Lower Tinetti scores can support an early diagnosis of spatial neglect in post-stroke patients

A new instrument to assess physical function in stroke patients: the Dubousset function test and its validity, reliability, responsiveness

AIM

The Dubousset Functional Test (DFT) ia a practical four-component assessment test to assess the physical function and balance capacities. The study aimed to examine the reliability, validity, responsiveness of the DFT in stroke survivors.

METHODS

This study included a total of 57 post-stroke patients (age 60.16 ± 15.08 years). The participants were divided into two groups according to the duration of stroke (6-12 months, 12 months and more). Reliability of DFT test was evaluated with Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). The correlation between the DFT and The Timed Up and Go test (TUG), dual-task TUG, Functional Reach Test (FRT), 3-meter backward walk test (3MBWT), Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) was used for the validity.

RESULTS

For total post-stroke patients, ICC values were between 0.899 and 0.984 (excellent agreement). For stroke patients have 6-12 months stroke duration ICC values were between 0.831 and 0.988 (excellent agreement). For post-stroke patients have 6-12 months stroke duration ICC values were between 0.858 and 0.992 (excellent agreement). For total stroke post-patients the correlation with four component of DFT and TUG, dual-task TUG, FRT, 3MBWT and POMA was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The DFT has excellent reliability and validity in post-stroke patients. Therefore, it may be a clinically suitable test for detecting balance and physical function.

Comparison of Aquatic Therapy vs. Dry Land Therapy to Improve Mobility of Chronic Stroke Patients

One of the most serious and disabling problems of stroke is pain and a decrease in balance, with the consequent increased risk of falls. The aim of the randomized controlled trial study was to compare the efficacy of three different treatment proposals to improve pain, gait, and balance in chronic stroke patients. Forty patients diagnosed with stroke were divided into three groups: the dry-land therapy group (control group) received sessions that included walking exercises and trunk mobility. The experimental group received Ai Chi aquatic therapy, and the combined group received alternating dry-land therapy sessions and Ai Chi aquatic therapy. The measurement instruments used were: the Tinetti balance and gait scale, the visual analog scale (VAS), 360° turn, single leg stance, and the 30-s stand test (CS-30). After twelve weeks of treatment, the results were significantly better for the combined therapy group and the experimental group compared to the dry-land therapy group (p < 0.01) in the VAS scale, CS-30, and 360° turn, although improvements were also found in the evaluations carried out in the aquatic therapy group. In total, for the Tinetti scale and single-leg stance, the differences between the groups were evident, although not statistically significant (p = 0.001). Aquatic therapy with Ai Chi and the combination of aquatic therapy with dry-land therapy was effective in improving pain, balance, and gait in patients with chronic stroke, thus improving their functional capacity and quality of life.