Use of an optokinetic chart stimulation intervention for restoration of voluntary movement, postural control and mobility in acute stroke patients and one post intensive care polyneuropathy patient: A case series

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Chitambira, Benjamin

Affiliations: Richard Stevens Ward, William Harvey Hospital, Kennington Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 0LZ, UK. Tel.: +44 1233 616242 (Work); Fax: +44 1233 651813; E-mail: bchitambira@nhs.net; Benjamin.Chitambira@ekht.nhs.uk

Abstract: Background and purpose:The objective of this case series is to report on the use of an optokinetic chart stimulation intervention to restore voluntary movement, postural control and mobility in acute stroke patients and one post intensive care polyneuropathy patient. Method:An optokinetic chart was moved in front of the patient: from side to side, up and down and finally forwards and backwards. Specific active-assisted exercises of affected shoulder anti-gravity muscles were also carried out. Results:Except for strokes involving basal ganglia, parietal and temporal lobes simultaneously, optokinetic stimulation was effective in restoring voluntary movements, postural control and mobility. Discussion:In single lobe strokes and those that do not involve simultaneous extensive damage to the basal ganglia, parietal and temporal lobes optokinetics may be one of the neuro-modulation techniques that use cranial nerve circuits of key movement and postural control input organs to enhance neural plasticity. Extensive temporal- parietal strokes may need longer periods of rehabilitation. Further research using a combination of vestibular interventions may provide an effective intervention for severely disabling extensive temporal-parietal strokes. Further studies with this optokinetic chart intervention are also recommended for chronic stroke patients.

Keywords: Acute stroke, polyneuropathy, optokinetic chart stimulation, sensory interaction for balance, temporal-parietal infarcts

DOI: 10.3233/NRE-2011-0638

Journal: NeuroRehabilitation, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 99-104, 2011