Stroke Duration Research Articles

Human-Delivered Brushstroke Characterization using an Instrumented Brush Focused on Torque.

Pleasant brush therapies may benefit those with autism, trauma, and anxiety. While studies monitor brushing velocity, hand-delivery of brush strokes introduces variability. Detailed measurements of human-delivered brushing physics may help understand such variability and subsequent impact on receivers' perceived pleasantness. Herein, we instrument a brush with multi-axis force and displacement sensors to measure their physics as 12 participants pleasantly stroke a receiver's forearm. Algorithmic procedures identify skin contact, and define four stages of arrival, stroke, departure, and airtime between strokes. Torque magnitude, rather than force, is evaluated as a metric to minimize inertial noise, as it registers brush bend and orientation. Overall, the results of the naturally delivered brushing experiments indicate force and velocity values in the range of 0.4 N and 3-10 cm/s, in alignment with prior work. However, we observe significant variance between brushers across velocity, force, torque, and brushstroke length. Upon further analysis, torque and force measures are correlated, yet torque provides distinct information from velocity. In evaluating the receiver's response to individual differences between brushers of the preliminary case study, higher pleasantness is tied to lower mean torque, and lower instantaneous variance over the stroke duration. Torque magnitude appears to complement velocity's influence on perceived pleasantness.

Correlation between physical activity levels and clinical variables in stroke survivors

Increased levels of physical inactivity leads to increased disability level which results to decreased in balance status among stroke survivors. Balance problems are major co-morbidities stroke survivors are posed with. The current study was undertaken to investigate the relationship of physical activity profile and selected clinical variables of stroke survivors ; disability level, balance status and duration of stroke in selected tertiary hospitals in Anambra State, Nigeria. Sixty-eight (68) participants were recruited for this study of which 46 were males and 22 were were females. Physical activity level were measured using a 7-day International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF), Clinical variables like disability level were measured using Modified Rankin Scale, balance status were measured using Berg Balance Scale. Demographic data were collected which included weight, height, BMI and duration of stroke. The data was tabulated, analyzed statistically and discussed. It was found that physical activity level showed significant positive correlation in clinical variable like balance status, significant negative correlation was found between physical activity level and disability level, also between balance and disability level, non-significant negative correlation was found between physical activity level and duration of stroke incidence. In conclusion, physical activity showed a significant decrease in disability level and balance status. Developing strategies needed to promote and maintain physical activity in stroke survivors as well as potency of physical activity are important to decrease disability level and improve muscle strength adequate enough to maintain balance and good posture. Balance is greatly affected in sitting and high level of disability.

FREQUENCY OF FACTORS LEADING TO IN-HOSPITAL MORTALITY IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH INTRACEREBRAL HEMORRHAGE

This study was designed to identify the frequency and factors of in-hospital patient mortality in intracerebral hemorrhage cases. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Neurology and Medicine department of JPMC, Karachi, from 30-05-20 to 30-11-20. A total of 147 patients that were recently diagnosed with acute hemorrhage stroke were selected for the study. Patients' data about acute hemorrhage stroke, Hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, smoking status, and ischemic heart disease was noted. Patients were examined, and an assessment of GCS was done. Height and weight were measured by tape measure and weight machine, respectively. The mean age of participants was 58.14±8.49 years. At the same time, our study's average duration of acute hemorrhagic stroke, BMI, height, weight, SBP, and DBP was 7.44±5.24 hours, 26.72±1.56 kg/m2, 158±7. Out of 147 acute hemorrhagic stroke patients, 41 (27.9%) and 106 (72.1%) had and did not have in-hospital mortality. Hypertension, GCS score, diabetes mellitus, volume of hematoma, and intraventricular hematoma are independent variables associated with poor intracerebral hemorrhage outcomes.

Loss analysis of a novel compound electromagnetic linear actuator under different operating modes and working conditions

As an important actuator component, the electromagnetic linear actuator has a significant impact on the performance of fully flexible variable valve trains. Aiming at the shortcomings of the conventional moving coil electromagnetic linear actuator (MCELA) with low force density and insufficient end-passive self-holding ability, a novel compound electromagnetic linear actuator (CELA) integrating the advantages of MCELA and the moving iron electromagnetic linear actuator (MIELA) was proposed in this work. The CELA has two operating modes, including single drive mode and cooperative drive mode, and its loss variation is different from that of the single MCELA or MIELA. Firstly, the current and displacement curves under different operating modes were obtained through experiments, which were then used as the excitation source to quantitatively analyze the copper and iron losses under different working conditions by means of 3D finite element simulation. The loss distribution and ratio of CELA under typical operating conditions were discussed in detail. The effects of stroke and valve opening duration on CELA losses were analyzed. The results show that there are significant differences in the loss variation rules between the two operating modes, the losses increase as the working stroke increases in single drive mode. In the cooperative drive mode, the losses are much greater than in the single drive mode, with the losses decreasing in the initial stage and then increasing as the stroke increases. None of the valve opening durations had a significant effect on losses. This study provides a reference for loss studies of other novel electromagnetic linear actuators.

Frequency of Hyperhomocysteinemia in Young (≤45 years) patients presenting with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Aim: To determine the frequency of hyperhomocysteinemia in young (≤ 45 years) patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke at Tertiary Care Hospital, Karachi. Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Neurology and Medicine, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center Karachi from 1st February 2021 to 31st July 2021. Patients' data was collected after a verbal consent was obtained. The diagnostic criteria were met by 119 cases. Results: Mean age, duration of acute ischemic stroke, body mass index, height, weight and homocysteine level were 38.41±4.58 years, 6.54±3.91 hours, 28.66±3.51 kg/m2, 151±10.25 cm, 71.8±11.69 kg and 10.7±3.42 µmol/L. Fifty four (45.4%) and 65 (54.6%) were male and female. Fifty nine (49.6%) and 60 (50.4%) had and did not have hyperhomocysteinemia. Conclusion: 49.6% of young stroke patients had hyperhomocysteinaemia, a modifiable risk factor for ischemic stroke. Therefore close monitoring of patients must be done in all patients with regular follow-up. Keywords: Acute ischemic stroke, Young patients, Hyperhomocysteinemia

Methods and hardware to accelerate the work of a convolutional neural network

Three main approaches to building computer systems are analyzed and allocated: software, hardware, and problem-oriented. A problem-oriented approach was chosen for the implementation of CNN. This approach uses a processor core with hardware accelerators that implement basic CNN operations. The development of computer systems for the implementation of CNN should be carried out based on an integrated approach. This approach includes a modern element base, existing hardware, and software for the implementation of the CNN; methods and algorithms for the implementation of CNN; methods, algorithms, and VLSI structure for the implementation of basic operations of the CNN; methods and means of computer-aided design of hardware and software focused on the implementation of CNN computer systems. For the development of computer systems for the implementation of CNN chosen approach, which includes: variable composition of equipment; use of the basis of elementary arithmetic operations; organization of the process of calculating the scalar product as execution single operation; pipeline and spatial parallelism; localization and simplification of links between the steps of the conveyor; coordination of the time of formation of input data and weighting coefficients with the duration of the conveyor cycle. It is shown that in order to reduce the processing time of large images, it is most expedient to use parallel-stream VLSI -implementation of basic operations. The modified Booth algorithm for forming partial products in a parallel-threaded computing device is selected, which decreased the number of steps in the pipeline. The method of group summation has been improved, which, with multi-input single-digit adders, combined according to the principle of the Wallace tree, provides a reduction in summation time. The method of parallel-flow calculation of scalar product in a sliding window is developed, which, by coordinating the time of receipt of columns of input data and weighting coefficients with the duration of the conveyor cycle, provides high efficiency of equipment use and calculations in real-time. The main ways regarding coordination of the time of receipt of input data columns and weighting coefficients with the duration of the conveyor stroke of hardware that implement two-dimensional convolution are determined. The hardware structure for the realization of two-dimensional convolution in a sliding window, which is focused on VLSI- implementation with high efficiency of equipment use, has been developed. Programmable logic integrated circuits selected for the implementation of hardware accelerators. Single-bit 7, 15, and 31 input adders were developed and modeled on the basis of FPGA EP3C16F484 of the Cyclone III family of Altera company, and an 8-input 7-bit adder was synthesized on their basis.

BURDEN OF FAMILY CAREGIVER IN CARING FOR STROKE PATIENTS: A MIXED METHOD RESEARCH


 
 Background: Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the world, stroke does not only have a negative impact on patients but also has an impact on family caregivers. This study aims to describe the burden experienced by family caregivers in caring for stroke patients. 
 Methods: This research uses a mixed method with sequential explanatory approach. The research was conducted from August to October 2019 involved 106 family caregivers using a purposive sampling technique. Burden experienced was measured with the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) questionnaire. Quantitative data analysis was performed by SPSS and qualitative data analysis with Opencode.
 Results: Burden experienced was at a mild level, there was a significant relationship to education variables (p = 0.007, r = -0.297), family relationships (p = 0.001, r = 0.001), number of caregivers (p = 0.001, r = 0.364), and the patient's duration of stroke (p = 0.006, r = -0.322). 
 There are three themes in this study, that is difficulties in caring, motivation for caring and sources of support. Conclusion: Although quantitatively the family caregiver experiences a mild burden, qualitatively the family caregiver reports complaints in caring for almost all aspects, so treatment is needed to resolve this burden.

Fear of falling, meaningful activity participation and community reintegration among stroke survivors in southwest Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Background/Aims Community reintegration remains one of the most important goals of rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between fear of falling, meaningful activity participation and community reintegration of community-dwelling stroke survivors. Methods The Fall Efficacy Scale-International, Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey and Reintegration to Normal Living Index were used to assess fear of falling, meaningful activity participation and community reintegration respectively among self-ambulant stroke survivors receiving treatment in physiotherapy outpatient clinics. The study was a cross-sectional survey. Tests of relationships, regression and association were performed with a level of significance set at P<0.05. Results A significant relationship was found between fear of falling and community reintegration (r=−0.27; P=0.01; 95% confidence interval=−0.53 to 0.04); meaningful activity participation and community reintegration (r=0.72; P=0.001; 95% CI=0.48 to 0.89) and fear of falling and meaningful activity participation (r=−0.71; P=0.53; 95% CI=−0.32 to 0.24). Older participants had lower levels of community reintegration and meaningful activity participation. A significant association was found between fear of falling and fall history (P=0.02); increased falls meant higher levels of fear of falling. Sex and duration of stroke had no significant impact on fear of falling, meaningful activity participation and community reintegration. Meaningful activity participation was the strongest predictor of community reintegration (β=1.7; 95% CI=1.30 to 2.11; P=0.001). Conclusions Fear of falling might limit participation in meaningful activity and community integration among stroke survivors. These parameters should be assessed by allied health professionals during stroke rehabilitation.

Robotic-Assisted Gait Training (RAGT) in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of 2 types of robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) devices that have been used in stroke rehabilitation. DesignRetrospective cohort. SettingRehabilitation hospital. Participants24 community dwelling people with stroke (N=24). InterventionsRAGT with either an exoskeleton (Lokomat) (mean age=53.8 years; 30% men; mean duration of stroke =17.8 months) or an end-effector (G-EO) (mean age=50.5 years; 77.8% men; mean duration of stroke =13.11) delivered 3 times per week (36 sessions total). Main Outcome MeasuresThe following tests/scales were employed before and after RAGT: Functional Ambulation Categories (FACs), timed Up and Go (TUG), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Trunk Impairment Scale, Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and ability to climb stairs (time to climb 6 steps of 15 cm each; ability to climb stairs). ResultsThere were 5 dropouts, all from the G-EO group. At the end, 10 participants in the Lokomat and 9 in the G-EO group completed the intervention. From pre- to post-RAGT, G-EO patients improved on all functional tests/scales, whereas Lokomat patients improved only on the TUG, DGI, and BBS. Most patients showed improvements above the relative smallest real difference in the TUG, 10MWT, and 6MWT. ConclusionsBoth end-effectors and exoskeletons may improve clinically relevant aspects of walking function. However, this study had a small sample, was retrospective, non-randomized, and had a significant number of drop-outs, therefore its findings should be interpreted carefully. Future studies are needed for investigating potential differences in clinical results, side effects, contraindications, and cost effectiveness between these 2 different types of RAGT.

Mantis Shrimp Locomotion: Coordination and Variation of Hybrid Metachronal Swimming.

Across countless marine invertebrates, coordination of closely spaced swimming appendages is key to producing diverse locomotory behaviors. Using a widespread mechanism termed hybrid metachronal propulsion, mantis shrimp swim by moving five paddle-like pleopods along their abdomen in a posterior to anterior sequence during the power stroke and a near-synchronous motion during the recovery stroke. Despite the ubiquity of this mechanism, it is not clear how hybrid metachronal swimmers coordinate and modify individual appendage movements to achieve a range of swimming capabilities. Using high-speed imaging, we measured pleopod kinematics of mantis shrimp (Neogonodactylus bredini), while they performed two swimming behaviors: burst swimming and taking off from the substrate. By tracking each of the five pleopods, we tested how stroke kinematics vary across swimming speeds and the two swimming behaviors. We found that mantis shrimp achieve faster swimming speeds through a combination of higher beat frequencies, smaller stroke durations, and partially via larger stroke angles. The five pleopods exhibit non-uniform kinematics that contribute to the coordination and forward propulsion of the whole system. Micro-hook structures (retinacula) connect each of the five pleopod pairs and differ in their attachment across pleopods-possibly contributing to passive kinematic control. We compare our findings in N. bredini to previous studies to identify commonalities across hybrid metachronal swimmers at high Reynolds numbers and centimeter scales. Through our large experimental dataset and by tracking each pleopod's movements, our study reveals key parameters by which mantis shrimp adjust and control their swimming, yielding diverse locomotor abilities.

Using body cameras to quantify the duration of a Code Stroke and identify workflow issues: a continuous observation workflow time study

Objective‘Code Stroke’ (Code) is used in health services to streamline hyperacute assessment and treatment delivery for patients with ischaemic stroke. However, there are few studies that detail the time spent...

The Associated Factors of Quality of Life among Stroke Survivors: A Study in Indonesia

Background: The prevalence and burden of stroke are still high, especially in low and middle-income countries. Stroke affects the economy and physics related to the Quality of Life (QoL). Various QoL-associated factors, including sociodemographic, functional outcome, emotional, and cognitive function, were studied. However, there was very limited information about the QoL-associated factors among stroke survivors in Semarang, Indonesia.Purpose: This study aimed to identify the QoL-associated factors among stroke survivors in Semarang, Indonesia.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in outpatient services and involved 57 ischemic stroke survivors using convenience sampling. Demographic and clinical information were obtained using medical records and questionnaires. The questionnaires were the Short Version of Specific Stroke Quality of Life (SS-QoL) to measure QoL, GRID-HAMD 17 to measure Post Stroke Depression (PSD), Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) to measure cognitive impairment, Barthel–Index (BI) to measure functional outcome, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) to measure anxiety, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to measure social support. Linear regression was conducted in the model performance of QoL-associated factors.Results: The stroke duration was 155(18) days, and 50.9% of participants were males. The linear regression showed that age (-.164 95% CI -.412 - .084), marital status (3.937 95% CI 1.010 - 6.864), functional outcome (.127 95% CI .013 - .241), PSD (-1.090 95% CI -2.144 - -.036), cognitive function (.308 95% CI -.482 - 1.098) and anxiety (-.408 95% CI -1.125 - .268) were QoL-predictors (p<.001, adjusted R2=52.1). It is assumed that age, marital status, functional outcome, PSD, cognition, and anxiety significantly predict the QoL among ischemic stroke survivors.Conclusion: The QoL-associated factors were age, marital status, functional outcome, PSD, cognition, and anxiety. These associated factors of QoL should be considered as elements in formulating nursing interventions that aim to improve the good QoL among stroke survivors.

Bilateral Sensorimotor Cortical Communication Modulated by Multiple Hand Training in Stroke Participants: A Single Training Session Pilot Study.

Bi-manual therapy (BT), mirror therapy (MT), and robot-assisted rehabilitation have been conducted in hand training in a wide range of stages in stroke patients; however, the mechanisms of action during training remain unclear. In the present study, participants performed hand tasks under different intervention conditions to study bilateral sensorimotor cortical communication, and EEG was recorded. A multifactorial design of the experiment was used with the factors of manipulating objects (O), robot-assisted bimanual training (RT), and MT. The sum of spectral coherence was applied to analyze the C3 and C4 signals to measure the level of bilateral corticocortical communication. We included stroke patients with onset <6 months (n = 6), between 6 months and 1 year (n = 14), and onset >1 year (n = 20), and their Brunnstrom recovery stage ranged from 2 to 4. The results showed that stroke duration might influence the effects of hand rehabilitation in bilateral cortical corticocortical communication with significant main effects under different conditions in the alpha and beta bands. Therefore, stroke duration may influence the effects of hand rehabilitation on interhemispheric coherence.

The Mediating Effect of Age, Gender, and Post-Stroke Duration on the Association between Trunk and Upper Limb Recovery in Subacute Stroke Population: A Cross-Sectional Study with Mediation Analysis.

The trunk acts as proximal support with which limbs execute smooth and purposeful movement. Furthermore, as upper extremity functions are an integral component of daily living activities, exploring the association between trunk and upper extremity recovery will guide therapists in developing appropriate rehabilitation goals and interventions. The objectives of this study were to (1) assess the association between trunk and upper extremity recovery in the subacute stroke population and (2) assess the effect of trunk control on upper extremity impairment and function with age, gender, and duration of stroke as mediators using mediation analysis in subacute stroke individuals. This cross-sectional study included 54 subacute stroke participants with a mean age of 58.37 ± 6.11 years. The trunk impairment scale (TIS) assessed the trunk's stability, mobility, and coordination. The level of upper extremity impairment was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment scale (FMA). The quality and quantity of upper limb motor functions were measured using the Wolf motor function test (WMFT). The TIS exhibited moderate positive correlations with the FMA-UE, WMFT-time scale (TS), and WMFT-functional ability scale (FAS) at p < 0.001. The mediation analysis reported a profound mediation effect of post-stroke duration on the association of trunk and upper limb recovery. The study results substantiated that trunk control significantly correlates with upper limb impairment and the quality and quantity of its use in the subacute stroke population. Post-stroke duration proved to mediate the association between trunk and upper limb recovery. Therefore, the assessment and intervention of trunk and upper extremity motor control considering the post-stroke duration is vital and should be incorporated in stroke rehabilitation aiming at functional independence.

Impact of inpatient rehabilitation on quality of life among stroke patients.

Despite remarkable progression in the treatment of stroke, the life quality and social related events caused by stroke have received limited attention in our country. Quality of life (QOL) assessment is an important part of the evaluation of stroke patients and their management. The objective of this study was to assess QOL in patients with stroke at the time of admission in rehabilitation unit and to assess the impact of inpatient rehabilitation on change in QOL in these patients. Adult patients with first arterial stroke of any duration, with presentation as hemiplegia, were recruited. The clinical outcome scales and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) parameters for QOL were assessed at both admission and discharge. The scales used were Scandinavian stroke scale (SSS), Barthel Index (BI), and modified Rankin Scale. SF-36 scores were assessed after 6 weeks of discharge also. Ten patients with median age of 36.5 years and median duration of stroke 75 days were recruited. There was significant improvement in functional scores of BI and SSS scales at the time of discharge. Majority of the components of both physical and mental domains of QOL SF-36 questionnaire showed significant improvement. The QOL scores after 6 weeks of discharge did not show significant change except for the emotional well-being. The QOL in patients with stroke improves with inpatient rehabilitation along with motor and functional scores. Improved functional independence leads to better emotional state after discharge also.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in painful hemiplegic shoulder patients with or without subluxation: A retrospective cohort study.

The relationship between hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) and subluxation is unclear. This study aimed to determine the differences of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in HSP patients with or without subluxation after stroke, and to analyze the etiology of shoulder pain. This retrospective study included 53 patients with HSP after stroke from September 2013 to February 2020. Patients underwent MRI of the shoulder because of shoulder pain. Clinical characteristics, including age, sex, stroke duration, body mass index, stroke type, visual analog scale score, Brunnstrom stage, and MRI arthrography findings of the affected shoulder, were recorded. Patients were classified into the glenohumeral subluxation (GHS) group (n = 27) or non-glenohumeral subluxation (nGHS) group (n = 26). We found that patients with HSP may be prone to bursa effusion, rotator cuff injury, ligament injury, and cartilage injury, even though there was no significant difference between the GHS and nGHS groups. MRI revealed 14 cases of long bicipital tendon-glenoid labrum injury (51.8%) in the GHS group and 6 cases (23.1%) in the nGHS group (p = 0.030). We also found 10 cases (37%) of glenoid labrum injury in the GHS group and 2 cases (7.7%) in the nGHS group (p = 0.026). Eight cases (29.6%) and 1 case (3.8%) of bone marrow edema were found in the GHS and nGHS groups, respectively (p = 0.033). Compared with painful hemiplegic shoulder patients without subluxation, patients with subluxation may be more susceptible to some injuries, such as long bicipital tendon-glenoid labrum injury, glenoid labrum injury, and bone marrow edema. During rehabilitation, physicians need to pay attention to these injuries.

Abstract 15298: Paradoxical Association Between Sleep Duration and Risk of Stroke: Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017 - 2020

Introduction: Although inadequate sleep is known to associate with cardiovascular (CV) outcomes including stroke, association between sleep duration and stroke is unclear. Hypothesis: Shorter sleep duration is associated with higher risk of stroke. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) included adult participants aged 21 to 79 years with self-reported history of stroke and sleep duration was studied. Association of sleep duration, stratified into short (&lt;6 hours) and normal sleep durations (≥6 hours), and stroke was evaluated by multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 8,416 participants were identified, of which mean age was 48.25±16 years old, 51.5% were female and mean sleep duration was 7.529 ± 1.651 hours. Overall, 377 patients (4.5%) had a stroke, of which mean sleep duration was 7.545 ± 2.132. Mean sleep duration of non-stroke population was 7.528 ± 1.626. The difference of mean sleep duration between these two groups was statistically significant (0.017 hours; P &lt; 0.001; 95% Cl -0.156,0.189; Figure1). The majority of the study participants reported a normal sleep duration (7426 participants, 88.2%) and the remaining 913 participants (10.8%) had a short sleep duration. Compared with the normal sleep duration group, participants with the short sleep duration had significantly lesser the odds of stroke (adjusted odds ratio 0.574; P &lt; 0.001; 95% CI 0.424,0.777) after adjusted for baseline risk factors including age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index (&lt;25 vs. ≥25 kg/m 2 ), history of hypertension and diabetes. Conclusions: Contrary to previous reports, this study shows that sleep duration is positively associated with risk of stroke. Further long-term studies that focus on understanding the pathophysiology using non-self-reported method are required to elucidate effect of sleep quality and optimal sleep duration on the adverse CV outcomes.

Directional takeoff, aerial righting, and adhesion landing of semiaquatic springtails

Springtails (Collembola) have been traditionally portrayed as explosive jumpers with incipient directional takeoff and uncontrolled landing. However, for these collembolans that live near the water, such skills are crucial for evading a host of voracious aquatic and terrestrial predators. We discover that semiaquatic springtails, Isotomurus retardatus, can perform directional jumps, rapid aerial righting, and near-perfect landing on the water surface. They achieve these locomotive controls by adjusting their body attitude and impulse during takeoff, deforming their body in midair, and exploiting the hydrophilicity of their ventral tube, known as the collophore. Experiments and mathematical modeling indicate that directional-impulse control during takeoff is driven by the collophore's adhesion force, the body angle, and the stroke duration produced by their jumping organ, the furcula. In midair, springtails curve their bodies to form a U-shape pose, which leverages aerodynamic forces to right themselves in less than ~20 ms, the fastest ever measured in animals. A stable equilibrium is facilitated by the water adhered to the collophore. Aerial righting was confirmed by placing springtails in a vertical wind tunnel and through physical models. Due to these aerial responses, springtails land on their ventral side ~85% of the time while anchoring via the collophore on the water surface to avoid bouncing. We validated the springtail biophysical principles in a bioinspired jumping robot that reduces in-flight rotation and lands upright ~75% of the time. Thus, contrary to common belief, these wingless hexapods can jump, skydive, and land with outstanding control that can be fundamental for survival.

Exploring challenges affecting resilience in carers of stroke survivors: a qualitative descriptive study

Purpose To develop an intervention to build resilience in carers of stroke survivors this study aimed to understand these carers’ (1) Challenges that adversely affect their resilience, and (2) suggestions for a relevant intervention to build resilience. Methods Individual semi-structured interviews were used. Participants included carers of stroke survivors (stroke duration > six months). Transcripts were analysed using the General Inductive Approach. This study followed guidelines of Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research (COREQ). Results Four themes were identified that affected resilience: (1) carer psychosocial outcomes, (2) stroke’s sudden and unexpected impact, (3) financial stressors, and (4) carer exclusion in care planning. Carers suggested an intervention comprising information sharing and training in coping skills, positive communication, problem-solving, and connection with “people who have gone through this” to improve resilience. Most supported a group, monthly delivery of the intervention. Conclusion These findings provide direction for a suitable intervention. Further, they suggest that stroke rehabilitation could be improved by adopting a family-centered model of care so that carers can be included as active partners in care process. Protecting carers from the negative impact of caring role on their resilience may sustain their ability to provide long-term care for the stroke survivor. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The provision of informal care to stroke survivors can be associated with significant emotional consequences, withdrawal from social activities, and poor quality of life for the carers. The abruptness of stroke presentation along with its long-term nature can negatively affect the resilience of informal carers. Exploration of challenges affecting carer resilience is important to develop interventions to build resilience in carers of stroke survivors. Integrating interventions focusing on carers’ resilience as part of the stroke rehabilitation process is imperative to ensure well-being of carers and sustainability of the care provided to the stroke survivor.

Assessment of Quality of Life in Patients with Stroke Using Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale

Background: Quality of life (QOL) is the degree to which an individual is healthy, comfortable, and able to participate in or enjoy life events. It is necessary to understand how the duration and age of patients affects different aspects of QOL so that it will help to frame appropriate guidelines about management of stroke related impairments and participation restriction. Methodology: It was an observational study conducted in physiotherapy OPD of a tertiary care hospital from January to October 2021. After the approval from Institutional Ethics committee, 100 patients with stroke were included in the study. Stroke Specific Quality of life questionnaire was administered on them in local language. Results: As the duration of stroke increases, scores on SSQOL scale increases indicating better functioning with scores of 112.9 for the duration of 6-16 months, 117.94 for 17-27 months and 130.5 for 28-38 months. As per the age analysis, age group of 45-65yrs shows better quality of life with score of 123.18 as compared to score of 99.58 for 66-86yrs and score of 110.16 for 24-44yrs. Conclusion: Patients with duration of stroke of 28-38 months showed better quality of life as compared to 6-16 months and 17-27 months. Similarly, patients in the age range of 45-65 years showed better quality of life as compared to lower and upper age groups. However, Social Roles scored the same across all duration of condition indicating the need for remedial measures to be taken to improve the same. Keywords: Quality of life, stroke, Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale