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van der Waal C, Embrechts E, Truijen S, Saeys W. Do we need to consider head-on-body position, starting roll position and presence of visuospatial neglect when assessing perception of verticality after stroke? Top Stroke Rehabil 2024; 31:244-258. [PMID: 37671676 DOI: 10.1080/10749357.2023.2253622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Considering various factors that influence the accuracy of the Subjective Visual Vertical (SVV) and Subjective Postural Vertical (SPV), standardization of assessment methods is needed. This retrospective study examined the contribution of Head-on-Body (HOB) position, starting roll position (SRP) and visuospatial neglect (VSN) to SVV and SPV constant errors (i.e. deviation from true vertical). Also, the contribution of HOB position and VSN presence to SVV and SPV variability (i.e. intra-individual consistency between trials) was assessed. METHODS First-ever unilateral hemispheric stroke survivors (<85 years; <100 days post-stroke) were assessed with three HOB positions (neutral, contralesional, and ipsilesional) and seven starting positions (20°Contralesional to 20° ipsilesional) of the laser bar and tilt chair. Linear mixed models were selected to evaluate the contribution of HOB, SRP, and VSN to SVV/SPV constant errors and variability. RESULTS Thirty-four subjects (24 VSN-/10 VSN+) were assessed. A tilted HOB position led to significantly higher constant errors for the SVV and SPV (the latter only in the VSN- group), and an increased SVV variability. SRP only significantly contributed to the SVV constant errors and only in the VSN- group. Furthermore, the presence of VSN resulted in a significantly higher SVV and SPV variability. CONCLUSIONS HOB position and the presence of SRP and VSN are important factors to consider during SVV and SPV measurements. Assessment with a neutral HOB position leads to more accurate results. HOB position and SRP influence the results of SVV and SPV differently in individuals with and without VSN, which highlights the relevance of VSN assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte van der Waal
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Research Group MOVANT, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences & Physiotherapy, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Elissa Embrechts
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Research Group MOVANT, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences & Physiotherapy, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of Experimental Neuropsychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Steven Truijen
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Research Group MOVANT, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences & Physiotherapy, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Wim Saeys
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Research Group MOVANT, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences & Physiotherapy, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, RevArte Rehabilitation Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
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Sharp N, Hepworth LR. Treating Visual Inattention in Acute Stroke Survivors Using a Therapy Scanning Wall: A Proof-of-Concept Study. Br Ir Orthopt J 2023; 19:71-77. [PMID: 37577068 PMCID: PMC10417920 DOI: 10.22599/bioj.311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Visual inattention is common following right hemisphere stroke, with up to 80% of patients being affected. Visual inattention following stroke is linked to poorer outcomes. There is no clear evidence for how visual inattention should be treated in the hospital inpatient setting. Objective To explore the practical implications and possible benefits of using a visual scanning wall in a stroke rehabilitation unit as an assessment and treatment tool for visual inattention. Methods This proof-of-concept study recruited stroke survivors with visual inattention. Participants used the scanning wall for scanning training five days a week for two weeks. Assessments using the scanning wall and modified Albert's test were conducted at baseline and at day 14. Both participants and staff delivering the training were asked to complete an acceptability questionnaire. Results All participants demonstrated an improvement in the number of pictures identified from baseline to day 14. There was a mean improvement of 9.20 (95% CI 4.77 to 13.63) in the 14 days. This is a statistically significant improvement in the scanning wall score between baseline line and day 14 (p = 0.01). All participants and staff reported the scanning wall as acceptable to use. Conclusion This proof-of-concept study has demonstrated the scanning wall could be used to assess for visual inattention in extra personal space. Also, it could be beneficial and is acceptable for the treatment of visual inattention within a hospital inpatient setting for acute stroke survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Sharp
- Leighton Hospital, Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Crewe, UK
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Moore MJ, Vancleef K, Riddoch MJ, Gillebert CR, Demeyere N. Recovery of Visuospatial Neglect Subtypes and Relationship to Functional Outcome Six Months After Stroke. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2021; 35:823-835. [PMID: 34269128 PMCID: PMC8414826 DOI: 10.1177/15459683211032977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background/Objective. This study aims to investigate how complex visuospatial neglect behavioural phenotypes predict long-term outcomes, both in terms of neglect recovery and broader functional outcomes after 6 months post-stroke. Methods. This study presents a secondary cohort study of acute and 6-month follow-up data from 400 stroke survivors who completed the Oxford Cognitive Screen's Cancellation Task. At follow-up, patients also completed the Stroke Impact Scale questionnaire. These data were analysed to identify whether any specific combination of neglect symptoms is more likely to result in long-lasting neglect or higher levels of functional impairment, therefore warranting more targeted rehabilitation. Results. Overall, 98/142 (69%) neglect cases recovered by follow-up, and there was no significant difference in the persistence of egocentric/allocentric (X2 [1] = .66 and P = .418) or left/right neglect (X2 [2] = .781 and P = .677). Egocentric neglect was found to follow a proportional recovery pattern with all patients demonstrating a similar level of improvement over time. Conversely, allocentric neglect followed a non-proportional recovery pattern with chronic neglect patients exhibiting a slower rate of improvement than those who recovered. A multiple regression analysis revealed that the initial severity of acute allocentric, but not egocentric, neglect impairment acted as a significant predictor of poor long-term functional outcomes (F [9,300] = 4.742, P < .001 and adjusted R2 = .098). Conclusions. Our findings call for systematic neuropsychological assessment of both egocentric and allocentric neglect following stroke, as the occurrence and severity of these conditions may help predict recovery outcomes over and above stroke severity alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret J. Moore
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kathleen Vancleef
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - M. Jane Riddoch
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Nele Demeyere
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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4
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Chen P, Toglia J. The 3s Spreadsheet Test version 2 for assessing egocentric viewer-centered and allocentric stimulus-centered spatial neglect. Appl Neuropsychol Adult 2021; 29:1369-1379. [PMID: 33556259 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2021.1878462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The present study established the norms of the 3 s Spreadsheet Test version 2 (3S-v2 Test) with 186 healthy adults, compared performance of 23 individuals with spatial neglect after right brain stroke to the norms, and examined the extent that allocentric neglect is independent from egocentric neglect. The task required in the 3S-v2 Test is to cross out the target digit "3" in a spreadsheet that contained 10 columns and 14 rows of digit strings, including 120 target digits and 720 non-target digits. Each target is categorized with respect to its location on the page (egocentric viewer-centered) and its position within the digit string (allocentric stimulus-centered). Patients completed the 3S-v2 Test, the Apples Test, and Scene Copying Test (a five-object figure copying test). Based on the neglect classification criteria of these three tests, 18 patients (78.3%) were identified with both forms of neglect, three patients (13.0%) had isolated egocentric neglect, and two (8.7%) had isolated allocentric neglect. Among patients who were determined as having allocentric neglect by a given test, we found no significant correlation between severity of allocentric neglect and stimulus location in the egocentric reference frame. Based on the present findings, we suggest that including the 3S-v2 Test, a functionally relevant task and different from the currently available tests, may increase the comprehensiveness of neglect assessment. In addition, allocentric neglect symptoms are independent of egocentric locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peii Chen
- Center for Stroke Rehabilitation Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, USA.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Joan Toglia
- School of Health and Natural Sciences, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY, USA.,Rehabilitation Medicine Department, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Abstract
Consistently lateralized reading errors are commonly understood as side-effects of visuospatial neglect impairment. There is however a qualitative difference between systematically omitting full words presented on one side of passages (egocentric neglect dyslexia) and lateralized errors when reading single words (allocentric neglect dyslexia). This study aims to investigate the relationship between egocentric and allocentric neglect dyslexia and visuospatial neglect. 1209 stroke survivors completed standardized reading and cancellation tests. Stringent criteria identified unambiguous cases of allocentric neglect dyslexia (N = 17) and egocentric neglect dyslexia (N = 35). These conditions were found to be doubly dissociated with all cases of egocentric and allocentric neglect dyslexia occurring independently. Allocentric neglect dyslexia was dissociated from both egocentric and allocentric visuospatial neglect. Additionally, two cases of allocentric neglect dyslexia which co-occurred with oppositely lateralized domain-general visuospatial neglect were identified. Conversely, all cases of egocentric neglect dyslexia were found in the presence of domain-general visuospatial neglect. These findings suggest that allocentric neglect dyslexia cannot be fully understood as a consequence of visuospatial neglect. In contrast, we found no evidence for a dissociation between egocentric neglect dyslexia and visuospatial neglect. These findings highlight the need for new, neglect dyslexia specific rehabilitation strategies to be designed and tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Jane Moore
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nir Shalev
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Celine R Gillebert
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Brain and Cognition, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nele Demeyere
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Martín-Arévalo E, Schintu S, Farnè A, Pisella L, Reilly KT. Adaptation to Leftward Shifting Prisms Alters Motor Interhemispheric Inhibition. Cereb Cortex 2018; 28:528-537. [PMID: 27993820 PMCID: PMC6248503 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptation to rightward shifting prisms (rightward prism adaptation, RPA) ameliorates neglect symptoms in patients while adaptation to leftward shifting prisms (leftward prism adaptation, LPA) induces neglect-like behaviors in healthy subjects. It has been hypothesized that prism adaptation (PA) modulates interhemispheric balance between the parietal cortices by inhibiting the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) contralateral to the prismatic deviation, but PA's effects on interhemispheric inhibition (IHI) have not been directly investigated. Since there are hyper-excitable connections between the PPC and primary motor cortex (M1) in the left hemisphere of neglect patients, we reasoned that LPA might mimic right hemisphere lesions by reducing parietal IHI, hyper-exciting the left PPC and PPC-M1 connections, and in turn altering IHI at the motor level. Namely, we hypothesized that LPA would increase IHI from the left to the right M1. We examined changes in left-to-right and right-to-left IHI between the 2 M1s using the ipsilateral silent period (iSP) (Meyer et al. 1995) before and after either LPA or RPA. The iSP was significantly longer after LPA but only from left-to-right and it did not change at all after RPA. This is the first physiological demonstration that LPA alters IHI in the healthy brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Martín-Arévalo
- ImpAct team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM
U1028, CRNS-UMR5292, 16 Ave. Doyen Lépine, 69676 Bron
Cedex, France
- Lyon 1 University, F-69373 Lyon, France
| | - Selene Schintu
- ImpAct team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM
U1028, CRNS-UMR5292, 16 Ave. Doyen Lépine, 69676 Bron
Cedex, France
- Lyon 1 University, F-69373 Lyon, France
- Behavioral Neurology Unit, National Institute of
Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health,
10 Center Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alessandro Farnè
- ImpAct team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM
U1028, CRNS-UMR5292, 16 Ave. Doyen Lépine, 69676 Bron
Cedex, France
- Lyon 1 University, F-69373 Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Neuro-immersion & Mouvement
et Handicap, F-69676 Lyon, France
| | - Laure Pisella
- ImpAct team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM
U1028, CRNS-UMR5292, 16 Ave. Doyen Lépine, 69676 Bron
Cedex, France
- Lyon 1 University, F-69373 Lyon, France
| | - Karen T Reilly
- ImpAct team, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM
U1028, CRNS-UMR5292, 16 Ave. Doyen Lépine, 69676 Bron
Cedex, France
- Lyon 1 University, F-69373 Lyon, France
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Tobler-Ammann BC, Surer E, de Bruin ED, Rabuffetti M, Borghese NA, Mainetti R, Pirovano M, Wittwer L, Knols RH. Exergames Encouraging Exploration of Hemineglected Space in Stroke Patients With Visuospatial Neglect: A Feasibility Study. JMIR Serious Games 2017; 5:e17. [PMID: 28842388 PMCID: PMC5591404 DOI: 10.2196/games.7923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette C Tobler-Ammann
- Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Research Center, Directorate of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI], Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Elif Surer
- Graduate School of Informatics, Department of Modeling and Simulation, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.,Applied Intelligent Systems Laboratory, Department of Computer Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eling D de Bruin
- Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Rabuffetti
- Polo Tecnologico, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus, Milan, Italy
| | - N Alberto Borghese
- Applied Intelligent Systems Laboratory, Department of Computer Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Mainetti
- Applied Intelligent Systems Laboratory, Department of Computer Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Pirovano
- Applied Intelligent Systems Laboratory, Department of Computer Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Lia Wittwer
- Parkinson Center, Epileptology, Neurorehabilitation, Clinic Bethesda, Tschugg, Switzerland
| | - Ruud H Knols
- Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Research Center, Directorate of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Winters C, van Wegen EEH, Daffertshofer A, Kwakkel G. Generalizability of the Maximum Proportional Recovery Rule to Visuospatial Neglect Early Poststroke. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2016; 31:334-342. [PMID: 27913798 DOI: 10.1177/1545968316680492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Proportional recovery of upper-extremity motor function and aphasia after stroke may suggest common mechanisms for spontaneous neurobiological recovery. This study aimed to investigate if the proportional recovery rule also applies to visuospatial neglect (VSN) in right-hemispheric first-ever ischemic stroke patients and explored the possible common underlying mechanisms. METHODS Patients with upper-limb paresis and VSN were included. Recovery defined as the change in Letter Cancellation Test (LCT) score at ~8 days and 6 months poststroke. Potential recovery defined as LCTmax-LCTinitial = 20 - LCTinitial. Hierarchical clustering separated fitters and nonfitters of the prediction rule. A cutoff value on LCTmax-LCTinitial was determined. The change in LCT and Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity was expressed as a percentage of the total possible score to investigate the communality of proportional recovery. RESULTS Out of 90 patients, 80 displayed proportional recovery of VSN (ie, "fitters," 0.97; 95% CI = 0.82-1.12). All patients who did not follow the prediction rule for VSN (ie, "nonfitters") had ≥15 missing O's at baseline and failed to show proportional recovery of the upper limb. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that the proportional recovery rule also applies to patients with VSN poststroke. Patients who fail to show proportional recovery of VSN are the same patients who fail to show proportional recovery of the upper limb. These findings support the idea of common intrahemispheric mechanisms underlying spontaneous neurobiological recovery in the first months poststroke. Future studies should investigate the prognostic clinical and neurobiological markers of these subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Winters
- 1 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, VU University Medical Center, MOVE Research Institute Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,2 Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin E H van Wegen
- 1 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, VU University Medical Center, MOVE Research Institute Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,2 Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Daffertshofer
- 3 Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behaviour and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, MOVE Research Institute Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Kwakkel
- 1 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, VU University Medical Center, MOVE Research Institute Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,2 Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,4 Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Center, Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,5 Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
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Meyer S, De Bruyn N, Lafosse C, Van Dijk M, Michielsen M, Thijs L, Truyens V, Oostra K, Krumlinde-Sundholm L, Peeters A, Thijs V, Feys H, Verheyden G. Somatosensory Impairments in the Upper Limb Poststroke: Distribution and Association With Motor Function and Visuospatial Neglect. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2015; 30:731-42. [PMID: 26719352 DOI: 10.1177/1545968315624779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A thorough understanding of the presence of different upper-limb somatosensory deficits poststroke and the relation with motor performance remains unclear. Additionally, knowledge about the relation between somatosensory deficits and visuospatial neglect is limited. OBJECTIVE To investigate the distribution of upper-limb somatosensory impairments and the association with unimanual and bimanual motor outcomes and visuospatial neglect. METHODS A cross-sectional observational study was conducted, including 122 patients within 6 months after stroke (median = 82 days; interquartile range = 57-133 days). Somatosensory measurement included the Erasmus MC modification of the (revised) Nottingham Sensory Assessment (Em-NSA), Perceptual Threshold of Touch (PTT), thumb finding test, 2-point discrimination, and stereognosis subscale of the NSA. Upper-limb motor assessment comprised the Fugl-Meyer assessment, motricity index, Action Research Arm Test, and Adult-Assisting Hand Assessment Stroke. Screening for visuospatial neglect was performed using the Star Cancellation Test. RESULTS Upper-limb somatosensory impairments were common, with prevalence rates ranging from 21% to 54%. Low to moderate Spearman ρ correlations were found between somatosensory and motor deficits (r = 0.22-0.61), with the strongest associations for PTT (r = 0.56-0.61) and stereognosis (r = 0.51-0.60). Visuospatial neglect was present in 27 patients (22%). Between-group analysis revealed somatosensory deficits that occurred significantly more often and more severely in patients with visuospatial neglect (P < .05). Results showed consistently stronger correlations between motor and somatosensory deficits in patients with visuospatial neglect (r = 0.44-0.78) compared with patients without neglect (r = 0.08-0.59). CONCLUSIONS Somatosensory impairments are common in subacute patients poststroke and are related to motor outcome. Visuospatial neglect was associated with more severe upper-limb somatosensory impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Meyer
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Marc Michielsen
- Jessa Hospital - Rehabilitation Centre Sint Ursula, Herk-de-stad, Belgium
| | - Liselot Thijs
- Jessa Hospital - Rehabilitation Centre Sint Ursula, Herk-de-stad, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Andre Peeters
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vincent Thijs
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium Vesalius Research Center - VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hilde Feys
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Brem AK, Unterburger E, Speight I, Jäncke L. Treatment of visuospatial neglect with biparietal tDCS and cognitive training: a single-case study. Front Syst Neurosci 2014; 8:180. [PMID: 25324736 PMCID: PMC4179329 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2014.00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Symptoms of visuospatial neglect occur frequently after unilateral brain damage. Neglect hampers rehabilitation progress and is associated with reduced quality of life. However, existing treatment methods show limited efficacy. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulatory technique, which can be used to increase or decrease brain excitability. Its combination with conventional neglect therapy may enhance treatment efficacy. A 72-year-old male with a subacute ischemic stroke of the right posterior cerebral artery suffering from visuospatial neglect, hemianopia, and hemiparesis was treated with biparietal tDCS and cognitive neglect therapy in a double-blind, sham-controlled single-case study. Four weeks of daily treatment sessions (5 days per week, 30 min) were started 26 days post-stroke. During week 1 and 4 the patient received conventional neglect therapy, during week 2, conventional neglect therapy was combined once with sham and once with real biparietal tDCS. Week 3 consisted of daily sessions of real biparietal tDCS (1 mA, 20 min) combined with neglect therapy. Outcome measures were assessed before, immediately after, as well as 1 week and 3 months after the end of treatment. They included subtests of the Test for Attentional Performance (TAP): covert attention (main outcome), alertness, visual field; the Neglect-Test (NET): line bisection, cancelation, copying; and activities of daily living (ADL). After real stimulation, covert attention allocation toward left-sided invalid stimuli was significantly improved, and line bisection and copying improved qualitatively as compared to sham stimulation. ADL were only improved at the 3-month follow-up. This single-case study demonstrates for the first time that combined application of tDCS and cognitive training may enhance training-induced improvements in measures of visuospatial neglect and is applicable in a clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Katharine Brem
- Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Division of Cognitive Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA
| | - Evelyn Unterburger
- Department of Neuropsychology, University Hospital Zurich Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Irving Speight
- Department of Neuropsychology, Zürcher Höhenklinik Wald ZHW, Rehabilitation Center Faltigberg-Wald, Switzerland
| | - Lutz Jäncke
- Division Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland ; Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland ; International Normal Aging and Plasticity Imaging Center, University of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland ; University Research Priority Program "Dynamic of Healthy Aging," University of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland ; Department of Special Education, King Abdulaziz University Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Semrau JA, Wang JC, Herter TM, Scott SH, Dukelow SP. Relationship between visuospatial neglect and kinesthetic deficits after stroke. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2014; 29:318-28. [PMID: 25118184 DOI: 10.1177/1545968314545173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After stroke, visuospatial and kinesthetic (sense of limb motion) deficits are common, occurring in approximately 30% and 60% of individuals, respectively. Although both types of deficits affect aspects of spatial processing necessary for daily function, few studies have investigated the relationship between these 2 deficits after stroke. OBJECTIVE We aimed to characterize the relationship between visuospatial and kinesthetic deficits after stroke using the Behavioral Inattention Test (BIT) and a robotic measure of kinesthetic function. METHODS Visuospatial attention (using the BIT) and kinesthesia (using robotics) were measured in 158 individuals an average of 18 days after stroke. In the kinesthetic matching task, the robot moved the participant's stroke-affected arm at a preset direction, speed, and magnitude. Participants mirror-matched the robotic movement with the less/unaffected arm as soon as they felt movement in their stroke affected arm. RESULTS We found that participants with visuospatial inattention (neglect) had impaired kinesthesia 100% of the time, whereas only 59% of participants without neglect were impaired. For those without neglect, we observed that a higher percentage of participants with lower but passing BIT scores displayed impaired kinesthetic behavior (78%) compared with those participants who scored perfect or nearly perfect on the BIT (49%). CONCLUSIONS The presence of visuospatial neglect after stroke is highly predictive of the presence of kinesthetic deficits. However, the presence of kinesthetic deficits does not necessarily always indicate the presence of visuospatial neglect. Our findings highlight the importance of assessment and treatment of kinesthetic deficits after stroke, especially in patients with visuospatial neglect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Semrau
- University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeffery C Wang
- University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Sean P Dukelow
- University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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de Bruin N, Bryant DC, Gonzalez CLR. "Left neglected," but only in far space: spatial biases in healthy participants revealed in a visually guided grasping task. Front Neurol 2014; 5:4. [PMID: 24478751 PMCID: PMC3898521 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2014.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemispatial neglect is a common outcome of stroke that is characterized by the inability to orient toward, and attend to stimuli in contralesional space. It is established that hemispatial neglect has a perceptual component, however, the presence and severity of motor impairments is controversial. Establishing the nature of space use and spatial biases during visually guided actions amongst healthy individuals is critical to understanding the presence of visuomotor deficits in patients with neglect. Accordingly, three experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of object spatial location on patterns of grasping. Experiment 1 required right-handed participants to reach and grasp for blocks in order to construct 3D models. The blocks were scattered on a tabletop divided into equal size quadrants: left near, left far, right near, and right far. Identical sets of building blocks were available in each quadrant. Space use was dynamic, with participants initially grasping blocks from right near space and tending to “neglect” left far space until the final stages of the task. Experiment 2 repeated the protocol with left-handed participants. Remarkably, left-handed participants displayed a similar pattern of space use to right-handed participants. In Experiment 3 eye movements were examined to investigate whether “neglect” for grasping in left far reachable space had its origins in attentional biases. It was found that patterns of eye movements mirrored patterns of reach-to-grasp movements. We conclude that there are spatial biases during visually guided grasping, specifically, a tendency to neglect left far reachable space, and that this “neglect” is attentional in origin. The results raise the possibility that visuomotor impairments reported among patients with right hemisphere lesions when working in contralesional space may result in part from this inherent tendency to “neglect” left far space irrespective of the presence of unilateral visuospatial neglect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie de Bruin
- Brain in Action Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Lethbridge , Lethbridge, AB , Canada
| | - Devon C Bryant
- Brain in Action Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Lethbridge , Lethbridge, AB , Canada
| | - Claudia L R Gonzalez
- Brain in Action Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Lethbridge , Lethbridge, AB , Canada
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Abstract
Visuospatial neglect due to right hemisphere damage, usually a stroke, is a major cause of disability, impairing the ability to perform a whole range of everyday life activities. Conventional and long-established methods for the rehabilitation of neglect like visual scanning training, optokinetic stimulation, or limb activation training have produced positive results, with varying degrees of generalization to (un)trained tasks, lasting from several minutes up to various months after training. Nevertheless, some promising novel approaches to the remediation of left visuospatial neglect have emerged in the last decade. These new therapy methods can be broadly classified into four categories. First, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques by means of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), after a period of mainly diagnostic utilization, are increasingly applied as neurorehabilitative tools. Second, two classes of drugs, dopaminergic and noradrenergic, have been investigated for their potential effectiveness in rehabilitating neglect. Third, prism adaptation treatment has been shown to improve several neglect symptoms consistently, sometimes during longer periods of time. Finally, virtual reality technologies hold new opportunities for the development of effective training techniques for neglect. They provide realistic, rich, and highly controllable training environments. In this paper the degree of effectiveness and the evidence gathered to support the therapeutic claims of these new approaches is reviewed and discussed. The conclusion is that for all these approaches there still is insufficient unbiased evidence to support their effectiveness. Further neglect rehabilitation research should focus on the maintenance of therapy results over time, on a more functional evaluation of treatment effects, on the design and execution of true replication studies and on the exploration of optimal combinations of treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Fasotti
- Rehabilitation Medical Centre Groot Klimmendaal, SIZA Support and Rehabilitation , Arnhem , Netherlands ; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen , Nijmegen , Netherlands
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