a comparative numerical analytic retrospective cross-sectional study that was conducted from September 2020 to February 2021. This study used data from ischemic stroke patients treated at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital in 2019 with the total sampling method. Data were stratified into patients with pneumonia and without pneumonia. The mini mental state examination (MMSE) was used to measure cognitive function in both groups and scores were compared using the Mann-Whitney Test. Result: Of the 164 data, 25 were patients with pneumonia and 139 without pneumonia. Male patients were predominantly prevalent in the pneumonia and non-pneumonia groups. Hemiparesis was the most common neurological deficit. The MMSE score was significantly lower in the pneumonia group (22.6 ± 5.4 vs. 24.7 ± 4.8, respectively; p- value=0.032). Conclusion: Cognitive function is more prevalent in ischemic stroke patient with pneumonia compared to non-pneumonia. However, other factors such as recurrent stroke and possible vascular risk factors should be considered for future studies to better identify the relationship between ischemic stroke and pneumonia.

Difference of cognitive impairment in ischemic stroke patients based on hemiparesis side at Atma Jaya Hospital, Indonesia, 2014‐2018

AbstractBackgroundCognitive impairment in stroke patients can decrease their quality of life. The characteristics of cognitive impairment may be different based on the lesion’s location. Objective was to assess the difference of cognitive function in ischemic stroke patients based on hemiparesis side.MethodA cross‐sectional research on 125 ischemic stroke patients in Atma Jaya Hospital 2014‐2018. Analyzed data includes age, hemiparesis side, MMSE and MoCA‐INA scores. Data was analyzed using univariate and bivariate Mann‐Whitney test.ResultPatients with left hemiparesis had higher scores in all categories of MMSE and MoCA‐INA than patients with right hemiparesis. In patients aged less than 55 years old, MoCA‐INA results showed that left hemiparesis had a significantly higher language score (p=0,030); but naming, delayed recall, and orientation scores were higher in right hemiparesis. In patients aged more than 55 years old, scores for visuospatial in MMSE and language in MoCA‐INA were higher in right hemiparesis.ConclusionOverall scores for MMSE and MoCA‐INA in left hemiparesis were higher than right hemiparesis, although not significant. Language ability measured with MoCA‐INA was significantly higher in left hemiparesis in patients aged less than 55 years old.

Application of rhythmic transcranial magnetic stimulation with low-intensive running pulsed magnetic field in the rehabilitation of patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment syndrome

The purpose of the investigation was to study the nootropic effects of rhythmic transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) using low-intensity magnetic field with the induction rate of 45 mT, base frequency of 50 Hz, modulation frequency of 10 Hz in combination with standard medical and psychological therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI).&#x0D; Materials and methods. The rehabilitation outcomes in 98 patients with PSCI syndrome were studied. The patients were subdivided into 2 groups: 53 patients of the control group were treated with the standard nootropic medications and neuropsychological procedures; 45 patients of the main group were additionally treated with rTMS by the low-intensive running pulsed magnetic field of 10 Hz modulation frequency. The dynamics of the score increase according to Rivermid, Karnovsky, Roshina, MMSE, mRS, HDRS, SF-36 scales were analyzed.&#x0D; Conclusion. Application of rTMS with low-intensive running pulsed magnetic field of 10 Hz modulation frequency in combination with a standard program of cognitive rehabilitation contributes to a significant improvement in the recovery of mental calculation function in ischemic stroke patients, as well as normalization in mood swings in the patients who had suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and post-stroke depression. This variant of rTMS can be safely used in patients with PSCI syndrome in the early recovery period, 3 weeks after the onset of stroke.

Admission Heart Rate Variability Is Associated With Poststroke Depression in Patients With Acute Mild-Moderate Ischemic Stroke.

BackgroundStroke has been shown to cause cardiac autonomic dysfunction. Depression is common complication after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether decreased heart rate variability (HRV) was related to poststroke depression (PSD) in patients with mild-moderate AIS.MethodsIn this study, we assessed autonomic function of ischemic stroke patients within 72 h from symptom onset by fractal dimension (FD). 503 patients (mean age 65.93 ± 10.19) with mild-moderate AIS underwent FD test after admission. Depressive symptoms were assessed using 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) at baseline (within 7 days) and 3 months. Depression were defined if HDRS >6 points. According to the data of FD, we investigated association with early-onset PSD status and 3-month PSD.Results59.24% (293/503) of patients had early-onset PSD status at baseline, and 38.66% (184/476) of patients had PSD at 3 months. ROC curve analysis shown that the optimal cut point of FD for early-onset PSD status and 3-month PSD were FD ≤ 1.27 and FD ≤ 1.19, respectively. In fully adjusted models, higher NIHSS [adjusted odd ratios (OR), 1.15; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–1.27; P=0.005], younger age (adjusted OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.01–1.13; P=0.046), and FD ≤ 1.27 (adjusted OR, 3.31; 95% CI, 2.23–4.92; P<0.001) were associated with increased risk of early-onset PSD status. Higher NIHSS (adjusted OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.09–1.43; P<0.001) and FD ≤ 1.19 (adjusted OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.79–4.03; P=0.000) were associated with increased risk of 3-month PSD.ConclusionsPSD is common after mild-moderate AIS and is highly correlated with decreased HRV, FD could serve as an objective tool to help in prediction of PSD.

The effectivity of pharyngeal strengthening exercise, hyolaryngeal complex range of motion exercise, and swallowing practice in swallowing function of ischemic stroke patients with neurogenic dysphagia.

Dysphagia is associated with an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia which often results in death in stroke patients. Therefore, effective and efficient management is important. Behavioral therapy for swallowing rehabilitation based on the principles of neuroplasticity such as oropharyngeal strengthening and range of motion exercises are the alternative ones that often be used. This study aimed to assess the changes in swallowing function in ischemic stroke patients with neurogenic dysphagia after pharyngeal strengthening exercise, hyolaryngeal complex range of motion exercise and swallowing practice. Swallowing function was assessed using Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) based on Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing before and after interventions. The interventions were given every day with a duration of 30–45 minutes for 4 weeks. There were six subjects who completed the study. The PAS before the interventions were 6.00±1.79 and after the interventions was 1.67±0.82 (P=0.003). Meanwhile, the FOIS score before the interventions was 3 (1–5) and after the interventions were 5.00±2.10 (P=0.041). There was an improvement of PAS and FOIS after the interventions. Therefore, the interventions can be suggested to be used as one of the treatments to improve swallowing function in ischemic stroke patients with neurogenic dysphagia.

Effect of Leap Motion-based 3D Immersive Virtual Reality Usage on Upper Extremity Function in Ischemic Stroke Patients.

Immersive virtual reality (VR) is a technology that provides a more realistic environmental design and object tracking than ordinary VR. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of immersive VR on upper extremity function in patients with ischemic stroke. Sixty-five patients with ischemic stroke were included in this randomized, controlled, double-blind study. Patients were randomly divided into VR (n = 33) and control (n = 32) groups. The VR group received 60 minutes of the upper extremity immersive VR rehabilitation program and the control group received 45 minutes of conventional therapy and 15 minutes of a sham VR program. Rehabilitation consisted of 18 sessions of therapy, three days per week, for six weeks. The outcome measures were the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Scale (FMUE) and Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills (PASS). In both the VR and control groups all parameters except the PASS improved over time. However independent t-test results showed that all of the FMUE, ARAT, FIM and PASS scores were significantly higher in the VR group compared with the control (p < 0.05). The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) scores of the FMUE and ARAT were higher than the cut-off MCID scores described in the literature in the VR group, whereas the FIM scores were below the cut-off MCID scores. All scores in the control group were below the cut-off scores. Immersive VR rehabilitation appeared to be effective in improving upper extremity function and self-care skills, but it did not improve functional independence.