Postural Assessment Scale For Stroke Research Articles

Balance and Walking Speed Outcomes in Individuals Receiving Inpatient Rehabilitation for Acute Cerebellar Stroke.

Cerebellar strokes account for only 2-3% of all strokes occurring annually in the United States but represent a disproportionally higher share of morbidity and mortality. Evidence examining the effect of inpatient rehabilitation on functional outcomes following a cerebellar stroke is limited. This study aimed to examine the effects of inpatient rehabilitation on balance and walking speed in individuals with cerebellar stroke. A secondary purpose of this study was to examine the length of inpatient rehabilitation stay of the included patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted using review of patient records during their inpatient rehabilitation stay from January 2021 to February 2022 at a large hospital system in the southeast United States. Balance and gait outcomes were examined on admission and discharge from inpatient rehabilitation that included physical therapy interventions. A paired t-test examined for changes in outcomes from admission to discharge. Pearson correlation examined for the association between length of stay and outcomes. A total of 15 records were reviewed. There were significant improvements in the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS), and the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) (p's < 0.01) from admission to discharge with large effect sizes (range d = 0.70-1.67) following inpatient rehabilitation. The average length of stay was 12.67 days (SD = 6.5) and the mean total hours of combined occupational, physical, and speech therapy was 27.33 (SD = 6.52) h. There was a moderate association between length of stay and PASS (r = 0.525, p = 0.04) and BBS (r = 0.546, p = 0.04) outcomes. Patients who underwent inpatient rehabilitation following acute cerebellar strokes demonstrated improvements in balance and gait speed. Study results could assist clinicians designing interventions for patients with cerebellar strokes in the inpatient rehabilitation setting.

Effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation on postural stability in subacute stroke: A randomized control trial.

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) promotes neuromodulation and neuroplasticity in the brain. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term effects of the anodal tDCS on postural and trunk stability, physical performance, anticipatory postural adjustment and quality of life in sub-acute stroke patients. Thirty-six participants with sub-acute stroke were divided into experimental and control groups using sealed envelope randomization. Outcome measures comprised the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke, Trunk Impairment Scale, Time Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test, and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale. Assessments were conducted at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks. Within-group analysis revealed significant improvement in both the experimental (p-value < 0.05) and control groups (p-value < 0.005). Notably, significant effects were observed in postural stability after intervention, and during one of the detraining assessments, the experimental group showed superior results compared to the control group in subacute stroke. Anodal tDCS yield significant short- and long-term effects on postural stability, while short term effects on trunk stability. Additionally, long term effects were observed on the physical performance and anticipatory postural adjustments while no effects at quality of life either short or long term basis among the subacute stroke patients.

Comparative study between aquatic therapy and land-based exercises in hemiplegic patients after stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to assess the effects of aquatic therapy in individuals with hemiplegia compared to those of a conventional land-based exercise program. This was a blinded, randomized controlled study of chronic stroke patients with hemiplegia. The participants were randomized in to aquatic therapy (experimental) or conventional therapy (control) groups. The aquatic therapy group conducted the exercise program in a swimming pool, and the conventional therapy group performed to an exercise on the land environment three times per week for six weeks. Both interventions focused on posture, balance, and weight-bearing exercises. Outcomes included the Berg Balance Scale, Brunnstrom scale, Motricity Index, muscle strength tests, Modified Ashworth Scale, Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke, Trunk Control Test and Functional Independence Measure. Also, postural sway was evaluated by using the variables of center of pressure displacements in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions. The findings of the present study show that the experimental group (26 patients) exhibited significant improvements in spasticity compared to the control group (25 patients) (p = 0.01). The conventional therapy group also achieved significant improvements (p < 0.05) in anteroposterior deviation, mediolateral velocity, and total velocity of center of pressure in a sitting position with eyes closed. Land-based exercises were more beneficial in the spasticity of chronic stroke patients.

Frequent Error Augmentation Training in Physical Therapy Post Stroke.

The purpose of this pilot trial was to evaluate the impact of increased frequency of physical therapy sessions with error augmentation on functional mobility and disability outcomes in patients with acute stroke. We hypothesized that participants receiving frequent error augmentation physical therapy interventions (F-EA-PT) would demonstrate a higher degree of improvement on functional mobility and disability measures from admission to three post-intervention time points (treatment day 3, discharge, or 90-day follow-up). We allocated 100 individuals to receive either F-EA-PT or standard-of-care physical therapy (SOC-PT). The F-EA-PT group received physical therapy with error augmentation twice daily for 3 out of the first 5 days of hospitalization, and daily treatment sessions thereafter. Error augmentation training emphasizes impairments throughout mobility to challenge the individual, rather than facilitating normal movement patterns. The SOC-PT group received treatment once daily for 3 to 5 days per week. Assessments included National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) and Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS). A repeated measures mixed model approach compared treatment groups for all outcomes. The F-EA-PT group demonstrated larger magnitudes of reduction of -1.34 on NIHSS (p=0.0426) and -0.81 on mRS (p=0.0037) from admission to 90-day follow-up compared to the SOC-PT group. The F-EA-PT group demonstrated larger magnitudes of change in AM-PAC of 2.12 at treatment day 3 (p=0.0009) and 2.75 at discharge (p<0.0001) compared to SOC-PT. F-EA-PT group experienced greater improvement in PASS over the SOC-PT group with a difference in change of 4.08 at treatment day 3 (p=0.0019) and 4.45 at discharge (p=0.001). Intervening with a regimen focused on increased frequency and error augmentation from a physical therapy standpoint was safe with only one adverse event. It demonstrated significant improvements in functional outcomes post stroke above those seen with standard-of-care regimen, as evidenced by PASS and AM-PAC scores. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT04778475.Medical University of South Carolina IRB II Approved 04/20/2021 PRO00108635.

Toe Grip Strength Is Associated with Improving Gait Function in Patients with Subacute Stroke.

Toe grip strength has recently been suggested to play an essential role in maintaining balance and postural stability for ambulatory function in older populations. This study aimed to investigate its association with improving gait function three months after onset in patients with subacute stroke. This longitudinal cohort study included 98 first-ever stroke patients (67 ± 9 years, 56% female) within one month from the onset who could not ambulate independently. Functional outcome indicators, including toe grip strength, hand grip strength, knee extensor strength, Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity (FMA_LE), and the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS), were assessed before and three months after the intervention. We analyzed the correlation between participants' gait function using a 10-meter walk test time and various functional indicators. Then, multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate whether toe grip strength was related to the improvement of gait function. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between the 10MWT time and toe grip strength ratio (affected/unaffected side), with a moderate effect size (r = -0.61, p <0.001). Multiple regression analysis with covariates showed a significant relationship between 10MWT time and toe grip strength ratio (β = -0.113, p < 0.001), FMA_LE (β = -1.315, p = 0.004), PASS (β = -3.275, p <0.001), and age (β = -0.159, p = 0.004). In conclusion, toe grip strength was an essential factor associated with ambulatory function improvement in subacute stroke patients three months after onset. Additional toe grip muscle strengthening rehabilitation treatment can be expected to help improve the ambulatory function of subacute stroke patients in the future.

Effect of functional electrical stimulation of interscapular muscles on trunk performance and balance in post-stroke elderly patients

BackgroundDisability in the upper limb in post-stroke survivors may have a variety of effects, particularly in the elderly, that require planning therapeutic actions to restore function. Thirty-four patients were randomly assigned to the control group (CON) and the Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) group. For 12 weeks, the CON group received core stabilization exercises (CSEs). The FES group received (FES) for the interscapular muscles with CSEs for the first six weeks and completed the following six weeks with only CSEs. Patients were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks post-intervention. The trunk impairment scale (TIS) and the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS) were used to assess trunk performance. A palpation meter was used to measure the scapular horizontal position (SP). Balance was assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the Timed Up-and-Go test (TUG). Function was assessed with Barthel Index (BI).ResultsBoth groups improved significantly (P < 0.001 for both groups, d = 1.1–3.7 for control group and d = 1.9–6.1 for FES group) post-treatment (at 6 and 12 weeks) in all outcomes except SP in the control group (P < 0.05 at both times, d = 0.6 at 6 weeks and 0.8 at 12 weeks).ConclusionFES for interscapular muscles may have positive effects on trunk performance, scapular position, balance, and function in stroke patients. Also, additional improvements were observed post-intervention compared to baseline. FES is recommended to be part of the rehabilitation program of elderly post-stroke patients.

The effect of vestibular and somatosensory rehabilitation in addition to early rehabilitation on balance after stroke: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Background The goal of post-stroke early rehabilitation is to regain ambulation, standing and balance. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of vestibular and somatosensory rehabilitation in addition to early rehabilitation on balance in patients with early subacute stroke. Design and setting A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a university hospital. Methods The study was included 52 hemiplegic hospitalized early suacute stroke patients. The experimental group (n: 30), was applied with vestibular and somatosensorial rehabilitation together with early rehabilitation. Vestibular exercises, included Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises, stimulate the vestibulo-ocular and vestibulo-spinal reflex. Somatosensory exercises, which included Frenkel exercises, stimulate the sensory proprioception and somatosensory systems. The control group (n: 22) patients with early subacute stroke were treated with the early rehabilitation program only. The balance parameters of the patients were evaluated with the Korebalance System, Functional Reach Test, Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke, and Functional Ambulation Scale. Results The mean age of the patients was 67.32 ± 9.46 years, and the mean number of days that had passed since the stroke occurred was 17.90 ± 7.26. In calculating the balance scores, statistically significant differences were observed in the experimental and control groups, with a statistically greater improvement in the rehabilitation group. Statistically significant differences were determined between the groups in respect of the balance scores. Conclusions Based on these findings, the use of vestibular and somatosensory rehabilitation can be recommended for better functioning of the compensatory mechanism of early subacute-stroke hemiplegic patients in early ambulation, and this can lead to considerably improved standing and dynamic upper and lower body balance.

Efficacy of hippotherapy simulator exercise program in patients with stroke: a randomized single-blind clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hippotherapy simulator on balance, postural control, mobility, functional capacity and independence level in people with stroke. Methods This study involved 26 people with stroke aged 18–65, who were randomly assigned to a Hippotherapy Simulator Group (HSG; n = 13) and a Conventional Exercise Group (CEG; n = 13). Patients underwent assessments using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PAS-S), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), 2-Minute Walking Test (2-MWT), and Barthel Daily Living Activity Index (BI) to evaluate balance, postural control, mobility, functional capacity, and independence before and after treatment. In the HSG, participants received 30 sessions of conventional exercises and hippotherapy simulator – a mechanical and robotic equipment with a dynamic saddle simulating horse movement – exercises over 6 weeks. Meanwhile, the CEG underwent 30 sessions of conventional exercises alone for 6 weeks. Results In the post-therapy evaluation between groups, BBS (p = 0.004) and 2-MWT (p < 0.001) scores were higher in HSG compared to CEG. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of PAS-S, RMI, TUG and BI scores (p > 0.05). Statistically significant differences were found between BBS, PAS-S, RMI, TUG, BI and 2-MWT scores before and after treatment in both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions Hippotherapy simulator can be added to conventional exercises to improve balance and functional capacity in people with stroke.

Improving orientation with respect to gravity enhances balance and gait recovery after stroke: DOBRAS cohort

BackgroundLateropulsion is a deficit in body orientation with respect to gravity, frequent after stroke. Although it is a primary factor affecting mobility, the impact of its attenuation on balance and gait recovery has never been investigated. Moreover, most studies on the lateropulsion time-course focus on severe forms suspected to have a poor recovery, which is not proven. ObjectivesTo investigate lateropulsion attenuation and test 2 hypotheses: 1) lateropulsion attenuation greatly contributes to balance and gait recovery and 2) severe forms of lateropulsion recover slower than moderate forms. MethodsThis longitudinal study involved individuals included in the Determinants of Balance Recovery After Stroke (DOBRAS) cohort, after a first-ever hemispheric stroke, with data collected on day 30 (D30), D60 and D90 post-stroke. Body orientation with respect to gravity was assessed using the Scale for Contraversive Pushing (both scores and severity grouping), in parallel with balance (Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke) and gait (modified Fugl-Meyer Gait Assessment). ResultsAmong the 106 eligible individuals (mean age 66.5 [SD 9.7] years), on D30, 43 (41%) were considered upright and 63 (59%) showed lateropulsion: 30 (28%) moderate and 33 (31%) severe. Most individuals with lateropulsion (73%) improved their body orientation, progressing from severe to moderate lateropulsion, or becoming upright. However, half were still not upright on D90. The improvement in body orientation had a large impact on mobility, especially in individuals with severe lateropulsion, in whom it explained about 50% of balance and gait recovery between D30 and D60, then 20% (D60-D90). For moderate lateropulsion, its attenuation explained about 20% of balance and gait recovery until D90. Lateropulsion attenuation was not slower in individuals with severe forms. ConclusionsLateropulsion attenuation enhances balance and gait recovery in individuals after stroke suggesting that specific rehabilitation of body orientation with respect to gravity might help to recover mobility. RegistrationNCT03203109

IMPAIRED VERTICALITY PERCEPTION AND POSTURAL BALANCE AT 1 MONTH AFTER HEMISPHERIC STROKE

Introduction. In some patients with hemispheric strokes the internal model of verticality is shifted to the opposite side, so patients actively tilt the body axis in the opposite direction from the affected hemisphere. Disturbances of verticality perception are associated with worse functional conditions and slower dynamics of their recovery, with the need for longer rehabilitation treatment, etc. Objective: to investigate the relationships between impaired perception of verticality and indicators of postural balance during the 1st month after hemispheric strokes. Material and methods. There were examined 205 patients with hemispheric strokes that occurred during the last month. The Scale for Contraversive Pushing was used to assess the orientation of the body axis in relation to the force of gravity in the frontal plane. For evaluating of static and dynamic balance we used Berg Balance Scale, Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke, Trunk Impairment Scale, Test Timed Up and Go. Results. Depending on the presence (absence) of verticality perception disorders it had been revealed significant differences in postural balance scales and tests. Severity of verticality perception impairment was associated with significant changes in postural balance: patients with pushing syndrome had reliably worse indicators of postural balance compared to patients with lateropulsion. Moreover, even minimal lateropulsion was associated with significant deterioration of postural balance indicators, compared to normal perception of verticality. In addition, increasing severity of lateropulsion was associated with significant deterioration of postural balance indicators, regardless of spatial hemineglect and hemiparesis severity. Conclusions. 1. Impaired verticality perception in the recovery period of hemispheric strokes was associated with reliable negative changes in postural balance status. 2. Increasing severity of verticality perception disorders corresponded to a reliable deterioration of postural balance indicators.

Determining an optimal posturography dataset to identify standing behaviors in the post-stroke subacute phase. Cross-sectional study.

A key issue for posturography is the expression of robust results, in a simplified way. Most studies of individuals post-stroke concern the chronic phase, with small sample sizes. By reducing the number of posturographic indices, we aimed to determine an optimal dataset and understand typical postural behaviors in the subacute post-stroke phase. In this cross-sectional study ancillary to the DOBRAS cohort, individuals were assessed as soon they could complete a full posturography session (with and without vision) after a first hemispheric stroke. Body-weight distribution on the mediolateral (ML) axis, position of the center of pressure on the antero-posterior (AP) axis, and postural sway on both axes were computed. Balance ability in daily life was quantified with the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke. Data were analyzed by principal component and hierarchical clustering analyses as well as multiple linear regression. We enrolled 95 individuals (median age: 67.0 years [Q1; Q3 56.0; 72.0]; 68% males). Vision suppression had a marginal effect, only increasing postural sway. Regardless of the visual condition, posturographic behavior was captured by a set of 3 indices that explained almost all the information. One postural sway index (ML or AP) gave more information (48%) than both position indices (ML 26% and AP 15%). These 3 indices identified 3 standing behaviors: 1) stable and symmetric, 2) asymmetric, unstable, and positioned backward, and 3) very unstable and positioned forward. Balance ability in daily life was explained (49% of the information, 95%CI [35; 63]) by weight-bearing asymmetry and postural sway on the ML axis, which played an independent role (both p<10-5), with similar impact. Three typical behaviors allow standing after stroke: described by only 3 posturographic indices. Weight-bearing asymmetry is not the primary parameter and should not be considered in isolation as an outcome. To increase the feasibility of posturography in the early subacute phase and to simplify evaluation sessions, trials could be limited to eyes open. NCT03203109.

Balance assessment tools and their psychometric properties among individuals post-stroke: a systematic review

Background and purpose Balance assessment following stroke is a significant part of the rehabilitation program. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS) and the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) are multi-item balance scales commonly used for assessing balance for people post-stroke. The purpose of our systematic review is to identify and appraise the literature on the psychometric properties of these balance measures (BBS, PASS and BESTest) in studies involving people post-stroke. Methods A comprehensive electronic literature search was performed in five databases PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science; in addition to hand searching of relevant references. Two independent reviewers screened the literature search results to include studies that were: written in the English language and published in peer-reviewed journals; participants were adults (>18 years) and had a diagnosis of stroke; Balance of participants was assessed using one (or more) of the following measures: BBS, PASS, BESTest or a shortened version of these measures; and the study reported at least one psychometric property for the balance measure. Two independent reviewers extracted the data using a standardized form. Quality of included studies was assessed using a critical appraisal tool. Results A total of 65 studies met our inclusion criteria and were included in our review. The majority of studies reported on the psychometric properties of the BBS, followed by the PASS and then the BESTest. Results of the critical appraisal scale showed that the overall quality of studies was good. A variety of psychometric properties were reported, with validity being the most reported property followed by reliability. Discussion The BBS, BESTest and PASS and their variants show overall excellent psychometric properties when used among people post-stroke. However, further research is needed to investigate the responsiveness of these measures following rehabilitation programs.

Effect of innovative vs. usual care physical therapy in subacute rehabilitation after stroke. A multicenter randomized controlled trial

Research on stroke rehabilitation often addresses common difficulties such as gait, balance or physical activity separately, a fragmentation contrasting the complexity in clinical practice. Interventions aiming for recovery are needed. The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of a comprehensive low-cost physical therapy intervention, I-CoreDIST, vs. usual care on postural control, balance, physical activity, gait and health related quality of life during the first 12 weeks post-stroke. This prospective, assessor-masked randomized controlled trial included 60 participants from two stroke units in Norway. Participants, who were randomized to I-CoreDIST (n = 29) or usual care physical therapy (n = 31), received 5 sessions/week when in-patients or 3 sessions/week as out-patients. Primary outcomes were the Trunk Impairment Scale-modified Norwegian version (TISmodNV) and activity monitoring (ActiGraphsWgt3X-BT). Secondary outcomes were the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke, MiniBesTEST, 10-meter walk test, 2-minute walk test, force-platform measurements and EQ5D-3L. Stroke specific quality of life scale was administered at 12 weeks. Linear regression and non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. Five participants were excluded and seven lost to follow-up, leaving 48 participants in the intention-to-treat analysis. There were no significant between-group effects for primary outcomes: TIS-modNV (p = 0,857); daily average minutes of sedative (p = 0.662), light (p = 0.544) or moderate activity (p = 0.239) and steps (p = 0.288), or secondary outcomes at 12 weeks except for significant improvements on EQ5D-3L in the usual care group. Within-group changes were significant for all outcomes in both groups except for activity levels that were low, EQ5D-3L favoring the usual care group, and force-platform data favoring the intervention group. Physical therapy treatment with I-CoreDIST improved postural control, balance, physical activity and gait during the first 12 weeks after a stroke but is not superior to usual care.

Hybrid robot-assisted gait training for motor function in subacute stroke: a single-blind randomized controlled trial

BackgroundRobot-assisted gait training (RAGT) is a practical treatment that can complement conventional rehabilitation by providing high-intensity repetitive training for patients with stroke. RAGT systems are usually either of the end-effector or exoskeleton types. We developed a novel hybrid RAGT system that leverages the advantages of both types.ObjectiveThis single-blind randomized controlled trial evaluated the beneficial effects of the novel RAGT system both immediately after the intervention and at the 3-month follow-up in nonambulatory patients with subacute stroke.MethodsWe recruited 40 patients with subacute stroke who were equally randomized to receive conventional rehabilitation either alone or with the addition of 15 RAGT sessions. We assessed lower-extremity motor function, balance, and gait performance by using the following tools: active range of motion (AROM), manual muscle test (MMT), the Fugl–Meyer Assessment (FMA) lower-extremity subscale (FMA-LE) and total (FMA-total), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) balance and gait subscores, and the 3-m and 6-m walking speed and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests. These measurements were performed before and after the intervention and at the 3-month follow-up.ResultsBoth groups demonstrated significant within-group changes in the AROM, MMT, FMA-LE, FMA-total, PASS, BBS, POMA, TUG, and 3-m and 6-m walking speed tests before and after intervention and at the 3-month follow-up (p < 0.05). The RAGT group significantly outperformed the control group only in the FMA-LE (p = 0.014) and total (p = 0.002) assessments.ConclusionAlthough the novel hybrid RAGT is effective, strong evidence supporting its clinical effectiveness relative to controls in those with substantial leg dysfunction after stroke remains elusive.Trial registration The study was registered with an International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number, ISRCTN, ISRCTN15088682. Registered retrospectively on September 16, 2016, at https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15088682

Predictive Validity of the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS) to Classify the Functionality in Stroke Patients: A Retrospective Study.

The analysis of the predictive validity of a scale allows us to establish objectives in rehabilitation and to make decisions in the clinical setting. The objective of this study was to determine the validity of the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS) to predict functionality at each stage of recovery in stroke patients. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out collecting data from patients admitted to a neurorehabilitation hospital. All patients having suffered a stroke less than two months before hospital admission were included in the study. The balance was measured with the PASS scale and the functionality with the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scale. Simple linear regressions were performed to model the relationship between the PASS and FIM scores in the acute, subacute and chronic stages (6 and 12 months), as well as between the PASS scores at admission and the FIM values in the chronic stage. Results: The PASS scale showed a good predictive validity (R2 values from 0.54 to 0.87; β values from 1.99 to 2.62; p < 0.001) for FIM scores at acute, subacute and chronic stages, with lower goodness-of-fit for PASS scores at admission and FIM scores at 12 months (R2 = 0.383; β = 1.61 (0.96–2.26); p < 0.001). Cut-off points in the PASS scale to predict high functional level were 17.5 for the acute stage and 16.5 for the subacute and chronic stages. A score of 8.5 on the PASS scale measured in the acute phase predicted a high functional level at 12 months. Conclusion: The PASS scale is a useful tool to classify the functionality of stroke patients in the acute, subacute and chronic phases. The PASS score upon admission into the hospital can predict the functionality of the stroke patients after 12 months. However, future studies should be carried out to corroborate our findings with larger sample sizes.

Effects of Dynamic Sitting Exercise with Delayed Visual Feedback in the Early Post-Stroke Phase: A Pilot Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Sitting ability in the early post-stroke phase affects functional balance ability and other prognoses. We investigated whether dynamic sitting exercise with delayed visual feedback in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions affected postural control in the early post-stroke phase. In this pilot randomized controlled trial, 27 hemiparetic stroke patients were randomized to experimental (n = 13) and control (n = 14) groups. Dynamic sitting exercise (30 times/day, 5 days/week) in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions, with 500-ms-delayed (experimental group) or real-time (control group) visual feedback on a computer, was added to usual physical therapy. We evaluated the postural assessment scale for stroke (PASS), static and dynamic sitting balance tasks, the five-times sit-to-stand test, trunk impairment scale, functional ambulation category, and functional independence measure–motor items. In intention-to-treat analysis, the experimental group demonstrated a significant intervention effect on the PASS score (p < 0.05). The mean percentage of body weight on the moving side in the lateral sitting task and the number of successes in the five-times sit-to-stand test were significantly higher in the experimental group than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Thus, the proposed exercise improves postural control, dynamic sitting balance, and sit-to-stand ability in early post-stroke patients.

Two Balance Measures as Poststroke Predictors of Ambulation Status at Discharge From Inpatient Rehabilitation

Purpose: Early predictors of the degree of walking ability poststroke are vital considering the decreased length of stay in most inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs). Prediction of functional walking capability upon discharge from IRFs requires more investigation. This study aimed to (1) determine whether the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) can predict an individual's IRF discharge poststroke gait category and (2) establish cut-off scores for these assessments to better forecast gait category upon discharge. Methods: A total of 180 individuals with an admitting stroke diagnosis were assessed with both balance measures and the 10-m walking test at admission and discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Participants were stratified by gait speed into 4 groups (nonambulators: 0 m/s; household ambulators: &lt;0.4 m/s; limited community ambulators: 0.4-0.8 m/s; and community ambulators: &gt;0.8 m/s). Results: Both the admission PASS and the BBS scores may predict patients who will be ambulatory and performed similarly in differentiating between gait classifications upon discharge from inpatient rehabilitation (P &lt; .01). Cut-off scores of 6 or less on the BBS (sensitivity 96%; specificity 83%) and 17 on the PASS (sensitivity 92%; specificity 90%) were established to predict nonambulators, and cut-off scores of 29 or more on the BBS (sensitivity 92%; specificity 86%) and 30 on the PASS (sensitivity 80%; specificity 87%) were established to predict community ambulators. Conclusions: These results can inform clinicians of poststroke patients' walking prognosis and advise discharge needs early in a patient's IRF stay.

Comparison of the postural assessment scale for stroke and the berg balance scale among ambulatory patients with chronic stroke

&lt;p&gt;臨床上中風病患姿勢控制評估量表及柏格氏平衡量表常被使用於評估中風病患的平衡功能，柏格氏平衡量表因為地板效應，並不適合用來評估急性中風或嚴重失能的中風病患。本研究聚焦於可行走的慢性中風病人，共收案23人，發現中風病患姿勢控制評估量表及柏格氏平衡量表之間具有統計學上的高度相關（斯皮爾曼等級相關係數為.93, P&lt;0.05），但因中風病患姿勢控制評估量表更為全面並且施作更省時，對可行走的慢性中風病人是更好的選擇。另外我們也發現中風病患姿勢控制評估量表的動態項目與拿掉閉眼行走項目的柏格氏平衡量表之間具有更高度相關（斯皮爾曼等級相關係數為.99, P&lt;0.05），是否能取代柏格氏平衡量表作為中風的預後因子需要未來更多的研究。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Background and purpose: We examined the correlation between the scores of the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) and those of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) among ambulatory patients with chronic stroke. If the PASS scores are strongly correlated with the BBS scores, the PASS would be a superior alternative for evaluation because it can be administered faster and is more comprehensive. Methods: The PASS and BBS scores of 23 independently ambulatory patients with chronic stroke were collected and analyzed using Spearman&amp;rsquo;s rank correlation. Because the BBS includes more items for assessing dynamic balance function, we also analyzed the correlation between the scores of the changing posture subscale of the PASS and the scores of the BBS. Results: The Spearman rank correlation coefficient (r) between the BBS and PASS scores was .93 (P&lt;0.05), that between the changing posture scores and BBS scores was .87 (P &lt;0.05). Conclusions: Our study indicated that among ambulatory patients with stroke, the PASS and BBS scores were strongly correlated. Thus, the PASS is a superior alternative for evaluating patients with stroke because it is faster to administer and more comprehensive. Contrary to our hy-pothesis, the degree of the correlation between the changing posture scores and the BBS scores was not higher than that of the correlation between the PASS and BBS scores. Nev-ertheless, we believe that the PASS is still a more effective test for evaluating balance func-tion among ambulatory patients with stroke.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Relationship among trunk control, activities of daily living, and upper extremity function during the first week after stroke in patients with acute cerebral infarction.

[Purpose] We aimed to identify the relationship among trunk control, activities of daily living, and upper extremity function during the first week after stroke in patients with acute cerebral infarction. [Participants and Methods] Ninety-five patients with first cerebral infarction were included. Trunk control was assessed using the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke. Additionally, activities of daily living were evaluated using the Functional Independence Measure, and upper extremity function was assessed using the upper extremity component of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment. Correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationships among these three measures. Furthermore, stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors affecting activities of daily living. [Results] The total score and two subcategories of the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke were significantly correlated with the Functional Independence Measure motor values. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed age and the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke as factors influencing the Functional Independence Measure. Moreover, the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke and upper extremity component of Fugl-Meyer Assessment showed a high correlation. [Conclusion] The trunk control ability assessed using the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke is strongly correlated with activities of daily living estimated using the Functional Independence Measure in the first week after stroke in patients with acute cerebral infarction. The upper extremity component of Fugl-Meyer Assessment was not identified as a factor affecting the Functional Independence Measure.

Using Machine Learning to Develop a Short-Form Measure Assessing 5 Functions in Patients With Stroke

ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop and validate a machine learning-based short measure to assess 5 functions (the ML-5F) (activities of daily living [ADL], balance, upper extremity [UE] and lower extremity [LE] motor function, and mobility) in patients with stroke. DesignSecondary data from a previous study. A follow-up study assessed patients with stroke using the Barthel Index (BI), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS), and Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM) at hospital admission and discharge. SettingA rehabilitation unit in a medical center. ParticipantsPatients (N=307) with stroke. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresThe BI, PASS, and STREAM. ResultsA machine learning algorithm, Extreme Gradient Boosting, was used to select 15 items from the BI, PASS, and STREAM, and transformed the raw scores of the selected items into the scores of the ML-5F. The ML-5F demonstrated good concurrent validity (Pearson's r, 0.88-0.98) and responsiveness (standardized response mean, 0.28-1.01). ConclusionsThe ML-5F comprises only 15 items but demonstrates sufficient concurrent validity and responsiveness to assess ADL, balance, UE and LE functions, and mobility in patients with stroke. The ML-5F shows great potential as an efficient outcome measure in clinical settings.