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Embrechts E, Schröder J, Nijboer TCW, van der Waal C, Lafosse C, Truijen S, Saeys W. Does visuospatial neglect contribute to standing balance within the first 12 weeks post-stroke? A prospective longitudinal cohort study. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:37. [PMID: 38254026 PMCID: PMC10801963 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03475-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visuospatial neglect (VSN) has been suggested to limit standing balance improvement post-stroke. However, studies investigating this association longitudinally by means of repeated within-subject measurements early post-stroke are lacking. This prospective longitudinal cohort study evaluates the longitudinal association of egocentric and allocentric VSN severity with 1) standing balance independence and 2) postural control and weight-bearing asymmetry (WBA) during quiet standing, in the first 12 weeks post-stroke. METHODS Thirty-six hemiplegic individuals after a first-ever unilateral stroke were evaluated at weeks 3, 5, 8 and 12 post-stroke. Egocentric and allocentric VSN severity were evaluated using the Broken Hearts Test. The standing unperturbed item of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS-s) was used to clinically evaluate standing independence. Posturographic measures included measures of postural control (mediolateral (ML)/anteroposterior (AP) net center-of-pressure velocities (COPvel)) and WBA during quiet standing. A linear mixed model was used to examine longitudinal associations between egocentric and allocentric VSN, and BBS-s, COPvel-ML, COPvel-AP and WBA within the first 12 weeks post-stroke. RESULTS Egocentric (β = -0.08, 95%CI[-0.15;-0.01], P = .029) and allocentric VSN severity (β = -0.09, 95%CI[-0.15; -0.04], P = .002) were significant independent factors for BBS-s scores in the first 12 weeks post-stroke. Egocentric and allocentric VSN were no significant independent factors for COPvel-ML, COPvel-AP and WBA in the first 12 weeks post-stroke. CONCLUSIONS Allocentric and egocentric VSN severity were significantly associated with decreased standing independence, but not impaired postural control or greater asymmetric weight-bearing, in the early subacute post-stroke phase. This may involve traditional VSN measures being not sensitive enough to detect fine-grained VSN deficits due to a ceiling effect between 5 and 8 weeks post-stroke, once the individual regains standing ability. Future studies may require more sensitive VSN measurements to detect such deficits. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov. unique identifier NCT05060458.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissa Embrechts
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI), Research Group MOVANT, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Jonas Schröder
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI), Research Group MOVANT, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Tanja C W Nijboer
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte van der Waal
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI), Research Group MOVANT, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Christophe Lafosse
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, RevArte Rehabilitation Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Steven Truijen
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI), Research Group MOVANT, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Wim Saeys
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI), Research Group MOVANT, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, RevArte Rehabilitation Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
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Schröder J, Hallemans A, Saeys W, Yperzeele L, Kwakkel G, Truijen S. Is a portable pressure plate an alternative to force plates for measuring postural stability and interlimb coordination of quiet standing balance control? J Rehabil Assist Technol Eng 2024; 11:20556683241234858. [PMID: 38694841 PMCID: PMC11061883 DOI: 10.1177/20556683241234858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Center-of-pressure (COP) synchronization and symmetry can inform adaptations in balance control following one-sided sensorimotor impairments (e.g., stroke). As established force plates are impossible to transport, we aimed to criterion validate a portable pressure plate for obtaining reliable COP synchronization and symmetry measures, next to conventional postural stability measures. Methods Twenty healthy adults participated. In a single session, three 40-s eyes-open and eyes-closed quiet stance trials were performed per plate-type, randomly ordered. Individual-limb COPs were measured to calculate between-limb synchronization (BLS) and dynamic control asymmetry (DCA). Net COP (i.e., limbs combined) area, amplitude, and velocity were used to describe anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) postural stability. Criterion validity was evaluated using Spearman correlations (r) and Bland-Altman plots. Test-retest reliability was tested using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Results Strong correlations (r > 0.75) and acceptable reliability (ICC > 0.80) were found regarding individual-limb COP velocity and DCA, net COP ML amplitude and AP and ML velocities. Bland-Altman plots yielded possible proportional bias; the pressure plate systematically underestimated COP scores by force plates and a larger error associated with a larger measurement. Conclusions Despite correlations between instruments and sufficient reliability for measuring postural stability and DCA, this technical note strongly suggests, due to a systematic deviation, using the same plate-type to accurately assess performance change within subjects longitudinally over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Schröder
- Research Group (MOVANT), Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Ann Hallemans
- Research Group (MOVANT), Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Wim Saeys
- Research Group (MOVANT), Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, RevArte Rehabilitation Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Laetitia Yperzeele
- Neurovascular Center Antwerp and Stroke Unit, Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
- Research Group on Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Gert Kwakkel
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Centre Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steven Truijen
- Research Group (MOVANT), Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Schröder J, Saeys W, Embrechts E, Hallemans A, Yperzeele L, Truijen S, Kwakkel G. Recovery of Quiet Standing Balance and Lower Limb Motor Impairment Early Poststroke: How Are They Related? Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2023; 37:530-544. [PMID: 37596887 DOI: 10.1177/15459683231186983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recovery of quiet standing balance early poststroke has been poorly investigated using repeated measurements. OBJECTIVE To investigate (1) the time course of steady-state balance in terms of postural stability and inter-limb symmetry, and (2) longitudinal associations with lower limb motor recovery in the first 3 months poststroke. METHODS Forty-eight hemiparetic subjects (age: 58.9 ± 16.1 years) were evaluated at weeks 3, 5, 8, and 12 poststroke. Motor impairments concerned the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FM-LE) and Motricity Index total score (MI-LE) or ankle item separately (MI-ankle). Postural stability during quiet 2-legged stance was calculated as the net center-of-pressure area (COPArea) and direction-dependent velocities (COPVel-ML and COPVel-AP). Dynamic control asymmetry (DCA) and weight-bearing asymmetry (WBA) estimated inter-limb symmetries in balance control and loading. Linear mixed models determined (1) time-dependent change and (2) the between- and within-subject associations between motor impairments and postural stability or inter-limb symmetry. RESULTS Time-dependent improvements were significant for FM-LE, MI-LE, MI-ankle, COPArea, COPVel-ML, and COPVel-AP, and tended to plateau by week 8. DCA and WBA did not exhibit significant change. Between-subject analyses yielded significant regression coefficients for FM-LE, MI-LE, and MI-ankle scores with COPArea, COPVel-ML, and COPVel-AP up until week 8, and with WBA until week 12. Within-subject regression coefficients of motor recovery with change in COPArea, COPVel-ML, COPVel-AP, DCA, or WBA were generally non-significant. CONCLUSIONS Postural stability improved significantly in the first 8 weeks poststroke, independent of lower limb motor recovery at the most affected side within subjects. Our findings suggest that subjects preferred to compensate with their less affected side, making metrics reflecting inter-limb asymmetries in balance invariant for change early poststroke.Clinical Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov. unique identifier NCT03728036.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Schröder
- Research Group MOVANT, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Saeys
- Research Group MOVANT, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, RevArte Rehabilitation Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Elissa Embrechts
- Research Group MOVANT, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ann Hallemans
- Research Group MOVANT, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Laetitia Yperzeele
- Neurovascular Center Antwerp and Stroke Unit, Department of Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
- Research Group on Translational Neurosciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Steven Truijen
- Research Group MOVANT, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gert Kwakkel
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Centre Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Chen Y, Su W, Gui CF, Guo QF, Tan HX, He L, Jiang HH, Wei QC, Gao Q. Effectiveness of cerebellar vermis intermittent theta-burst stimulation in improving trunk control and balance function for patients with subacute stroke: a randomised controlled trial protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066356. [PMID: 36631236 PMCID: PMC9835952 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Balance impairments frequently occur after stroke. Achieving effective core trunk stability is the key to improving balance ability. However, there is still a lack of advanced well-defined rehabilitation protocols for balance improvement in patients with stroke. Intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) is a non-invasive brain activity modulation strategy that can produce long-term potentiation. The cerebellar vermis is a fundamental structure involved in balance and motor control. However, no study has demonstrated the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of cerebellar vermis iTBS on balance after stroke. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study will be a prospective single-centre double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial with a 3-week intervention and 3-week follow-up. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to the experimental group or the control group in a 1:1 ratio. After routine conventional physical therapy, patients in the experimental group will receive cerebellar vermis iTBS, whereas patients in the control group will receive sham stimulation. The overall intervention period will be 5 days a week for 3 consecutive weeks. The outcomes will be measured at baseline (T0), 3 weeks postintervention (T1) and at the 3-week follow-up (T2). The primary outcomes are Berg Balance Scale and Trunk Impairment Scale scores. The secondary outcomes are balance test scores via the Balance Master system, muscle activation of the trunk and lower limbs via the surface electromyography recordings, cerebral cortex oxygen concentrations measured via the resting-state functional near-infrared spectroscopy, Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity and Barthel index scores. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the West China Hospital Clinical Trials and Biomedical Ethics Committee of Sichuan University. All participants will sign the informed consent form voluntarily. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at academic conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2200065369.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Su
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen-Fan Gui
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi-Fan Guo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Xin Tan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin He
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Han-Hong Jiang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Chuan Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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