Responsiveness and predictability of gait speed and other disability measures in acute stroke

The Effects of Functional Training, Bicycle Exercise, and Exergaming on Walking Capacity of Elderly Patients With Parkinson Disease: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Single-blinded Trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of functional training, bicycle exercise, and exergaming on walking capacity of elderly with Parkinson disease (PD).

DESIGN

A pilot randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial.

SETTING

A state reference health care center for elderly, a public reference outpatient clinic for the elderly.

PARTICIPANTS

Elderly individuals (≥60 years of age; N=62) with idiopathic PD (stage 2 to 3 of modified Hoehn and Yahr staging scale) according to the London Brain Bank.

INTERVENTION

The participants were randomly assigned to three groups. Group 1 (G1) participated in functional training (n=22); group 2 (G2) performed bicycle exercise (n=20), and group 3 (G3) trained with Kinect Adventures (Microsoft, Redmond, WA) exergames (n=20).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the 6-minute walk test (6MWT); secondary outcome measures were the 10-m walk test (10MWT), sitting-rising test (SRT), body mass index, Parkinson Disease Questionnaire-39, World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0), and 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale.

RESULTS

All groups showed significant improvements in 6MWT (G1 P=.008; G2 P=.001; G3 P=.005), SRT (G1 P<.001; G2 P=.001; G3 P=.003), and WHODAS 2.0 (G1 P=.018; G2 P=.019; G3 P=.041). Only G3 improved gait speed in 10MWT (P=.11). G1 (P=.014) and G3 (P=.004) improved quality of life. No difference was found between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Eight weeks of exergaming can improve the walking capacity of elderly patients with PD. Exergame training had similar outcomes compared with functional training and bicycle exercise. The three physical exercise modalities presented significant improvements on walking capacity, ability to stand up and sit, and functionality of the participants.

A Backward Walking Training Program to Improve Balance and Mobility in Acute Stroke: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Strategies to address gait and balance deficits early poststroke are minimal. The postural and motor control requirements of Backward Walking Training (BWT) may provide benefits to improve balance and walking speed in this population. This pilot study (1) determined the feasibility of administering BWT during inpatient rehabilitation and (2) compared the effectiveness of BWT to Standing Balance Training (SBT) on walking speed, balance, and balance-related efficacy in acute stroke.

METHODS

Eighteen individuals 1-week poststroke were randomized to eight, 30-minute sessions of BWT or SBT in addition to scheduled therapy. Five-Meter Walk Test, 3-Meter Backward Walk Test, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Sensory Organization Test, and Function Independence Measure-Mobility were assessed pre- and postintervention and at 3 months poststroke.

RESULTS

Forward gait speed change (BWT: 0.75 m/s; SBT: 0.41 m/s), assessed by the 5-Meter Walk Test, and backward gait speed change (BWT: 0.53 m/s; SBT: 0.23 m/s), assessed by the 3-Meter Backward Walk Test, preintervention to 1-month retention were greater for BWT than for SBT (P < 0.05). Group difference effect size from preintervention to 1-month retention was large for Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, moderate for Berg Balance Scale and Function Independence Measure-Mobility, and small for Sensory Organization Test.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Individuals 1-week poststroke tolerated 30 min/d of additional therapy. At 1-month postintervention, BWT resulted in greater improvements in both forward and backward walking speed than SBT. Backward walking training is a feasible important addition to acute stroke rehabilitation. Future areas of inquiry should examine BWT as a preventative modality for future fall incidence.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A193).

What does best evidence tell us about robotic gait rehabilitation in stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Studies about electromechanical-assisted devices proved the validity and effectiveness of these tools in gait rehabilitation, especially if used in association with conventional physiotherapy in stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different robotic devices in improving post-stroke gait abnormalities.

METHODS

A computerized literature research of articles was conducted in the databases MEDLINE, PEDro, COCHRANE, besides a search for the same items in the Library System of the University of Parma (Italy). We selected 13 randomized controlled trials, and the results were divided into sub-acute stroke patients and chronic stroke patients. We selected studies including at least one of the following test: 10-Meter Walking Test, 6-Minute Walk Test, Timed-Up-and-Go, 5-Meter Walk Test, and Functional Ambulation Categories.

RESULTS

Stroke patients who received physiotherapy treatment in combination with robotic devices, such as Lokomat or Gait Trainer, were more likely to reach better results, compared to patients who receive conventional gait training alone. Moreover, electromechanical-assisted gait training in association with Functional Electrical Stimulations produced more benefits than the only robotic treatment (-0.80 [-1.14; -0.46], p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The evaluation of the results confirm that the use of robotics can positively affect the outcome of a gait rehabilitation in patients with stroke. The effects of different devices seems to be similar on the most commonly outcome evaluated by this review.

Effect of Surgery on Gait and Sensory Motor Performance in Patients With Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

BACKGROUND

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a common disease of aging that leads to gait instability resulting from loss of leg sensory and motor functions. The results of surgical intervention have been studied using a variety of methods, but no test has been reported that objectively measures integrative leg motor sensory functions in CSM patients.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility of using a novel single leg squat (SLS) test to measure integrative motor sensory functions in patients with CSM before and after surgery.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with CSM were enrolled in this prospective study. Clinical data and scores from standard outcomes questionnaires were obtained before and after surgery. Patients also participated in experimental test protocols consisting of standard kinematic gait testing, the Purdue pegboard test, and the novel SLS test.

RESULTS

The SLS test protocol was well tolerated by CSM patients and generated objective performance data over short test periods. In patients who participated in postoperative testing, the group measures of mean SLS errors decreased following surgery. Gait velocity measures followed a similar pattern of group improvement postoperatively. Practical barriers to implementing this extensive battery of tests resulted in subject attrition over time. Compared with kinematic gait testing, the SLS protocol required less space and could be effectively implemented more efficiently.

CONCLUSIONS

The SLS test provides a practical means of obtaining objective measures of leg motor sensory functions in patients with CSM. Additional testing with a larger cohort of patients is required to use SLS data to rigorously examine group treatment effects.

ABBREVIATIONS

BW, body weightCSM, cervical spondylotic myelopathymJOA, modified Japanese Orthopedic AssociationSLS, single leg squat.

Measurement Properties of Short Lower Extremity Functional Exercise Tests in People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

An increasing variety of short functional exercise tests are reported in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Systematic review of the psychometric properties of these exercise tests is indicated.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of short (duration < 6 min) lower extremity functional exercise tests in people with COPD.

DATA SOURCES

Five databases were searched: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, AMED, and CINAHL.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies reporting psychometric properties of short functional exercise tests in people with COPD were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers independently extracted data and rated the quality of each measurement property using the COnsensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement INstrument (COSMIN).

DATA SYNTHESIS

Twenty-nine studies were identified reporting properties of 11 different tests. Four-meter gait speed [4MGS] and 5 repetition sit-to-stand [5STS] demonstrated high reliability (ICC = .95-.99; .97) with no learning effect (COSMIN study ratings = good--excellent). Their validity for use as a stratification tool anchored against an established prognostic indicator (area under receiver operator characteristics curve [AUC] = 0.72-0.87; 0.82) and responsiveness to change after pulmonary rehabilitation was greatest in more frail people with COPD. Studies of the Timed "Up and Go" [TUG] test support use of a practice test and show discriminative ability to detect falls history and low six-minute walk distance (AUC = 0.77; 0.82, COSMIN ratings = fair-excellent).

LIMITATIONS

Earlier studies were limited by small sample size. Limited data of lower study quality was identified for step tests and the Two-Minute Walk Test.

CONCLUSIONS

Selected short functional exercise tests can complement established exercise capacity measures, in stratification and measuring responsiveness to change especially in people with COPD and lower functional ability.

Comparison of the Mini-Balance Evaluations Systems Test with the Berg Balance Scale in relationship to walking speed and motor recovery post stroke

BACKGROUND

The Mini-BESTest is a recently developed balance assessment tool that incorporates challenging dynamic balance tasks. Few studies have compared the psychometric properties of the Mini-BESTest to the commonly used Berg Balance Scale (BBS). However, the utility of these scales in relationship to post stroke walking speeds has not been explored.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the Mini-BESTest and BBS to evaluate walking speeds in individuals with stroke.

DESIGN

A retrospective exploratory design.

METHODS

Forty-one individuals with chronic stroke were evaluated with the Mini-BESTest, BBS, and 10-meter self-selected walk test (10MWT). Based on their self-selected gait speeds (below or above 0.8 m/s), participants were classified as slow and fast walkers.

RESULTS

Significant linear correlations were observed between the Mini-BESTest vs. BBS (r = 0.72, p ≤ 0.001), Mini-BESTest vs. 10MWT (r = 0.58, p ≤ 0.001), and BBS vs. 10MWT (r = 0.30, p = 0.05). Independent t-tests comparing the balance scores for the slow and fast walkers revealed significant group differences for the Mini-BESTest (p = 0.003), but not for the BBS (p = 0.09). The Mini-BESTest demonstrated higher sensitivity (93%) and specificity (64%) compared to the BBS (sensitivity 81%, specificity 56%) for discriminating participants into slow and fast walkers.

CONCLUSIONS

The Mini-BESTest has a greater discriminative ability than the BBS to categorize individuals with stroke into slow and fast walkers.

Relationship between oxygen cost of walking and level of walking disability after stroke: An experimental study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Since physical inactivity is the major risk factor for recurrent stroke, it is important to understand how level of disability impacts oxygen uptake by people after stroke. This study investigated the nature of the relationship between level of disability and oxygen cost in people with chronic stroke.

METHODS

Level of walking disability was measured as comfortable walking speed using the 10-m Walk Test reported in m/s with 55 ambulatory people 2 years after stroke. Oxygen cost was measured during 3 walking tasks: overground walking at comfortable speed, overground walking at fast speed, and stair walking at comfortable speed. Oxygen cost was calculated from oxygen uptake divided by distance covered during walking and reported in ml∙kg^-1 ∙m^-1 .

RESULTS

The relationship between level of walking disability and oxygen cost was curvilinear for all 3 walking tasks. One quadratic model accounted for 81% (95% CI [74, 88]) of the variance in oxygen cost during the 3 walking tasks: [Formula: see text] DISCUSSION: The oxygen cost of walking was related the level of walking disability in people with chronic stroke, such that the more disabled the individual, the higher the oxygen cost of walking; with oxygen cost rising sharply as disability became severe. An equation that relates oxygen cost during different walking tasks according to the level of walking disability allows clinicians to determine oxygen cost indirectly without the difficulty of measuring oxygen uptake directly.

Sleep Duration, Sedentary Behavior, Physical Activity, and Quality of Life after Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe accelerometer-derived sleep duration, sedentary behavior, physical activity, and quality of life and their association with demographic and clinical factors within the first month after inpatient stroke rehabilitation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty people with stroke (mean ± standard deviation, age: 63.8 ± 12.3 years, time since stroke: 3.6 ± 1.1 months) wore an activPAL3 Micro accelerometer (PAL Technologies, Glasgow, Scotland) continuously for 7 days to measure whole-day activity behavior. The Stroke Impact Scale and the Functional Independence Measure were used to assess quality of life and function, respectively.

RESULTS

Sleep duration ranged from 6.6 to 11.6 hours/day. Fifteen participants engaged in long sleep greater than 9 hours/day. Participants spent 74.8% of waking hours in sedentary behavior, 17.9% standing, and 7.3% stepping. Of stepping time, only a median of 1.1 (interquartile range: .3-5.8) minutes were spent walking at a moderate-to-vigorous intensity (≥100 steps/minute). The time spent sedentary, the stepping time, and the number of steps differed significantly by the hemiparetic side (P < .05), but not by sex or the type of stroke. There were moderate to strong correlations between the stepping time and the number of steps with gait speed (Spearman r = .49 and .61 respectively, P < .01). Correlations between accelerometer-derived variables and age, time since stroke, and cognition were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

People with stroke sleep for longer than the normal duration, spend about three quarters of their waking hours in sedentary behaviors, and engage in minimal walking following stroke rehabilitation. Our findings provide a rationale for the development of behavior change strategies after stroke.

Efficacy of Task-Specific Training on Physical Activity Levels of People With Stroke: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The majority of people after stroke demonstrate mobility limitations, which may reduce their physical activity levels. Task-specific training has been shown to be an effective intervention to improve mobility in individuals with stroke, however, little is known about the impact of this intervention on levels of physical activity.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective is to investigate the efficacy of task-specific training, focused on both upper and lower limbs, in improving physical activity levels and mobility in individuals with stroke. The secondary objective is to investigate the effects of the training on muscle strength, exercise capacity, and quality of life.

DESIGN

This is a randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

The setting is public health centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Community-dwelling people with chronic stroke.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants will be randomized to either an experimental or control group, who will receive group interventions 3 times per week over 12 weeks. The experimental group will undertake task-specific training, while the control group will undertake global stretching, memory exercises, and health education sessions.

MEASUREMENTS

Primary outcomes include measures of physical activity levels and mobility, whereas secondary outcomes are muscle strength, exercise capacity, and quality of life. The outcomes will be measured at baseline, postintervention, and at the 4- and 12-week follow-ups.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this trial have the potential to provide important insights regarding the effects of task-specific training, focused on both upper and lower limbs, in preventing secondary poststroke complications and improving the participants' general health through changes in physical activity levels.

Instruments to evaluate mobility capacity of older adults during hospitalization: A systematic review

Independent mobility is a key factor in predicting morbidity and determining hospital discharge readiness for older patients. The main objective was identify and appraise relevant instruments for the measurement of mobility of hospitalized geriatric patients. A systematic review was performed in two consecutive steps. Based on the definition of mobility of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF). Step 1 identified mobility measurement instruments used to assess patients 60 years of age and over hospitalized in acute care or intensive geriatric rehabilitation unit. Aim of the instrument, coverage of mobility construct, applicability (format, training required, administration time and use of assistive devices) were extracted. For each included instrument, Step 2 identified and appraised articles reporting about their measurement properties. Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) was used by two independent reviewers to critically appraise and compare the measurement properties. Step 1 resulted in 6350 articles, of which 28 articles reported about 17 different instruments. Step 2 retained 11 instruments with 70 articles reporting about their measurement properties in various settings. Judgement-based instruments (n=5) covered the ICF mobility construct more broadly than performance-based measures (n=6). Our results showed that 3 instruments (DEMMI, SPPB and Tinetti scale) had the most extensive and robust measurement properties, and from those, SPPB and DEMMI covered the mobility construct more broadly but SPPB had the longest administration (10-15min). Conclusion SPPB presents the best balance between mobility coverage, measurement properties and applicability to acute care or intensive geriatric rehabilitation unit.

Validity of measures of neurological status used for predicting functional independence in adults after a cerebrovascular accident: a systematic review protocol

REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE

Are the measures of neurologic status that are used in adults who have had a cerebrovascular accident valid in predicting functional independence?More specifically, the objective of this review is to assess the predictive validity of functional independence of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and the Canadian Neurological Scale.

Proof-of-Concept Randomized Trial of the Monoclonal Antibody GSK249320 Versus Placebo in Stroke Patients

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background and Purpose—

One class of poststroke restorative therapy focuses on promoting axon outgrowth by blocking myelin-based inhibitory proteins such as myelin-associated glycoprotein. The purpose of the current study was to extend preclinical and clinical findings of GSK249320, a humanized monoclonal antibody to myelin-associated glycoprotein with disabled Fc region, to explore effects on motor outcomes poststroke.

Methods—

In this phase IIb double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, patients at 30 centers with ischemic stroke 24 to 72 hours prior and gait deficits were randomized to 2 IV infusions of GSK249320 or placebo. Primary outcome measure was change in gait velocity from baseline to day 90.

Results—

A total of 134 subjects were randomized between May 2013 and July 2014. The 2 groups were overall well matched at baseline. The study was stopped at the prespecified interim analysis because the treatment difference met the predefined futility criteria cutoff; change in gait velocity to day 90 was 0.55±0.46 (mean±SD) in the GSK249320 group and 0.56±0.50 for placebo. Secondary end points including upper extremity function were concordant. The 2 IV infusions of GSK249320 were well tolerated. No neutralizing antibodies to GSK249320 were detected.

Conclusions—

GSK249320, within 72 hours of stroke, demonstrated no improvement on gait velocity compared with placebo. Possible reasons include challenges translating findings into humans and no direct evidence that the therapy reached the biological target. The antibody was well tolerated and showed low immunogenicity, findings potentially useful to future studies aiming to use a monoclonal antibody to modify activity in specific biological pathways to improve recovery from stroke.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01808261.

A systematic review of mechanisms of gait speed change post-stroke. Part 1: spatiotemporal parameters and asymmetry ratios

BACKGROUND

In walking rehabilitation trials, self-selected walking speed (SSWS) has emerged as the dominant outcome measure to assess walking ability. However, this measure cannot differentiate between recovery of impaired movement and compensation strategies. Spatiotemporal variables and asymmetry ratios are frequently used to quantify gait deviations and are hypothesized markers of recovery.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this review is to investigate spatiotemporal variables and asymmetry ratios as mechanistic recovery measures in physical therapy intervention studies post-stroke.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed to identify physical therapy intervention studies with a statistically significant change in SSWS post intervention and concurrently collected spatiotemporal variables. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Walking speed, spatiotemporal, and intervention data were extracted.

RESULTS

46 studies met the inclusion criteria, 41 of which reported raw spatiotemporal measures and 19 reported asymmetry ratio calculations. Study interventions included: aerobic training (n = 2), functional electrical stimulation (n = 5), hippotherapy (n = 2), motor dual task training (n = 2), multidimensional rehabilitation (n = 4), robotics (n = 4), sensory stimulation training (n = 8), strength/resistance training (n = 4), task specific locomotor rehabilitation (n = 9), and visually guided training (n = 6).

CONCLUSIONS

Spatiotemporal variables help describe gait deviations, but scale to speed, so consequently, may not be an independent factor in describing functional recovery and gains. Therefore, these variables are limited in explaining mechanistic changes involved in improving gait speed. Use of asymmetry measures provides additional information regarding the coordinative requirements for gait and can potentially indicate recovery. Additional laboratory-based mechanistic measures may be required to truly understand how walking speed improves.

A systematic review of mechanisms of gait speed change post-stroke. Part 2: exercise capacity, muscle activation, kinetics, and kinematics

BACKGROUND

Regaining locomotor ability is a primary goal in stroke rehabilitation and is most commonly measured using changes in self-selected walking speed. However, walking speed cannot identify the mechanisms by which an individual recovers. Laboratory-based mechanistic measures such as exercise capacity, muscle activation, force production, and movement analysis variables may better explain neurologic recovery.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this systematic review are to examine changes in mechanistic gait outcomes and describe motor recovery as quantified by changes in laboratory-based mechanistic variables in rehabilitation trials.

METHODS

Following a systematic literature search (in PubMed, Ovid, and CINAHL), we included rehabilitation trials with a statistically significant change in self-selected walking speed post-intervention that concurrently collected mechanistic variables. Methodological quality was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Walking speed changes, mechanistic variables, and intervention data were extracted.

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria and examined: cardiorespiratory function (n = 5), muscle activation (n = 5), force production (n = 11), and movement analysis (n = 10). Interventions included: aerobic training, functional electrical stimulation, multidimensional rehabilitation, robotics, sensory stimulation training, strength/resistance training, task-specific locomotor rehabilitation, and visually-guided training.

CONCLUSIONS

Following this review, no set of outcome measures to mechanistically explain changes observed in walking speed were identified. Nor is there a theoretical basis to drive the complicated selection of outcome measures, as many of these outcomes are not independent of walking speed. Since rehabilitation literature is yet to support a causal, mechanistic link for functional gains post-stroke, a systematic, multimodal approach to stroke rehabilitation will be necessary in doing so.

Where have all the pilot studies gone? A follow-up on 30 years of pilot studies in Clinical Rehabilitation

Introduction:

Pilot studies are meritorious for determining the feasibility of a definitive clinical trial in terms of conduct and potential for efficacy, but their possible applications for planning a future trial are not always fully realized. The purpose of this review was to estimate the extent to which pilot/feasibility studies: (i) addressed needed objectives; (ii) led to definitive trials; and (iii) whether the subsequent undertaking of a definitive trial was influenced by the strength of the evidence of outcome improvement.

Methods:

Trials published in the journal Clinical Rehabilitation, since its inception, were eligible if the word ‘pilot’ or ‘feasibility’ was specified somewhere in the article. A total of 191 studies were reviewed, results were summarized descriptively, and between-group effect sizes were computed.

Results:

The specific purposes of piloting were stated in only 58% (n = 110) of the studies. The most frequent purpose was to estimate the potential for efficacy (85%), followed by testing the feasibility of the intervention (60%). Only 12% of the studies were followed by a definitive trial; <4% of studies had a main study underway or a published study protocol. There was no relationship between observed effect size and follow-up of pilot studies, although the confidence intervals were very wide owing to small number of trials that followed on.

Discussion:

Labelling and reporting of pilot studies needs to be improved to be concordant with the recently issued CONSORT guidelines. Feasibility needs to be fully tested and demonstrated prior to committing considerable human and monetary resources.

Is Implicit Motor Learning Preserved after Stroke? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Many stroke patients experience difficulty with performing dual-tasks. A promising intervention to target this issue is implicit motor learning, as it should enhance patients’ automaticity of movement. Yet, although it is often thought that implicit motor learning is preserved post-stroke, evidence for this claim has not been systematically analysed yet. Therefore, we systematically reviewed whether implicit motor learning is preserved post-stroke, and whether patients benefit more from implicit than from explicit motor learning. We comprehensively searched conventional (MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, PEDro, PsycINFO) and grey literature databases (BIOSIS, Web of Science, OpenGrey, British Library, trial registries) for relevant reports. Two independent reviewers screened reports, extracted data, and performed a risk of bias assessment. Overall, we included 20 out of the 2177 identified reports that allow for a succinct evaluation of implicit motor learning. Of these, only 1 study investigated learning on a relatively complex, whole-body (balance board) task. All 19 other studies concerned variants of the serial-reaction time paradigm, with most of these focusing on learning with the unaffected hand (N = 13) rather than the affected hand or both hands (both: N = 4). Four of the 20 studies compared explicit and implicit motor learning post-stroke. Meta-analyses suggest that patients with stroke can learn implicitly with their unaffected side (mean difference (MD) = 69 ms, 95% CI[45.1, 92.9], p < .00001), but not with their affected side (standardized MD = -.11, 95% CI[-.45, .25], p = .56). Finally, implicit motor learning seemed equally effective as explicit motor learning post-stroke (SMD = -.54, 95% CI[-1.37, .29], p = .20). However, overall, the high risk of bias, small samples, and limited clinical relevance of most studies make it impossible to draw reliable conclusions regarding the effect of implicit motor learning strategies post-stroke. High quality studies with larger samples are warranted to test implicit motor learning in clinically relevant contexts.

The Diagnostic Accuracy of the Berg Balance Scale in Predicting Falls

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive validity of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) as a screening tool for fall risks among those with varied levels of balance. A total of 21 studies reporting predictive validity of the BBS of fall risk were meta-analyzed. With regard to the overall predictive validity of the BBS, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.72 and 0.73, respectively; the accuracy curve area was 0.84. The findings showed statistical heterogeneity among studies. Among the sub-groups, the age group of those younger than 65 years, those with neuromuscular disease, those with 2+ falls, and those with a cutoff point of 45 to 49 showed better sensitivity with statistically less heterogeneity. The empirical evidence indicates that the BBS is a suitable tool to screen for the risk of falls and shows good predictability when used with the appropriate criteria and applied to those with neuromuscular disease.

Reliability and validity of the modified functional ambulation category scale in patients with hemiparalysis

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the inter- and intra-rater reliability and validity of the modified functional ambulation category (mFAC) scale. [Subjects and Methods] The participants were 66 stroke patients with hemiparalysis. The inter- and intra-rater validity of the mFAC was calculated using the Spearman correlation coefficient. A score comparison of the stable or maximum gait speed with regard to mFAC and modified Rivermead Mobility Index (mRMI) performances was performed as a univariate linear regression analysis to determine how the Kruskal-Wallis test affects the mRMI and stable/maximum gait speed with regard to mFAC. [Results] The inter-rater reliability of the mFAC (intraclass coefficient [ICC]) was 0.982 (0.971–0.989), with a kappa coefficient of 0.923 and a consistency ratio of 94%. In contrast, the intra-rater reliability of the mFAC (ICC) was 0.991 (0.986–0.995), with a kappa coefficient of 0.961 and a consistency ratio of 96%, showing higher reliability. Moreover, there was a significant difference in stable/maximum gait speed between the mFAC and the mRMI. [Conclusion] Since the mFAC has sufficient inter- and intra-reliability and high validity, it can be used as an assessment tool that reflects the gait performance and mobility of stroke patients.

The Role of Technology in Task-Oriented Training in Persons with Subacute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This trial compares the effects of task-oriented physical therapy (PT) provided with and without the use of rehabilitation technology on locomotor recovery in 63 persons with subacute stroke. Participants in the experimental (EXP) group used a treadmill, a Kinetron isokinetic exerciser, and a limb-load monitor, whereas those in the control (CTL) group did not while engaging in PT 1 h per day, 5 days per week for 2 months. Locomotor recovery was assessed by clinical (gait speed, Fugl Meyer motor leg and arm subscores, the Balance Scale, the Timed Up and Go, and the Barthel ambulation subscore) and laboratory outcomes (gait kinematics and kinetics) pre- and posttherapy and 3 months later. Within groups, gait speed (P < 0.01) and all secondary measures improved posttherapy (P < 0.01-0.05), and improvements in clinical measures were maintained at follow-up, but there was no difference between groups (P > 0.05). When the groups were pooled, the increase in gait speed was associated (r = 0.52, P = 0.003) with an increase in ankle power generation of the affected leg. The results demonstrate that the efficacy of the task-oriented approach is not dependent on rehabilitation technology.

Evaluation of the Swedish version of the Modified Elderly Mobility Scale (Swe M-EMS) in patients with acute stroke

Objective: To investigate the inter-rater reliability and validity of the Swedish version of the Modified Elderly Mobility Scale (Swe M-EMS).

Design: A correlation study.

Setting: A stroke unit which provides acute care and rehabilitation for all stroke admissions in Northern Alvsborg County Hospital, Sweden.

Subjects: Thirty consecutive patients with an acute first-time stroke. Seventeen were women and 13 were men, with a median age of 79 years (41-92) and with a median hospital stay of 21 days (8-35).

Intervention: The patients were assessed twice with the Swe M-EMS on admission and at discharge, before and after midday, by two independent physiotherapists. They were assessed by an independent physiotherapist using the three evaluation instruments on admission, once a week during their hospital stay and at discharge.

Main outcome measures: The primary evaluation instrument was the Swe M-EMS. The two other evaluation instruments were the Modified Motor Assessment Scale of Uppsala Akademiska Sjukhus-95 (M-MAS UAS-95) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS).

Results: The Swe M-EMS was a reliable instrument (ICC 0.98-0.99). It correlated well with both the M-MAS UAS-95 (rs=0.69-0.88) and the BBS (rs=0.86-0.94). The Swe M-EMS was sensitive to change over time, but the patients obtained the maximum score quickly.

Conclusion: The instrument shows a high inter-rater reliability. The Swe M-EMS correlates well with both the M-MAS UAS-95 and the BBS and is sensitive to change. However, it is not sensitive enough to use as a single instrument in evaluating the improvement of a patient with acute stroke.

Additional exercise for older subacute hospital inpatients to prevent falls: benefits and barriers to implementation and evaluation

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and implementation of a falls prevention exercise programme for preventing falls in the subacute hospital setting.

Design: Randomized controlled trial, subgroup analysis.

Participants: Patients of a metropolitan subacute/aged rehabilitation hospital who were recommended for a falls prevention exercise programme when enrolled in a larger randomized controlled trial of a falls prevention programme.

Methods: Participants in both the control and intervention groups who were recommended for the exercise programme intervention were followed for the duration of their hospital stay to determine if falls occurred. Participants had their balance, strength and mobility assessed upon referral for the exercise programme and then again prior to discharge. Participation rates in the exercise programme were also recorded.

Results: Intervention group participants in this subgroup analysis had a significantly lower incidence of falls than their control group counterparts (control: 16.0 falls/1000 participant-days, intervention: 8.2 falls/1000 participant-days, log-rank test: P = 0.007). However few differences in secondary balance, strength and mobility outcomes were evident.

Conclusion: This exercise programme provided in addition to usual care may assist in the prevention of falls in the subacute hospital setting.

The Impact of Falls on Motor and Cognitive Recovery after Discharge from In-Patient Stroke Rehabilitation

BACKGROUND

Falls are common among community-dwelling stroke survivors. The aims of this study were (1) to compare motor and cognitive outcomes between individuals who fell in the 6 months' postdischarge from in-patient stroke rehabilitation and those who did not fall, and (2) to explore potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between falls and recovery of motor and cognitive function.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of individuals discharged home from in-patient rehabilitation was conducted. Participants were recruited at discharge and completed a 6-month falls monitoring period using postcards with follow-up. Nonfallers and fallers were compared at the 6-month follow-up assessment on the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment (CMSA), gait speed, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Measures of balance confidence and physical activity were also assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty-three fallers were matched to 23 nonfallers on age and functional balance scores at discharge. A total of 43 falls were reported during the study period (8 participants fell more than once). At follow-up, BBS scores (P = .0066) and CMSA foot scores (P = .0033) were significantly lower for fallers than for nonfallers. The 2 groups did not differ on CMSA leg scores (P = .049), gait speed (P = .47), or MoCA score (P = .23). There was no significant association between change in balance confidence scores and change in physical activity levels among all participants from the first and third questionnaire (r = .27, P = .08).

CONCLUSIONS

Performance in balance and motor recovery of the foot were compromised in fallers when compared to nonfallers at 6 months post discharge from in-patient stroke rehabilitation.

Sitting and Activity Time in People With Stroke

BACKGROUND

Excessive sitting time is linked to cardiovascular disease morbidity. To date, no studies have accurately measured sitting time patterns in people with stroke.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the amount and pattern of accumulation of sitting time, physical activity, and use of time in people with stroke compared with age-matched healthy peers.

DESIGN

This study used an observational design.

METHODS

Sitting time (total and time accumulated in prolonged, unbroken bouts of ≥30 minutes) was measured with an activity monitor. Physical activity and daily energy expenditure were measured using an accelerometer and a multisensory array armband, respectively. All monitors had a 7-day wear protocol. Participants recalled 1 day of activity (during monitor wear time) using the Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults.

RESULTS

Sixty-three adults (40 with stroke and 23 age-matched healthy controls) participated. The participants (35% female, 65% male) had a mean age of 68.4 years (SD=10.0). Participants with stroke spent significantly more time sitting (X̅=10.9 h/d, SD=2.0) compared with controls (X̅=8.2 h/d, SD=2.0), with much of this sitting time prolonged (stroke group: X̅=7.4 h/d, SD=2.8; control group: X̅=3.7 h/d, SD=1.7). Participants with stroke accumulated most of their sitting time while watching television and in general quiet time, whereas control participants spent more time reading and on the computer. Physical activity and daily energy expenditure were lower in the stroke group compared with the control group.

LIMITATIONS

A sample of convenience was used to select participants for the stroke and control groups, which may reduce the generalizability of results.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants with stroke spent more time sitting and less time in activity than their age-matched peers. Further work is needed to determine whether reducing sitting time is feasible and leads to clinically important reductions in cardiovascular risk in this population.

Predictors of energy cost during stair ascent and descent in individuals with chronic stroke

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine which clinical measures of walking performance and lower limb muscle strength would predict energy cost during stair ascent and descent in community-dwelling individuals with stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Regression analysis of cross-sectional data from 55 individuals between one and five years post-stroke was used to investigate the measures of walking (speed and distance covered during the 6-minute walk test [6MWT]), and strength of the paretic knee extensor and ankle plantar flexor muscles would predict energy cost during stair ascent and descent. [Results] Three predictors (habitual walking speed, distance covered during the 6MWT, and strength of the paretic knee extensor muscles) were kept in the model. Habitual walking speed alone explained 47% of the variance in energy cost during stair ascent and descent. When the strength of the paretic knee extensor muscles was included in the model, the explained variance increased to 53%. By adding the distance covered during the 6MWT, the variance increased to 58%. [Conclusion] Habitual walking speed, distance covered during the 6MWT, and strength of the paretic knee extensor muscles were significant predictors of energy cost during stair ascent and descent in individuals with mild walking limitations.

Effect of Leg Selection on the Berg Balance Scale Scores of Hemiparetic Stroke Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether selection of the nonparetic or paretic leg as the weight-bearing leg in item 13 (standing unsupported one foot in front) and item 14 (standing on one leg) of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) influences the item scores, and thus the total score.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

University-based rehabilitation laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Community-dwelling people (N=63, aged ≥50y) with chronic stroke.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

BBS.

RESULTS

The 4 BBS total scores ranged from 48.4 to 50.7. The total score was significantly lower when a participant was asked to step forward with the nonparetic leg in item 13, and stand on the paretic leg in item 14. Fewer participants received a maximum score with the BBS1 formulation than the others. In addition, the correlations with walking speed and Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale scores were greatest with the BBS1 score.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that BBS1 was the most challenging formulation for our participants; this might serve to minimize the ceiling effect of the BBS. These findings provide a rationale for amending the BBS administration guidelines with the BBS1 formulation.

Timed 360° Turn Test for Assessing People With Chronic Stroke

OBJECTIVES

To investigate (1) the intrarater, interrater, and test-retest reliability of the timed 360° turn test in subjects with stroke; (2) the concurrent validity of the timed 360° turn test by exploring its correlation with other measures of stroke-specific impairments; and (3) the cutoff times that best discriminate individuals with stroke from healthy older adults.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

University-based rehabilitation center.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals with chronic stroke (n=72) and healthy individuals (n=35) of similar age (N=107).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The timed 360° turn test was administered along with the Fugl-Meyer assessment of the lower extremity, measurement of muscle strength of ankle dorsiflexors and plantarflexors using a handheld dynamometer, Berg Balance Scale, limit of stability test, five times sit-to-stand (FTSTS) test, 10-m walk test, and timed Up and Go (TUG) test.

RESULTS

The 360° turn times showed excellent intrarater, interrater, and test-retest reliability in individuals with stroke. A minimal detectable change of .76 seconds was found for subjects turning toward the affected side and 1.22 seconds for subjects turning toward the unaffected side. The 360° turn times were found to correlate significantly with Fugl-Meyer assessment of the lower extremity scores, dosiflexor strength of the affected ankle, plantarflexor strength of both ankles, FTSTS test times, balance performance, gait speed, and TUG test times. The 360° turn times of 3.43 to 3.49 seconds were shown to discriminate reliably between individuals with stroke and healthy older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

The timed 360° turn test is a reliable and an easily administered clinical tool to assess the turning ability of subjects with chronic stroke.

Effects of brain derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the leading cause of spinal cord related disability in the elderly. It results from degenerative narrowing of the spinal canal, which causes spinal cord compression. This leads to gait instability, loss of dexterity, weakness, numbness and urinary dysfunction. There has been indirect data that implicates a genetic component to CSM. Such a finding may contribute to the variety in presentation and outcome in this patient population. The Val66Met polymorphism, a mutation in the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene, has been implicated in a number of brain and psychological conditions, and here we investigate its role in CSM. Ten subjects diagnosed with CSM were enrolled in this prospective study. Baseline clinical evaluation using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale, Nurick and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were collected. Each subject underwent objective testing with gait kinematics, as well as hand functioning using the Purdue Peg Board. Blood samples were analyzed for the BDNF Val66Met mutation. The prevalence of the Val66Met mutation in this study was 60% amongst CSM patients compared to 32% in the general population. Individuals with abnormal Met allele had worse baseline mJOA and Nurick scores. Moreover, baseline gait kinematics and hand functioning testing were worse compared to their wild type counterpart. BDNF Val66Met mutation has a higher prevalence in CSM compared to the general population. Those with BDNF mutation have a worse clinical presentation compared to the wild type counterpart. These findings suggest implication of the BDNF mutation in the development and severity of CSM.

Assessing the agreement between 3-meter and 6-meter walk tests in 136 community-dwelling older adults

OBJECTIVE

Walking speed is an important marker of functionality that is measured over courses of varying lengths, but it is unclear if course length affects measured pace.

METHOD

A total of 136 older adults completed two consecutive trials each of 3-m and 6-m walking courses, the order of which was randomly assigned. We calculated concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) and created Bland-Altman plots to evaluate the relationship between the two course distances.

RESULTS

Average walking speed was faster for the 6-m course and the second trial of each course. There was high concordance between the first and second trials for both the 3-m and 6-m courses.

DISCUSSION

The 3- and 6-m courses had excellent test-retest reliability and faster walking speed in later than earlier trials. Higher concordance between courses for later trials suggests the utility of practice trials and adjusting for course length when combining walking speed measurements between different course lengths.

Evaluation of post-stroke functionality based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health: a proposal for use of assessment tools

This study aimed to identify the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories addressed by the assessment tools commonly used in post-stroke rehabilitation and characterize patients based on its evaluation model. [Subjects and Methods] An exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 35 individuals with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis. Handgrip strength was assessed to evaluate body functions and structures. The 10-meter gait speed test and Timed Up and Go test were administered to evaluate activity. The Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale was used to evaluate participation. Moreover, a systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies that have associated these assessment tools with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories. [Results] The tools employed in this study for evaluating function addressed 63 International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories: 24 related to body functions and structures; 36 related to activity and participation; and 3 related to environmental factors. [Conclusion] The assessment tools employed in this study addressed 63 International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health categories and allowed a more complete evaluation of stroke survivors with hemiparesis. Use of this classification can therefore be more easily incorporated into clinical practice.

Circuit class therapy or seven-day week therapy for increasing rehabilitation intensity of therapy after stroke (CIRCIT): a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Increased therapy has been linked to improvements in functional ability of people with stroke.

AIM

To determine the effectiveness of two alternative models of increased physiotherapy service delivery (seven-day week therapy or group circuit class therapy five days a week) to usual care.

METHOD

Three-armed randomized controlled trial with blinded assessment of outcome. People admitted with a diagnosis of stroke, previously independently ambulant and with a moderate level of disability were recruited. 'Usual care' was individual physiotherapy provided five-days a week. Seven-day week therapy was usual care physiotherapy provided seven-days a week. Participants in the circuit class therapy arm of the trial received physiotherapy in group circuit classes in two 90-min sessions, five-days a week. Primary outcome was distance walked on the six-minute walk test at four-weeks post-randomization.

RESULTS

Two hundred eighty-three participants were randomized; primary outcome data were available for 259 (92%). In the seven-day arm participants received an additional three hours of physiotherapy and those in the circuit class arm an additional 22 h. There were no significant between-group differences at four-weeks in walking distance (P = 0.72). Length of stay was shorter for seven-day (mean difference -2.9 days, 95% confidence interval -17.9 to 12.0) and circuit class participants (mean difference -9.2 days, 95% confidence interval -24.2 to 5.8) compared to usual care, but this was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Both seven-day therapy and group circuit class therapy increased physiotherapy time, but walking outcomes were equivalent to usual care.

Lower-limb exoskeletons for individuals with chronic spinal cord injury: findings from a feasibility study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of conducting a well-powered trial evaluating the neurological and functional effects of using an exoskeleton in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury.

DESIGN

A longitudinal, prospective, self-controlled feasibility study.

SETTING

Specialist Spinal Cord Injuries Centre, UK; 8 months during 2013-2014.

SUBJECTS

Individuals with chronic motor complete or incomplete spinal cord injury.

INTERVENTIONS

Enrolled subjects were assigned to 20 exoskeleton (ReWalk™, Argo Medical Technologies Ltd, Yokneam Ilit, Israel) training sessions over a 10-week training period.

MAIN MEASURES

Feasibility measures, clinical and mobility outcome measures and measures appraising subjects' disability and attitude towards assistive technology were assessed before, during and after the study. Descriptive statistics were applied.

RESULTS

Out of 60 candidates, ten (17%) were enrolled and five (8%) completed the training programme. Primary reasons for not enrolling were ineligibility (n = 24, 40%) and limited interest to engage in a 10-week training programme (n = 16, 27%). Five out of ten enrolled subjects experienced grade I/II skin aberrations. While walking speeds were higher and walking distances were longer in all exoskeleton users when compared with non-use, the exoskeleton did generally not meet subjects' high expectations in terms of perceived benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

The conduct of a controlled trial evaluating the benefits of using exoskeletons that require a lengthy user-commitment to training of individuals with chronic motor complete or incomplete spinal cord injury comes with considerable feasibility challenges. Vigilance is required for preventing and detecting medical complications in spinal cord injury exoskeleton users.

Instrumenting gait assessment using the Kinect in people living with stroke: reliability and association with balance tests

Background

The Microsoft Kinect has been used previously to assess spatiotemporal aspects of gait; however the reliability of this system for the assessment of people following stroke has not been established. This study examined the reliability and additional information that the Kinect provides when instrumenting a gait assessment in people living with stroke.

Methods

The spatiotemporal variables of step length, step length asymmetry, foot swing velocity, foot swing velocity asymmetry, peak and mean gait speed and the percentage difference between the peak and mean gait speed were assessed during gait trials in 30 outpatients more than three months post-stroke and able to stand unsupported. Additional clinical assessments of functional reach (FR), step test (ST), 10 m walk test (10MWT) and the timed up and go (TUG) were performed, along with force platform instrumented assessments of center of pressure path length velocity during double-legged standing balance with eyes closed (DLEC), weight bearing asymmetry (WBA) and dynamic medial-lateral weight-shifting ability (MLWS). These tests were performed on two separate occasions, seven days apart for reliability assessment. Separate adjusted multiple regressions models for predicting scores on the clinical and force platform assessments were created using 1) the easily assessed clinically-derived gait variables 10MWT time and total number of steps; and 2) the Kinect-derived variables which were found to be reliable (ICC > 0.75) and not strongly correlated (Spearman’s ρ < 0.80) with each other (i.e. non-redundant).

Results

Kinect-derived variables were found to be highly reliable (all ICCs > 0.80), but many were redundant. The final regression model using Kinect-derived variables consisted of the asymmetry scores, mean gait velocity, affected limb foot swing velocity and the difference between peak and mean gait velocity. In comparison with the clinically-derived regression model, the Kinect-derived model accounted for >15% more variance on the MLWS, ST and FR tests and scored similarly on all other measures.

Conclusions

In conclusion, instrumenting gait using the Kinect is reliable and provides insight into the dynamic balance capacity of people living with stroke. This system provides a minimally intrusive method of examining potentially important gait characteristics in people living with stroke.

Reference values for standardized tests of walking speed and distance: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To provide an overview of the reference values and methodology used to obtain them for time- and distance-limited walk tests.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and searched PubMed, MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, PEDro, and The Cochrane Library from 1946 to May 2013. Full-text peer-reviewed articles written in English, French or Spanish were considered eligible. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts. One author determined eligibility of full-text articles, appraised methodological quality, and extracted data. A second author independently verified the accuracy of extracted data.

RESULTS

Of the 41 eligible studies reviewed, 25 failed to describe the method used to select participants and 10 had an inadequate sample size. Twenty-five studies provided reference values for one time-limited walk test (6-min walk test (6 MWT)) and 18 studies provided reference values for 15 distance-limited walk tests. Across studies, walk test distances ranged from 3m to 40m. Descriptive values and reference equations for the 6 MWT were reported in 15 and 20 studies, respectively. Across 43 regression equations (median R(2)=0.46), age (98%) and sex (91%) were most frequently included. The equation yielding the maximum R(2) value (0.78) included age, height, weight and percentage of predicted maximum heart rate. Among six unique regression equations for distance-limited walk tests (median R(2)=0.17), sex (83%), age (67%) and weight (67%) were most frequently included. The equation yielding the maximum R(2) value (0.25) included age and sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Reference values reported for these tests provide a basis for classifying walking capacity as within normal limits, determining the magnitude of deficit, educating clients, setting rehabilitation goals, and planning studies.

Evaluating the effects of increasing physical activity to optimize rehabilitation outcomes in hospitalized older adults (MOVE Trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Older adults who have received inpatient rehabilitation often have significant mobility disability at discharge. Physical activity levels in rehabilitation are also low. It is hypothesized that providing increased physical activity to older people receiving hospital-based rehabilitation will lead to better mobility outcomes at discharge.

Methods/Design

A single blind, parallel-group, multisite randomized controlled trial with blinded assessment of outcome and intention-to-treat analysis. The cost effectiveness of the intervention will also be examined. Older people (age >60 years) undergoing inpatient rehabilitation to improve mobility will be recruited from geriatric rehabilitation units at two Australian hospitals. A computer-generated blocked stratified randomization sequence will be used to assign 198 participants in a 1:1 ratio to either an ‘enhanced physical activity’ (intervention) group or a ‘usual care plus’ (control) group for the duration of their inpatient stay. Participants will receive usual care and either spend time each week performing additional physical activities such as standing or walking (intervention group) or performing an equal amount of social activities that have minimal impact on mobility such as card and board games (control group). Self-selected gait speed will be measured using a 6-meter walk test at discharge (primary outcome) and 6 months follow-up (secondary outcome). The study is powered to detect a 0.1 m/sec increase in self-selected gait speed in the intervention group at discharge. Additional measures of mobility (Timed Up and Go, De Morton Mobility Index), function (Functional Independence Measure) and quality of life will be obtained as secondary outcomes at discharge and tertiary outcomes at 6 months follow-up. The trial commenced recruitment on 28 January 2014.

Discussion

This study will evaluate the efficacy and cost effectiveness of increasing physical activity in older people during inpatient rehabilitation. These results will assist in the development of evidenced-based rehabilitation programs for this population.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12613000884707 (Date of registration 08 August 2013); ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01910740 (Date of registration 22 July 2013).

Comparison of strength training, aerobic training, and additional physical therapy as supplementary treatments for Parkinson's disease: pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Physical rehabilitation is commonly used in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) to improve their health and alleviate the symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

We compared the effects of three programs, strength training (ST), aerobic training (AT), and physiotherapy, on motor symptoms, functional capacity, and electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in PD patients.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients were recruited and randomized into three groups: AT (70% of maximum heart rate), ST (80% of one repetition maximum), and physiotherapy (in groups). Subjects participated in their respective interventions twice a week for 12 weeks. The assessments included measures of disease symptoms (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS]), functional capacity (Senior Fitness Test), and EEG before and after 12 weeks of intervention.

RESULTS

The PD motor symptoms (UPDRS-III) in the group of patients who performed ST and AT improved by 27.5% (effect size [ES]=1.25, confidence interval [CI]=-0.11, 2.25) and 35% (ES=1.34, CI=-0.16, 2.58), respectively, in contrast to the physiotherapy group, which showed a 2.9% improvement (ES=0.07, CI=-0.85, 0.99). Furthermore, the functional capacity of all three groups improved after the intervention. The mean frequency of the EEG analysis mainly showed the effect of the interventions on the groups (F=11.50, P=0.0001).

CONCLUSION

ST and AT in patients with PD are associated with improved outcomes in disease symptoms and functional capacity.

Changes in activation timing of knee and ankle extensors during gait are related to changes in heteronymous spinal pathways after stroke

BACKGROUND

Extensor synergy is often observed in the paretic leg of stroke patients. Extensor synergy consists of an abnormal stereotyped co-activation of the leg extensors as patients attempt to move. As a component of this synergy, the simultaneous activation of knee and ankle extensors in the paretic leg during stance often affects gait pattern after stroke. The mechanisms involved in extensor synergy are still unclear. The first objective of this study is to compare the co-activation of knee and ankle extensors during the stance phase of gait between stroke and healthy individuals. The second objective is to explore whether this co-activation is related to changes in heteronymous spinal modulations between quadriceps and soleus muscles on the paretic side in post-stroke individuals.

METHODS

Thirteen stroke patients and ten healthy individuals participated in gait and heteronymous spinal modulation evaluations. Co-activation was measured using peak EMG activation intervals (PAI) and co-activation amplitude indexes (CAI) between knee and ankle extensors during the stance phase of gait in both groups. The evaluation of heteronymous spinal modulations was performed on the paretic leg in stroke participants and on one leg in healthy participants. This evaluation involved assessing the early facilitation and later inhibition of soleus voluntary EMG induced by femoral nerve stimulation.

RESULTS

All PAI were lower and most CAI were higher on the paretic side of stroke participants compared with the co-activation indexes among control participants. CAI and PAI were moderately correlated with increased heteronymous facilitation of soleus on the paretic side in stroke individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased co-activation of knee and ankle extensors during gait is related to changes in intersegmental facilitative pathways linking quadriceps to soleus on the paretic side in stroke individuals. Malfunction of intersegmental pathways could contribute to abnormal timing of leg extensors during the stance phase of gait in hemiparetic individuals.

Selecting measures for balance and mobility to improve assessment and treatment of individuals after stroke

Assessment of individuals with stroke using reliable and valid outcome measures is a key component of the treatment planning process. Health care professionals may have difficulty selecting balance and mobility measures given the large number of measures to choose from. This article utilizes a case-based approach to describe the benefits of using a common set of outcome measures and a process for selecting optimal measures across body structure/function, activity, and participation domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model and stages of stroke recovery. Specific measures for use in acute care, rehabilitation, outpatient, and home health care settings are discussed based on StrokEDGE task force recommendations by the Neurology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Varied Overground Walking Training Versus Body-Weight-Supported Treadmill Training in Adults Within 1 Year of Stroke

Background: Although task-related walking training has been recommended after stroke, the theoretical basis, content, and impact of interventions vary across the literature. There is a need for a comparison of different approaches to task-related walking training after stroke. Objective: To compare the impact of a motor-learning-science–based overground walking training program with body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) in ambulatory, community-dwelling adults within 1 year of stroke onset. Methods: In this rater-blinded, 1:1 parallel, randomized controlled trial, participants were stratified by baseline gait speed. Participants assigned to the Motor Learning Walking Program (MLWP) practiced various overground walking tasks under the supervision of 1 physiotherapist. Cognitive effort was encouraged through random practice and limited provision of feedback and guidance. The BWSTT program emphasized repetition of the normal gait cycle while supported on a treadmill and assisted by 1 to 3 therapy staff. The primary outcome was comfortable gait speed at postintervention assessment (T2). Results: In total, 71 individuals (mean age = 67.3; standard deviation = 11.6 years) with stroke (mean onset = 20.9 [14.1] weeks) were randomized (MLWP, n = 35; BWSTT, n = 36). There was no significant between-group difference in gait speed at T2 (0.002 m/s; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.11, 0.12; P > .05). The MLWP group improved by 0.14 m/s (95% CI = 0.09, 0.19), and the BWSTT group improved by 0.14 m/s (95% CI = 0.08, 0.20). Conclusions: In this sample of community-dwelling adults within 1 year of stroke, a 15-session program of varied overground walking-focused training was not superior to a BWSTT program of equal frequency, duration, and in-session step activity.