The effectiveness of different treatment modalities for the rehabilitation of unilateral neglect in stroke patients: a systematic review

Identifying profiles of stroke patients benefitting from additional training: a latent class analysis approach

OBJECTIVE

To identify profiles of stroke patient benefitting from additional training, using latent class analysis.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

PATIENTS

Patients with stroke (n = 6,875) admitted to 42 recovery rehabilitation units in Japan between January 2005 and March 2016 who were registered in the Japan Association of Rehabilitation Database.

METHODS

The main outcome measure was the difference in Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores between admission and discharge (referred to as "gain"). The effect of additional training, categorized as usual care (no additional training), self-exercise, training with hospital staff, or both exercise (combining self-exercise and training with hospital staff), was assessed through multiple regression analyses of latent classes.

RESULTS

Applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 1185 patients were classified into 7 latent classes based on their admission characteristics (class size n = 82 (7%) to n = 226 (19%)). Patients with class 2 characteristics (right hemiparesis and modified dependence in the motor-FIM and cognitive-FIM) had positive FIM gain with additional training (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.49-3.29; p < 0.01). One-way analysis of variance revealed that training with hospital staff (95% CI 0.07-16.94; p < 0.05) and both exercises (95% CI 5.38-15.13; p < 0.01) led to a significantly higher mean FIM gain than after usual care.

CONCLUSION

Additional training in patients with stroke with right hemiparesis and modified dependence in activities of daily living was shown to improve activities of daily living. Training with hospital staff combined with self-exercise is a promising rehabilitation strategy for these patients.

Rehabilitation interventions of unilateral spatial neglect based on the functional outcome measure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACTThis review aimed to examine the bottom-up and top-down rehabilitation intervention effectiveness based on the functional outcome measure as immediate effect and long-term effect for unilateral spatial neglect conditions. The RCT studies were collected by searching in three databases J-Stage, PubMed, and PEDro from 2008 through 2018. The studies which used the following instruments: BI, CBS, FMA, and FIM, as the functional outcome with the PEDro score of six and above, were eligible for inclusion. A total of 492 participants in 13 studies included from 291 studies initially identified. The meta-analysis for overall ES revealed that BI and CBS had a significant mean of SMD = 0.65 (95% CI, 0.23-1.07; p = 0.003; I2 = 65%), and SMD = -0.23 (95% CI, -0.45 to -0.01; p = 0.04; I2 = 35%) respectively, while FMA and FIM had an insignificant mean of SMD = 0.14 (95% CI, -0.08-0.37; p = 0.22; I2 = 0%), and SMD = -0.22 (95% CI, -0.69-0.25; p = 0.37; I2 = 0%) respectively. Based on the results, although indicated the heterogeneity representation across studies, it showed that the top-down intervention approach of high-frequency rTMS was more effective in enhancing the functional abilities and ADL of unilateral spatial neglect patients on the immediate effects but not necessarily in the long-term effects.

Immediate effect of adding mirror visual feedback to lateral weight-shifting training on the standing balance control of the unilateral spatial neglect model

[Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the immediate effect of adding mirror visual feedback to lateral weight-shifting training on the standing balance control of the left unilateral spatial neglect model. [Participants and Methods] We included 64 healthy participants to create left unilateral spatial neglect models and divided them into four subgroups. Each subgroup received opposite lateral weight-shifting training with or without mirror visual feedback. We then evaluated the static and dynamic standing balance by measuring the center of pressure point alterations in the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior planes. We further evaluated the center of pressure length and bilateral load ratio. [Results] The center of pressure was significantly stable upon performing the eyes-open static standing balance test in the left weight-shifting training subgroup with mirror visual feedback. When participants performed the left dynamic standing balance test, the center of pressure moved significantly rightward and became significantly stable in the right weight-shifting training subgroup with mirror visual feedback. The left load ratio significantly decreased in the right weight-shifting training of subgroups that either did or did not receive mirror visual feedback upon performing the left dynamic standing balance test. [Conclusion] We concluded that adding mirror visual feedback to lateral weight-shifting training affected some measurements of standing balance control of the left unilateral spatial neglect model.

Efficacy of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined With Visual Scanning Treatment on Cognitive-Behavioral Symptoms of Unilateral Spatial Neglect in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Left hemispatial neglect (LHSN) is a frequent and disabling condition affecting patients who suffered from traumatic brain injury (TBI). LHSN is a neuropsychological syndrome characterized clinically by difficulties in attending, responding, and consciously representing the right side of space. Despite its frequency, scientific evidence on effective treatments for this condition in TBI patients is still low. According to existing literature, we hypothesize that in TBI, LHSN is caused by an imbalance in inter-hemispheric activity due to hyperactivity of the left hemisphere, as observed in LHSN after right strokes. Thus, by inhibiting this left hyperactivity, repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) would have a rebalancing effect, reducing LHSN symptoms in TBI patients. We plan to test this hypothesis within a single-blind, randomized SHAM controlled trial in which TBI patients will receive inhibitory i-rTMS followed by cognitive treatment for 15 days. Neurophysiological and clinical measures will be collected before, afterward, and in the follow-up. This study will give the first empirical evidence about the efficacy of a novel approach to treating LHSN in TBI patients.

Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04573413?cond=Neglect%2C+Hemispatial&cntry=IT&city=Bologna&draw=2&rank=2, identifier: NCT04573413.

Efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with visual scanning treatment on cognitive and behavioral symptoms of left hemispatial neglect in right hemispheric stroke patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Left hemispatial neglect (LHN) is a neuropsychological syndrome often associated with right hemispheric stroke. Patients with LHN have difficulties in attending, responding, and consciously representing the right side of space. Various rehabilitation protocols have been proposed to reduce clinical symptoms related to LHN, using cognitive treatments, or on non-invasive brain stimulation. However, evidence of their benefit is still lacking; in particular, only a few studies focused on the efficacy of combining different approaches in the same patient.

METHODS

In the present study, we present the SMART ATLAS trial (Stimolazione MAgnetica Ripetitiva Transcranica nell'ATtenzione LAteralizzata dopo Stroke), a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial with pre-test (baseline), post-test, and 12 weeks follow-up assessments based on a novel rehabilitation protocol based on the combination of brain stimulation and standard cognitive treatment. In particular, we will compare the efficacy of inhibitory repetitive-transcranial magnetic stimulation (r-TMS), applied over the left intact parietal cortex of LHN patients, followed by visual scanning treatment, in comparison with a placebo stimulation (SHAM control) followed by the same visual scanning treatment, on visuospatial symptoms and neurophysiological parameters of LHN in a population of stroke patients.

DISCUSSION

Our trial results may provide scientific evidence of a new, relatively low-cost rehabilitation protocol for the treatment of LHN.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04080999 . Registered on September 2019.

Systematic Review of Sensory Stimulation Programs in the Rehabilitation of Acquired Brain Injury

Abstract. Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) can lead to sensory deficits and compromise functionality. However, most studies have been focused on motor stimulation in stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Sensory stimulation in stroke and mild/moderate TBI has received reduced interest. The main objective of this review is to know the methodological characteristics and effects of sensory programs in ABI. Studies with the purpose of testing the efficacy of those programs were identified through a literature search, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines. Twenty-three studies were included in this review. The results show that in most studies sensory stimulation started within 12 months after injury and there is no consensus regarding frequency, duration and number of sessions, duration of intervention, and instruments used to assess outcomes. Most programs involved unisensory stimulation, and vision was the predominant target. The most used methods were compensation and somatosensory discrimination training. Most studies used a pre- and post-intervention assessment, with few studies comprising follow-up assessment. Regarding the studies revised, the interventions with positive outcomes in ABI are: compensation, cognitive training, vestibular intervention, somatosensory discrimination training, proprioceptive stimulation with muscle vibration, and sustained attention training with olfactory stimulation. Available findings suggest that sensory stimulation has positive results with immediate and long-term improvements in sensory functioning. This review provides useful information to improve rehabilitation and to design future investigation.

[Top-down and bottom-up approaches for the treatment of unilateral spatial neglect in stroke patients: A systematic review]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of top-down and bottom-up approaches in the rehabilitation of unilateral spatial neglect in stroke patients.

METHODOLOGY

We carried out a systematic review of randomized controlled trials from January of 2013 to March of 2017. The following databases were searched: Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Pubmed and CINHAL. The methodological quality, level of scientific evidence and the strength of recommendation were evaluated.

RESULTS

We included 13 studies (294 subjects): nine studies (188 patients) carried out therapies with a bottom-up approach such us eye patching, virtual reality, optokinetic stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation and prism adaption; three studies (94 patients) evaluated therapies with a top-down approach such us visual scanning, sensory feedback and mental practice; one study incorporated both approaches. Nine of these studies showed improvements in spatial neglect scales; five of these used bottom-up approaches, another three used top-down approaches and the remaining study combined both approaches. Disability was evaluated by nine studies, and only three reported improvements. Three studies reported significant improvements in motor function in the intervention groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Top-down and bottom-up approaches could improve unilateral spatial neglect, disability and motor function in patients with stroke.

Modifying and evaluating efficacy of interactive computerized program using motion tracking technology to improve unilateral neglect in patients with chronic stroke

BACKGROUND

To modify and evaluate the efficacy of a computerized visual perception rehabilitation program using interactive motion tracking technology with unilateral neglect after chronic stroke.

METHODS

Study design is single-blinded (analyst-blinded) controlled prospective clinical trial. Subjects are 16 patients with chronic stroke and unilateral neglect for over 6 months and 19 healthy volunteers. We modified our previous program to 9 tasks with built-in scoring system, and the subjects performed 3 sessions per week, 30 minutes per session for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Scores for the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Motor-free Visual Perception Test (MVPT), Line bisection test, Star cancellation test, Forward Digit Test, and Backward Digit Test showed significant improvement at the end of the sessions in the patient group. By comparing the parameters of built-in scoring system of each task among the control group, the first session of training in the patient group, and the last session of training in the patient group, we categorized the parameters for optional measurement to determine the effect of training or to be a candidate for evaluative use.

CONCLUSIONS

Our modified computerized visual perception rehabilitation program using improved unilateral neglect in patients post-stroke. Built-in scoring system in this program was helpful to assess availability of it more objectively.

Motor imagery in chronic neglect: An fMRI pilot study

AIM

Previous studies indicate the effectiveness of motor imagery training in stroke patients. To determine whether patients showing chronic visuospatial neglect symptoms may profit from motor imagery training, it is important to assess how the brain implements motor imagery when cortical systems involved in attentional control are impaired.

METHOD

Therefore, in this pilot study, nine chronic neglect patients with right-hemispheric stroke performed motor imagery of a finger opposition task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

RESULTS

Imagery of unaffected hand movements was related to activations in the left primary somatosensory and premotor cortices as well as in the left supplementary motor area. During the imagery of the affected hand, patients displayed activations in the left premotor cortex and supplementary motor area as well as left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, time since onset and visual imagery capacity were negatively related to activation in the supplementary motor area during the imagery of the affected hand.

CONCLUSIONS

These initial results demonstrate motor imagery capacity in patients with chronic neglect via compensatory neural processing during motor imagery of the affected hand in ipsilateral brain regions, since we found that the supplementary motor area appears to be specifically related to neglect severity. Although our results must be treated with caution due to the small sample size and missing control group, they indicate that neglect is not necessarily an exclusion criterion for motor imagery training per se.

Exergames Encouraging Exploration of Hemineglected Space in Stroke Patients With Visuospatial Neglect: A Feasibility Study

Background

Use of exergames can complement conventional therapy and increase the amount and intensity of visuospatial neglect (VSN) training. A series of 9 exergames—games based on therapeutic principles—aimed at improving exploration of the neglected space for patients with VSN symptoms poststroke was developed and tested for its feasibility.

Objectives

The goal was to determine the feasibility of the exergames with minimal supervision in terms of (1) implementation of the intervention, including adherence, attrition and safety, and (2) limited efficacy testing, aiming to document possible effects on VSN symptoms in a case series of patients early poststroke.

Methods

A total of 7 patients attended the 3-week exergames training program on a daily basis. Adherence of the patients was documented in a training diary. For attrition, the number of participants lost during the intervention was registered. Any adverse events related to the exergames intervention were noted to document safety. Changes in cognitive and spatial exploration skills were measured with the Zürich Maxi Mental Status Inventory and the Neglect Test. Additionally, we developed an Eye Tracker Neglect Test (ETNT) using an infrared camera to detect and measure neglect symptoms pre- and postintervention.

Results

The median was 14 out of 15 (93%) attended sessions, indicating that the adherence to the exergames training sessions was high. There were no adverse events and no drop-outs during the exergame intervention. The individual cognitive and spatial exploration skills slightly improved postintervention (P=.06 to P=.98) and continued improving at follow-up (P=.04 to P=.92) in 5 out of 7 (71%) patients. Calibration of the ETNT was rather error prone. The ETNT showed a trend for a slight median group improvement from 15 to 16 total located targets (+6%).

Conclusions

The high adherence rate and absence of adverse events showed that these exergames were feasible and safe for the participants. The results of the amount of exergames use is promising for future applications and warrants further investigations—for example, in the home setting of patients to augment training frequency and intensity. The preliminary results indicate the potential of these exergames to cause improvements in cognitive and spatial exploration skills over the course of training for stroke patients with VSN symptoms. Thus, these exergames are proposed as a motivating training tool to complement usual care. The ETNT showed to be a promising assessment for quantifying spatial exploration skills. However, further adaptations are needed, especially regarding calibration issues, before its use can be justified in a larger study sample.

Computational rehabilitation of neglect: Using state-space models to understand the recovery mechanisms

Unilateral spatial neglect is a neuropsychological syndrome often observed in right hemisphere stroke patients. The symptoms differ from subject to subject. A few rehabilitation approaches, e.g. prism adaptation, have demonstrated some effect in reducing the symptoms, but the underlying mechanisms are still largely unclear. Recently, neural models have been proposed to qualitatively describe cortical lesions, the resulting neglect symptoms and the effects of treatment. However, these predictions are qualitative and cannot be used to compare different hypotheses or to interpret symptoms at individual subjects level. Here we propose a computational model of the trial-by-trial dynamics of training-induced recovery from neglect. Neglect is modelled in terms of an impaired internal representation of visual stimuli in the left hemispace. The model assumes that recovery is driven by the mismatch between defective representations of visual stimuli and the corresponding hand positions. The model reproduces the main observations of prism adaptation experiments. Using standard system identification techniques, we fitted the model to data from a rehabilitation trial based on a novel rehabilitation approach based on virtual reality, involving reaching movements within an adaptive environment. Our results suggest that the model can be used to interpret data from individual subjects and to formulate testable hypotheses on the mechanisms of recovery and directions for treatment.

Rehabilitation of unilateral neglect: Evidence-based medicine

BACKGROUND

In the last decades, several rehabilitation methods have been developed to improve spatial neglect. These can be classified according to their theoretical basis: (i) enhance awareness of neglect behaviour through a top-down mechanism; (ii) low-level bottom-up sensory stimulation; (iii) modulation of inhibitory processes; (iv) increase arousal.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of the evidence on the effectiveness of rehabilitation procedures for unilateral neglect.

METHOD

A systematic search was performed to look for all randomised controlled trials aimed at reducing left spatial neglect that included a functional assessment. In addition, recent review papers and meta-analyses were analysed.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven randomized controlled trials were found (12 bottom-up; 12 top-down; 1 interhemispheric competition; 12 combination of approaches) that included 1027 patients with neglect. Although there are some encouraging results, overall, the level of evidence remains low. Poor methodological quality and small sample sizes are major limitations in many published trials.

CONCLUSION

There is a need for well-conducted, large-scale randomised controlled trials that incorporate blinded assessments, evaluation of the generalization to activities of daily living and long-term follow-up.

Effects of repetitive galvanic vestibular stimulation on spatial neglect and verticality perception-a randomised sham-controlled trial

Recent evidence shows that bipolar galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) with the cathode on the left (CL) or right (CR) mastoid ameliorates spatial neglect, extinction and verticality perception transiently and partly permanently. However, no randomised controlled trial evaluated the long-term effects of repetitive GVS in comparison to sham-GVS on exploration and verticality perception. To compare the effects of CL-GVS, CR-GVS and Sham-GVS on spatial exploration and verticality perception in right-hemispheric stroke patients with left neglect we conducted a randomised controlled trial with minimisation. Twenty-four patients completed 10-12 training sessions on a daily basis, 5 days/week. The CL-and CR-GVS group received 20 min of stimulation at 1.5 mA, the Sham-GVS group only 30 s of CL-GVS. Simultaneously, all patients performed a standard therapy of smooth pursuit eye movement training (SPT) followed by visual scanning training (VST). Outcome measures (Neglect test, visuo-tactile search task, subjective visual and tactile vertical) were assessed before and immediately after the intervention and at 2- and 4-week follow-ups. Our results show that neither our standard therapy nor the combination of standard therapy and GVS improved neglect symptoms significantly. The reasons for our non-significant results are discussed.

Spatial Neglect Hinders Success of Inpatient Rehabilitation in Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Retrospective Study

Background Current knowledge about spatial neglect and its impact on rehabilitation mostly originates from stroke studies. Objective To examine the impact of spatial neglect on rehabilitation outcome in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods The retrospective study included 156 consecutive patients with TBI (73 women; median age = 69.5 years; interquartile range = 50-81 years) at an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF). We examined whether the presence of spatial neglect affected the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores, length of stay, or discharge disposition. Based on the available medical records, we also explored whether spatial neglect was associated with tactile sensation or muscle strength asymmetry in the extremities and whether specific brain injuries or lesions predicted spatial neglect. Results In all, 30.1% (47 of 156) of the sample had spatial neglect. Sex, age, severity of TBI, or time postinjury did not differ between patients with and without spatial neglect. In comparison to patients without spatial neglect, patients with the disorder stayed in IRF 5 days longer, had lower FIM scores at discharge, improved slower in both Cognitive and Motor FIM scores, and might have less likelihood of return home. In addition, left-sided neglect was associated with asymmetric strength in the lower extremities, specifically left weaker than the right. Finally, brain injury-induced mass effect predicted left-sided neglect. Conclusions Spatial neglect is common following TBI, impedes rehabilitation progress in both motor and cognitive domains, and prolongs length of stay. Future research is needed for linking specific traumatic injuries and lesioned networks to spatial neglect and related impairment.