Stroke Specific Quality Of Life Scale Research Articles

Sexual Function and Quality of Life in Individuals Post Stroke.

Sexual function is commonly affected post stroke and impacts an individual's quality of life. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with sexual function in an individual post stroke and the association with quality of life. This cross-sectional study included 56 participants who had a stroke between three and 24months prior. The participants were assessed for: level of disability with the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS); quality of life with the Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale (SSQOL); and sexual function with the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14), and an open-ended questionnaire was administered. The average age of the participants was 51.32 (SD=±13.24) years, with 32 (57.1%) males and 24 (42.9%) females. According to the CSFQ-14, the majority of the study participants (n=35, 62.5%) had sexual dysfunction after their stroke. The factors associated with sexual dysfunction post stroke included age, disability, comorbidities, psychosocial factors such as self-esteem, role changes, and depression. Those with sexual dysfunction were found to have a lower mean SSQOL score (139.94±33.89) than those without sexual dysfunction (149.76±33.77), however, there was no significant difference (p=0.298) between the groups. Majority of the participants (n=37; 66.1%) did not know that healthcare professionals can assist with sexual dysfunction. The majority of participants experienced sexual dysfunction after their stroke. Factors such as pain, difficulty with positioning, self-esteem issues, lack of motivation, and change in desire, are important considerations for the multidisciplinary team in the rehabilitation of a patient's sexual function post stroke. This cross-sectional study did not require study registration.

Development and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Tamil Version of the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SSQoL) and Assessment of its Reliability and Validity

Development and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Tamil Version of the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SSQoL) and Assessment of its Reliability and Validity

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.

Combining low-technology augmentative and alternative communication with regular aphasia treatment: interim findings of a hospital-based RCT in post-stroke patients

ABSTRACT Background Previous research indicates that low-technology (low-tech) augmentative and alternative communication interventions (AACT) can enhance communication skills in individuals with post-stroke aphasia in China. However, there is limited evidence for low-tech AACT in inpatient settings. Aim This study aims to evaluate the impact of low-tech AACT combined with speech-language therapy (SLT) on communication skills related to basic needs, quality of life, and spoken language function among individuals with post-stroke aphasia in an inpatient setting. Methods & Procedures Twelve participants with aphasia having difficulty in daily communication were randomly assigned to an experimental group, receiving 30 minutes of SLT and 30 minutes of low-tech AACT per session (AACT + SLT), or a control group, receiving 60 minutes of SLT per session (SLT), over ten sessions in two weeks. Primary outcomes were measured using the basic needs (CBN) domain of the functional assessment of communication skills for adults (FACS). Secondary outcomes included scores from the Chinese version of the stroke-specific quality of life scale (SS-QOL) and subtests of spoken language production and comprehension from the aphasia battery of Chinese (ABC). The study was registered in the Chinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR2000028870). Results The results indicated a significant improvement in the CBN domain of FACS in the AACT + SLT group, with larger clinically significant changes compared to the SLT group. The AACT+ SLT group also showed significantly higher overall scores on the SS-QOL and more significant improvements in the content of spontaneous speech than the SLT group after intervention. Comparable improvements were observed in other subtests of the ABC between the two groups. Conclusions Incorporating low-tech AACT into regular SLT in inpatient settings can improve communication for basic needs in an in-patient setting, facilitate language recovery, and potentially support the overall quality of life, compared to SLT alone, for people with post-stroke aphasia. This combined approach demonstrates preliminary feasibility in hospital settings, suggesting the value of low-tech AACT in aphasia rehabilitation.

Effectiveness of the Dyadic Coping Intervention of Social Participation (DCISP) for stroke survivors: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundEnhancing social participation is not only the main goal of stroke survivors' community rehabilitation but also a protective factor affecting their physical and emotional health. The current state of stroke survivors' social participation is not encouraging due to the high disability incidence of stroke. Spouses may play a facilitating role in the social participation of patients by providing them with support and assistance. However, there remains a lack of evidence specifically regarding dyadic coping interventions of social participation for stroke survivors, and the intervention strategies are still underdeveloped without clear theoretical frameworks. Therefore, this proposed study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of the Dyadic Coping Intervention of Social Participation (DCISP) for survivors of first-episode homebound stroke.MethodsA single-blind (assessor-blinded), randomized controlled trial will be conducted to verify the effectiveness of DCISP. The randomized controlled trial will be preceded by a feasibility study (N = 20) of DCISP in stroke survivors. Stroke survivors will be randomly classified (1:1) into either a control (N = 50) or an experimental group (N = 50). In addition to routine care, participants in the experimental group will receive six 40 ~ 45 min sessions of guidance, once every two weeks. The primary outcome is social participation of stroke survivors, measured using Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire (IPA) and Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation (USER-P), and the secondary outcomes will be measured by Knowledge Questionnaire for Stroke Patients (SPKQ), Stroke-specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL), Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI), Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI-22). These will be measured at baseline(T0), during the intervention (T1 = 1 month), and after intervention completion (T2 = 3 months, T3 = 6 months).DiscussionFindings from the study will provide evidence of the effects of DCISP on improving the social participation of first-episode homebound stroke survivors. The results of this study may support the implementation of survivor–spouse dyads care support in stroke survivors and provide a reference for clinical rehabilitation nursing practice, offering new insights into nursing interventions for stroke patients.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ChiCTR2400083072. Registered on 20 July 2023.

Effects of acupuncture combined with five-element music for people with mild/moderate post-stroke depression: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with five-element music (FEM) as an therapeutic strategy for the physical and mental state of Post-stroke depression patients. Design and settingMulticenter, randomized clinical trial conducted at 3 hospitals in China and enrolling 237 patients with PSD between June 2019 and April 2021. Participants mild/moderate PSD (17-item GRID Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) score 7–24) were randomly assigned (1:1) to acupuncture combined with FEM (AFEM) group or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group. Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was change and differences between the groups in HAMD-17 from baseline to week 12. Secondary outcomes included Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale score and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) score. ResultsThe 237 patients in this intention-to-treat analysis were randomized into either the AFEM group (n=119) or the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group (n=118). Of these 237 participants, 225 (94.9 %) completed all outcome measurements at week 12. The AFEM and CBT groups both showed significant improvement in HAMD-17 from baseline to week 12. Patients in the AFEM group had significantly lower HAMD-17 scores of −3.56 at week 8 (95 % CI,-4.59 to −2.53; p <.001) and −3.50 at week 12 (95 % CI,-4.53 to −2.46; p<.001) than patients in the CBT group. The SS-QOL score improved significantly at week 12. The Fugl-Meyer score was significantly lower in the AFEM group than in the CBT group at week 4, but this difference was not statistically significant upon follow-up at weeks 8 and 12. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 2.1 % in the AFEM group, with no serious adverse events reported. ConclusionsThe results suggest that acupuncture and five-element music significantly improve the depressive symptoms in this cohort of Chinese PSD patients, and the toxicities were similar with CBP group. RegistrationThis study registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: ChiCTR1900023741.

Early screening for post-stroke depression and its effect on functional outcomes, quality of life, and mortality: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common and debilitating condition affecting stroke survivors, significantly impacting their recovery and overall quality of life. AIM To assess the effects of early PSD screening on functional outcomes, quality of life, and mortality. METHODS From an initial pool of 1065 articles, 6 studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis. Functional outcomes were measured using the functional independence measure (FIM). RESULTS The analysis revealed a significant improvement in FIM scores for a PSD screening group compared to controls [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 8.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.65-13.15, P &lt; 0.01]. Quality of life was assessed using the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale, with the screening group showing significantly higher scores (SMD = 20.83, 95%CI: 15.27-26.38, P &lt; 0.01). Mortality analysis indicated a reduction in five-year mortality rates for the PSD screening group. CONCLUSION Early PSD screening enhances functional recovery, improves quality of life, and reduces mortality rates in stroke survivors. Thus, integrating PSD screening into routine stroke care improves long-term outcomes for patients.

Quality of Life of Post-Stroke Patients in Aceh, Indonesia

Introduction: The quality of life of stroke survivors is a major concern for healthcare providers due to the physical, psychological, and social issues caused by stroke. This study aims to identify the quality of life of post-stroke patients undergoing outpatient treatment at the neurology clinic of the General Hospital of South Aceh Regency, Indonesia. Methods: This research uses a cross-sectional study design with a sample of 120 respondents. All post-stroke patients undergoing treatment at the clinic were included in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews at the specialized stroke clinic from January to March 2024. The research instrument used was the Indonesian version of the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SS-QoL) questionnaire, which has been validated. The reliability test of the SS-QoL resulted in a Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.920. Data analysis was conducted using a descriptive approach, including frequency distribution, percentage, standard deviation, and SS-QoL scale score distribution. Results: The study found that the majority of stroke patients' quality of life was in the good category, amounting to 77.5%. The quality of life domain indicated that personality was the worst dimension (mean=3.13, SD=0.762), while family role, social role, mood, and energy were the best domains (mean=4.13, SD=0.766). Conclusion: The quality of life of stroke patients undergoing outpatient treatment at the Neurology Clinic of South Aceh General Hospital is predominantly in the good category. Interventions focusing on personality aspects need to be enhanced to further improve patients' quality of life.

Outcomes Measures in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Research.

Despite advancements in acute management, morbidity rates for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remain high. Therefore, it is imperative to utilize standardized outcome scales in SAH research for evaluating new therapies effectively. This review offers a comprehensive overview of prevalent scales and clinical outcomes used in SAH assessment, accompanied by recommendations for their application and prognostic accuracy. Standardized terminology and diagnostic criteria should be employed when reporting pathophysiological outcomes such as symptomatic vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia. Furthermore, integrating clinical severity scales like the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies scale and modified Fisher score into clinical trials is advised to evaluate their prognostic significance, despite their limited correlation with outcomes. The modified Rankin score is widely used for assessing functional outcomes, while the Glasgow outcome scale-extended version is suitable for broader social and behavioral evaluations. Avoiding score dichotomization is crucial to retain valuable information. Cognitive and behavioral outcomes, though frequently affected in patients with favorable neurological outcomes, are often overlooked during follow-up outpatient visits, despite their significant impact on quality of life. Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations conducted by trained professionals are recommended for characterizing cognitive function, with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment serving as a viable screening tool. Additionally, integrating psychological inventories like the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory, along with quality-of-life scales such as the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale, can effectively assess behavioral and quality of life outcomes in SAH studies.

Neighborhood Resources and Health Outcomes Among Stroke Survivors in a Population-Based Cohort.

Stroke survivors believe neighborhood resources such as community centers are beneficial; however, little is known about the influence of these resources on stroke outcomes. We evaluated whether residing in neighborhoods with greater resource density is associated with favorable post-stroke outcomes. We included Mexican American and non-Hispanic White stroke survivors from the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi project (2009-2019). The exposure was density of neighborhood resources (eg, community centers, restaurants, stores) within a residential census tract at stroke onset. Outcomes included time to death and recurrence, and at 3 months following stroke: disability (activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living), cognition (Modified Mini-Mental State Exam), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-8), and quality of life (abbreviated Stroke-Specific Quality of Life scale). We fit multivariable Cox regression and mixed linear models. We considered interactions with stroke severity, ethnicity, and sex. Among 1786 stroke survivors, median age was 64 years (interquartile range, 56-73), 55% men, and 62% Mexican American. Resource density was not associated with death, recurrence, or depression. Greater resource density (75th versus 25th percentile) was associated with more favorable cognition (Modified Mini-Mental State Exam mean difference=0.838, 95% CI=0.092, 1.584) and among moderate-severe stroke survivors, with more favorable functioning (activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living=-0.156 [95% CI, -0.284 to 0.027]) and quality of life (abbreviated Stroke-Specific Quality of Life scale=0.194 [95% CI, 0.029-0.359]). We observed associations between greater resource density and cognition overall and with functioning and quality of life among moderate-severe stroke survivors. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine if neighborhood resources may be a tool for recovery.

Lower extremity physical function and quality of life in patients with stroke: a longitudinal cohort study

PurposeLower extremity physical function (LEPF) is a key component for mobility and is impacted in stroke-related disability. A reduction in LEPF can have a significant impact on an individual’s Quality of Life (QoL). The aim of this study is to characterise the relationship between LEPF and QoL.MethodsThe MOBITEC-Stroke Study is a longitudinal cohort-study including patients with their first occurrence of ischaemic stroke. Using a linear mixed-effects model, the relationship between LEPF (timed up-and-go performance (TUG); predictor) and QoL (Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale (SS-QoL); outcome) at 3 and 12 months post stroke was investigated and adjusted for sex, age, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale-International Version, FES-I), and stroke severity (National Institute of Stroke Severity scale, NIHSS), accounting for the repeated measurements.ResultsData of 51 patients (65 % males, 35% females) were analysed. The mean age was 71.1 (SD 10.4) years, median NIHSS score was 2.0. SS-QoL was 201.5 (SD 20.5) at 3 months and 204.2 (SD 17.4) at 12 months; the mean change was 2.7 (95% CI -2.4 to 7.7), p= 0.293. A positive association was found between baseline TUG performance (estimate log score -13.923; 95% CI -27.495 to -0.351; p=0.048) and change in SS-QoL score in multivariate regression analysis.ConclusionHigher LEPF (i.e better TUG performance) at baseline, was associated with an improvement in QoL from 3- to 12-months post stroke. These results highlight the critical role of physical function, particularly baseline LEPF, in influencing the QoL of stroke survivors.

Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Training on Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Patients with Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

Objective: To explore the effects of progressive muscle relaxation training on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Methods: Sixty-one patients with CSVD in the Department of Neurology of a tertiary hospital were divided into an observation group (28 patients) and a control group (33 patients) by lottery method. The control group received conventional nursing care, while the observation group received progressive muscle relaxation training interventions in addition to the conventional care. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), and the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) were used to compare the effects before the intervention, 7 days after the intervention, and 30 days after the intervention. Results: Over time, at different time points after the intervention, the anxiety and depression scores of patients with CSVD in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). The quality of life scores were significantly higher in the observation group compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.05), and these differences were statistically significant. Conclusion: Progressive muscle relaxation training can improve anxiety and depression in patients with cerebral small vessel disease and can effectively enhance their quality of life.

The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on balance, gait function and quality of life in patients with stroke

ABSTRACT Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used in various neurological diseases due to its positive effects on cortical excitability. The aim of our study is to examine the effects of tDCS in stroke and 28 patients with stroke were randomly divided into two groups as intervention and control groups. Balance was evaluated with the Timed Up and Go Test and Berg Balance Scale. Walking functions were evaluated using the 10-meter Walk Test and the 6 Minutes Walk Test, lower extremity function was evaluated by Fugl Meyer Lower Extremity Scale, quality of life by Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL). A task-oriented physiotherapy and rehabilitation program was applied to both groups. In addition to the task-oriented program, anodal tDCS was applied in the intervention group and carried out with a current of 2 mA, 5 days a week, 20 min, for a total of 4 weeks. In the control group, after the flow was opened for 30 s and the patient felt a tingling sensation, it was turned off without the patient noticing. As a result, significant improvement was obtained in all parameters in both groups (p < 0.05). At the difference values of both groups, only SS-QOL mobility subgroup was significant and other parameters were not significant. Considering all these results, it can be seen that tDAS applied in addition to the task-oriented training program in individuals with stroke makes a positive contribution to the patients’ balance, walking function and quality of life. We think that tDAS may be a feasible and safe additional approach in this patient group.

Gait Function and its Association with Functional Independence, Quality of Life, and Community Reintegration in Stroke Survivors.

Background and Aims: The major outcome of stroke rehabilitation is the recovery of the ability to walk. However, a large proportion of stroke survivors are discharged to the community with gait deficiency which impairs their functional independence, and quality of life increasing the burden of care on caregivers especially their lack of functioning in the community. This study assessed the gait functional performance in community-dwelling stroke survivors and explored its association with functional independence, quality of life, and community reintegration in community-dwelling stroke survivors. Materials and methods: This study involved 115(59 males and 56 females) community-dwelling stroke survivors. Their gait functional performance was assessed using the 10-meter walk test (10MWT) while their functional independence was assessed with the functional independence measure (FIM). Their quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the Stroke-specific QoL scale while community functioning and productivity were assessed using the community integration questionnaire (CIQ). Their scores on the assessments were compared with the normative data of their age and sex-matched healthy individuals. Data was analysed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient and Chi-Square at p&lt;.05. Results: Participants’ ages ranged between 27 to 78 years (mean=60.48±37.84 years). More participants (56.7%) had right hemispheric lesions and 43.3% had lesions in the left hemisphere. Their gait function, functional independence performance, QoL, and community reintegration functions were significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower than their age and sex-matched normative data. There was a significant (p&lt;0.05) association and relationship between their gait functional performance and each of the functional independence performance, QoL, community reintegration, and productivity. Conclusion: Gait functional performance in community-dwelling stroke survivors is significantly lower than in age and sex-matched healthy individuals and it is significantly associated with low functional independence performance, low quality of life, poor community functioning, and lack of productivity in stroke survivors, Abnormal gait pattern is related to poor functional independence, poor quality of life and low productivity.

Yoga as an Integrated Therapy for Stroke Rehabilitation – A Case Study

Background and Purpose: A stroke (cerebrovascular accident) is damage to the brain cells from an interruption of their blood supply due to blockage or rupture of an artery to the brain. It is the second-leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. The present study is a case report investigating the effect of yoga therapy in addition to acupressure and physiotherapy on activities of daily living and the quality of life of patients after stroke. Subject and method: It is a single case study of 38-year-old women diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke who have chief complaints of loss of function of the left upper and lower limbs, and hypertension. For better management of stroke and recovery, she was undergoing yoga, physiotherapy, and acupuncture treatment in the CAM department at DSVV. The primary outcome measures were activities of daily living by the Barthel index and quality of life by the stroke-specific quality of life scale. The subject received integrated treatment for 12 weeks consisting of 45-minute, 1-hour yoga sessions 6 days a week, regular physiotherapy in the subject’s home, and acupuncture every 2 weeks. The primary outcome data were collected before and after the treatment intervention phase. Result: The subject had improved Barthel’s activity and quality of life score. Discussion and Conclusion: The results suggest that yoga integrated with other complementary therapies may be beneficial to stroke survivors in rehabilitation.

A Study Evaluating the Aspects of Stroke-specific Quality of Life and Severity in Hypertensive Stroke Patients

ABSTRACT Background: A wide range of cognitive and physical effects occur depending on the location and extent of brain damage caused by the stroke. These effects vary widely in terms of severity. There is a strong correlation between quality of life (QoL) scores and the traditional functional outcome measures. The objective is to evaluate stroke patients’ QoL and severity. A total of 196 hypertensive stroke patients across all age groups are included in this prospective observational study. Methods: Stroke-specific QoL Scale (SS-QoL) questionnaires were self-administered, to assess health-related QoL among stroke patients. The severity level was determined using the modified Barthel index (MBI) and Modified Ranking Scales (mRS). Suitable Statistical methods (Pearson Chi-square and Pearson correlation) were applied to analyze the outcomes. Results: A total of 156 hypertensive stroke patients were assessed for SS-Qol and MBI. We observed that patients with hemorrhagic stroke (5.8%) showed excellent QoL (200–249 range) in comparison with that of ischemic stroke patients (4.4%) and correlation between the domains was significant at P &lt; 0.05 level. Majority of 61 (39.1%) patients showed severe dependence and 1% of patients were independent. mRS was assessed on 196 hypertensive stroke patients, our results showed that the majority of 51 (27%) had severe disability followed by 49 (25%) patients who were completely bedridden, and about 40 (20.4%) deaths were encountered. Conclusion: From our study, we conclude that on using SS-QoL scales assessing SS-QoL the results showed that patients who suffered from a stroke were severely affected physically and mentally decreasing the normal lifespan of a patient and causing death.

The effects of kinesiophobia, fatigue, and quality of life on physical activity in patients with stroke

ABSTRACT Background Physical activity decreases after stroke due to various factors and the causes and effects of these factors remain unclear. Objectives This study aimed todetermine the effects of kinesiophobia, fatigue, and quality of life on physical activity in patients with stroke. Methods The study included 32 patients (13 females/19 males), all evaluated using the Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement, Barthel Index, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale-fatigue, Fatigue Impact Scale and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale. The SenseWear multisensory activity monitor was worn on the arm of the patients for 1 week to evaluate active energy expenditure, step count, and rest periods in relation to physical activity. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the effects of the independent variables kinesiophobia, fatigue, and quality of life on the dependent variables of active energy expenditure, step count, and rest periods. Results The mean age of the patients was 52.31 ± 14.76 years. According to the multiple regression analysis results, kinesiophobia (p = 0.011) and quality of life (p = 0.009) are significant determinants of active energy expenditure and quality of life (p = 0.001) is a significant determinant of the step count in patients with stroke. Kinesiophobia, fatigue, and quality of life were not determinants of rest periods (p > 0.05). Conclusions The study results showed that kinesiophobia and quality of life are important determinants of physical activity in patients with stroke. Combined evaluation in the clinic of motor findings and non-motor factors, which are often ignored, and the application of target-oriented approaches to these problems will make a significant contribution to the success of stroke rehabilitation.

The Effects of Combined Virtual Reality Exercises and Robot Assisted Gait Training on Cognitive Functions, Daily Living Activities, and Quality of Life in High Functioning Individuals With Subacute Stroke.

Stroke is a global health concern causing significant mortality. Survivors face physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges, affecting their life satisfaction and social participation. Robot-assisted gait training with virtual reality, like Lokomat, is a promising rehabilitation tool. We investigated its impact on cognitive status, activities of daily living, and quality of life in individuals with stroke. Between September 2022 and August 2023, we exposed 34 first stroke patients (8 women, 26 men; M age = 59.15, SD = 11.09; M height = 170.47, SD = 8.13cm; M weight = 75.97; SD = 10.87kg; M days since stroke = 70.44, SD = 33.65) in the subacute stage (3-6 months post-stroke) to Lokomat exercise. Participant exclusion criteria were Lokamat exercise inability, disabilities incompatible with intended measurements, and any cognitive limitations. The Control Group (CG) received conventional physiotherapy, while the Lokomat Group (LG) received both conventional physiotherapy and robot-assisted gait training with virtual reality, administered by an occupational therapist. Evaluations were conducted by a physiotherapist who was unaware of the participants' group assignments and included assessments with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Lawton Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, and Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QoL). Both groups demonstrated an improved quality of life, but the LG outperformed the CG with regard to SS-QoL (p = .01) on measures of Energy (p = .002) and Mobility (p = .005). Both groups showed improvements in cognitive functioning (p < .001) with no between-group difference, and in activities of daily living (p < .05) for which the LG was superior to the CG (p = .023). Thus, adding robot-assisted gait training with Lokomat and virtual reality improved self-reported quality of life and daily activities at levels beyond conventional physiotherapy for patients in the subacute stroke phase. An incremental impact on cognitive functions was not evident, possibly due to rapid cognitive recovery or this was undetected by limited cognitive testing.

The effectiveness of bodyweight-supported treadmill training in stroke patients: randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to assess the impact of conventional rehabilitation (CR) and the combination of bodyweight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) with CR on walking speed, endurance, balance, mobility, and the quality of life in stroke survivors. In this prospective, randomized, controlled, and single-blind study, 30 stroke patients were included (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT04597658 date: October 22, 2020). These patients were divided into two groups: (1) CR only (control group, n = 14) and (2) CR with BWSTT (experimental group, n = 16). Both groups received CR for 3 consecutive weeks, 5days a week, for 30min each day. The experimental group received an additional 30min of BWSTT per session. Patients were evaluated using the 10-m walk test (10MWT), the six-minute walk test (6MWT), the Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment Score, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), and the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) before and after the intervention. Both groups showed significant improvements across all scales after the intervention. The BWSTT group exhibited particularly noteworthy enhancements in comfortable 10MWT and TUG scores (p = 0.043 and p = 0.025, respectively) compared to the CR group post-intervention. In conclusion, a holistic approach combining conventional physiotherapy with overground gait training can enhance various aspects of mobility. This approach offers a cost-effective and equipment-free alternative to BWSTT and necessitates specialized treadmill and bodyweight support systems, incurring higher costs. However, using BWSTT as a co-therapy therapy can be costly but provides additional benefits for enhancing functional mobility.

Effect of Acupuncture vs Sham Acupuncture on Patients With Poststroke Motor Aphasia

Motor aphasia is common among patients with stroke. Acupuncture is recommended as an alternative therapy for poststroke aphasia, but its efficacy remains uncertain. To investigate the effects of acupuncture on language function, neurological function, and quality of life in patients with poststroke motor aphasia. This multicenter, sham-controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted in 3 tertiary hospitals in China from October 21, 2019, to November 13, 2021. Adult patients with poststroke motor aphasia were enrolled. Data analysis was performed from February to April 2023. Eligible participants were randomly allocated (1:1) to manual acupuncture (MA) or sham acupuncture (SA) groups. Both groups underwent language training and conventional treatments. The primary outcomes were the aphasia quotient (AQ) of the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) and scores on the Chinese Functional Communication Profile (CFCP) at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes included WAB subitems, Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale, Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39, and Health Scale of Traditional Chinese Medicine scores at 6 weeks and 6 months after onset. All statistical analyses were performed according to the intention-to-treat principle. Among 252 randomized patients (198 men [78.6%]; mean [SD] age, 60.7 [7.5] years), 231 were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis (115 in the MA group and 116 in the SA group). Compared with the SA group, the MA group had significant increases in AQ (difference, 7.99 points; 95% CI, 3.42-12.55 points; P = .001) and CFCP (difference, 23.51 points; 95% CI, 11.10-35.93 points; P < .001) scores at week 6 and showed significant improvements in AQ (difference, 10.34; 95% CI, 5.75-14.93; P < .001) and CFCP (difference, 27.43; 95% CI, 14.75-40.10; P < .001) scores at the end of follow-up. In this randomized clinical trial, patients with poststroke motor aphasia who received 6 weeks of MA compared with those who received SA demonstrated statistically significant improvements in language function, quality of life, and neurological impairment from week 6 of treatment to the end of follow-up at 6 months after onset. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1900026740.