NeuroRehabilitation - Volume 34, issue 1

Authors: Suh, Jee Hyun | Han, Soo Jeong | Jeon, Seo Young | Kim, Ho Jeong | Lee, Jeong Eun | Yoon, Tae Sik | Chong, Hyun Ju

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) improves gait velocity, cadence, and stride length in hemiplegic stroke patients, yet little is known about the effectiveness of RAS on standing balance. Objectives: To examine and compare the effectiveness on standing balance and gait parameter of two different types of gait trainings, gait training with RAS versus gait training without RAS, was compared in two groups of hemiplegic stroke patients over a three-week period (RAS group, n = 8; control group = 8). Methods: Sixteen hemiplegic stroke patients were included in the study. Standing balance was measured by using Biosway® …. Stride length, gait velocity, and cadence were calculated from the number of steps and required time for a 10 m-walk. Results: Pre- to post-test measures showed a significant improvement in RAS group for overall stability index (p = 0.043), mediolateral index (p = 0.006), anteroposterior index (p = 0.016), gait velocity (p = 0.012), stride length (p = 0.03) and cadence (p = 0.012) over the control group. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that RAS was an effective therapeutic method to improve gait velocity, stride length, cadence, and standing balance in hemiplegic stroke patients. Show more

Keywords: Rhythmic auditory stimulation, stroke, balance, gait, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-131008

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 34, no. 1, pp. 193-199, 2014

Authors: Boe, Ellen Wichard | Pedersen, Anders Degn | Pedersen, Asger Roer | Nielsen, Jørgen Feldbæk | Blicher, Jakob Udby

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is an evidence-based rehabilitation intervention for stroke. Several factors influence the motor gain from CIMT, including age and level of impairment. However, it is currently unknown to what extent cognitive status affects motor gain during CIMT. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether cognitive and emotional status affects motor improvement during two weeks of CIMT and retention of the gain at three months follow-up. Methods: Twenty stroke patients (3–12 months post stroke) completed two weeks of CIMT. Motor performance was measured using the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). …Cognitive and emotional status was measured with a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery and a questionnaire on emotional status. All measures were performed at baseline, after two weeks of training, and at three months follow-up. Results: We found no significant correlation between cognitive or emotional measures at baseline and improvement in motor performance post training. Also, cognitive and emotional status did not correlate with motor retention at three months follow-up. Conclusions: We found no evidence to support that cognitive performance in stroke patients can predict motor gain from CIMT. Show more

Keywords: Constraint-induced movement therapy, stroke, rehabilitation, neuropsychological assessment, cognition, upper extremity

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-131011

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 34, no. 1, pp. 201-207, 2014

Authors: El-Tamawy, Mohamed S. | Abd-Allah, Foad | Ahmed, Sandra M. | Darwish, Moshera H. | Khalifa, Heba A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Stroke is a leading cause of functional impairments. High percentage of these patients will experience some degree of cognitive affection, ranging from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. Objective: Demonstrate the role of aerobic exercises enhancing cognitive functions and its effect on Brain Derived Neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in post-ischemic stroke patients in the territory of anterior circulation. Subjects and methods: We included thirty Egyptian ischemic stroke patients in the territory of anterior circulation. They were divided into 2 groups; group 1 (G1) were subjected to physiotherapy program without aerobic exercises and group 2 (G2) were subjected …to the same previous program followed by aerobic exercises. Both groups were subjected to pre- and post-treatment Addenbrookes's Cognitive Examination- Revised (ACER) and serum level of BDNF. Results: Our results showed a significant improvement in ACER score in G2 compared to G1 post-treatment (p = 0.017). BDNF serum level significantly increased in G2 post-treatment compared to pre-treatment (p = 0.001) and compared to G1 group (p = 0.0458). ACER improvement was positively correlated to increase in serum level of BDNF (r = 0.53, p = 0.044). Conclusion: Aerobic exercises improve cognitive functions of ischemic stroke patients. This improvement is related to the increase in serum level of BDNF. Show more

Keywords: Stroke, aerobic exercises, BDNF

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-131020

Citation: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 34, no. 1, pp. 209-213, 2014