Predicting Recovery of Voluntary Upper Extremity Movement in Subacute Stroke Patients with Severe Upper Extremity Paresis

DesignProspective cohort study.Methods140 (out of 590) stroke patients with severe UE paresis completed all assessments. Voluntary UE movement was assessed using the UE subscale of the Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM-UE). Two outcome measures, STREAM-UE scores at discharge (DC_STREAM-UE) and changes between admission and discharge (Δ_STREAM-UE), were investigated to represent the final states and improvement of the recovery of voluntary UE movement. Stepwise regression analyses were used to investigate 19 clinical variables and to find the best predictive models of the two outcome measures.ResultsThe participants showed wide variation in both DC_STREAM-UE and Δ_STREAM-UE. 3.6% of the participants almost fully recovered at discharge (DC_STREAM-UE > 15). A large improvement (Δ_STREAM-UE >= 10) occurred in 16.4% of the participants, while 32.9% of the participants did not have any improvement. The four predictors for the DC_STREAM-UE (R² = 35.0%) were ‘baseline STREAM-UE score’, ‘hemorrhagic stroke’, ‘baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score’, and ‘cortical lesion excluding primary motor cortex’. The three predictors for the Δ_STREAM-UE (R² = 22.0%) were ‘hemorrhagic stroke’, ‘baseline NIHSS score’, and ‘cortical lesion excluding primary motor cortex’.ConclusionsRecovery of voluntary UE movement varied widely in patients with severe UE paresis after stroke. The predictive power of clinical variables was poor. Both results indicate the complex nature of voluntary UE movement recovery in patients with severe UE paresis after stroke.     

Effects of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on upper extremity motor recovery and functional outcomes in chronic stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) was suggested as a preconditioning method that would increase brain plasticity and that it would be optimal to combine rTMS with intensive rehabilitation.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of inhibitory rTMS on upper extremity motor recovery and functional outcomes in chronic ischemic stroke patients.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, experimental group received low-frequency (LF) rTMS to the primary motor cortex of the unaffected side?+?physical therapy (PT), and control group received PT.

Results: No statistically significant difference was found in baseline demographical and clinical characteristics of the subjects including stroke severity or severity of paralysis prior to intervention. There were statistically significant improvements in all clinical outcome measures except for the Brunnstrom Recovery Stages. Fugl–Meyer Assessment, Box and Block test, motor and total scores of Functional Independence Measurement (FIM), and Functional Ambulation Scale (FAS) scores were significantly increased in both groups, however, these changes were significantly greater in the rTMS group except for FAS score. FIM cognitive scores and standardized mini-mental test scores were significantly increased and distal and hand Modified Ashworth Scale scores were significantly decreased only in the rTMS group (p?Conclusions: LF-rTMS can safely facilitate upper extremity motor recovery in patients with chronic ischemic stroke. TMS seems to be a promising treatment for motor, functional, and cognitive deficits in chronic stroke. Further studies with a larger number of patients with longer follow-up periods are needed to establish its effectiveness in stroke rehabilitation.     

低频电刺激联合康复训练治疗脑卒中偏瘫患者效果及运动功能、自我效能的影响

摘要 目的：分析低频电刺激联合康复训练治疗脑卒中偏瘫患者效果及运动功能、自我效能的影响。方法：选择我院自2019年5月至2022年1月收治的156例脑卒中偏瘫患者作为研究对象,随机分为对照组和观察组,每组各78例。对照组予以常规对症支持治疗,加用康复训练;观察组在对照组的基础上,加用低频电刺激治疗,持续治疗8周后评估疗效。根据患者的下肢Brunnstrom分级改善幅度,评价治疗效果;比较两组治疗前后的下肢Fugl-Meyer运动功能量表（FMA）、Berg平衡量表（BBS）、改良Barthel指数（MBI）和一般自我效能感量表（GSES）评分。结果：观察组治疗总有效率为96.15 %,高于对照组的84.62 %（P＜0.05）;对比对照组,观察组治疗后下肢FMA评分、BBS评分均更高（P＜0.05）;对比对照组,观察组治疗后MBI评分、GSES评分均更高（P＜0.05）。结论：低频电刺激联合康复训练治疗脑卒中偏瘫患者的效果明显,能够有效改善运动功能和生活质量,提高自我效能,值得进一步研究应用。     

MOTOmed下肢运动训练联合等速肌力训练对脑卒中偏瘫患者下肢运动功能、下肢肌张力和步行步态功能的影响

摘要 目的：观察MOTOmed下肢运动训练联合等速肌力训练在脑卒中偏瘫患者的应用价值。方法：根据随机数字表法将2019年5月-2022年12月期间南京医科大学附属脑科医院收治的158例脑卒中偏瘫患者分为对照组（n=79,接受等速肌力训练）和观察组（n=79,对照组基础上接受MOTOmed下肢运动训练）。对比两组下肢运动功能、下肢肌张力、步行步态功能。结果：干预12周后,两组Fugl-Meyer运动功能评定量表（FMA）、Berg平衡量表（BBS）评分升高,且观察组高于对照组同期（P<0.05）。干预12周后,两组膝关节后伸（FKE）、前屈（FKF）、髋关节后伸（FHE）、前屈（FHF） 肌张力升高,且观察组高于对照组同期（P<0.05）。干预12周后,两组步速、步频、步长、功能性步行分级量表（FAC）评分升高,且观察组高于对照组同期（P<0.05）。结论：MOTOmed下肢运动训练联合等速肌力训练治疗脑卒中偏瘫患者,可有效改善下肢运动功能、下肢肌张力以及步行步态功能。     

肌内效贴联合经皮神经电刺激对脑卒中后偏瘫肩痛患者肩关节疼痛、肩关节功能和血液流变学的影响

摘要 目的：探讨肌内效贴联合经皮神经电刺激（TENS）对脑卒中后偏瘫肩痛患者肩关节疼痛、肩关节功能和血液流变学的影响。方法：选取2019年5月~2022年1月期间江苏省人民医院收治的脑卒中后偏瘫肩痛患者100例,根据随机数字表法将其分为对照组（n=50）和研究组（n=50）,在常规康复训练的基础上,对照组接受肌内效贴干预,研究组接受肌内效贴联合TENS干预。对比两组视觉模拟评分法（VAS）评分、上肢Fugl-Meyer运动功能评定量表（FMA）、改良Barthel指数（MBI）、Constant-Murley肩关节功能评分量表（CMS）评分、血液流变学指标、肩关节功能变化情况。结果：研究组干预后VAS评分低于同期对照组（P<0.05）。研究组干预后FMA、MBI、CMS评分高于同期对照组（P<0.05）。研究组干预后血浆黏度、纤维蛋白原、全血黏度、红细胞压积均低于同期对照组（P<0.05）。研究组干预后患侧肩关节的外旋、前屈、外展的主动/被动活动度（AROM/PROM）均大于对照组同期（P<0.05）。结论：肌内效贴联合TENS应用于脑卒中后偏瘫肩痛患者,可有效改善肩关节疼痛、肩关节功能和血液流变学。     

Sensory retraining improves light touch threshold of the paretic hand in chronic stroke survivors: a single-subject A-B design

Abstract

Background: Light touch, one of the primary and basic sensations, is often neglected in sensory retraining programmes for stroke survivors.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of sensory retraining on the light touch threshold of the hand, dexterity and upper limb motor function of chronic stroke survivors.

Methods: Five chronic stroke survivors with sensory impairment participated in this single-subject A-B design study. In baseline (A) phase, they only received standard rehabilitation. In the treatment (B) phase, they received a 6-week sensory retraining intervention in addition to standard rehabilitation. In both phases, they were evaluated every 3 days. Light touch threshold, manual dexterity and upper limb motor function were assessed using Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments, Box-Block Test and Fugl-Meyer Assessment, respectively. Visual analysis, nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test and, c-statistic were used for assessing the changes between phases.

Results: All participants indicated changes in trend or slope of the total score of light touch or both between the two phases. The results of the c-statistic also showed the statistical difference in the total score of light touch between baseline and treatment in all participants (p?<?0.001). Also, the results of the c-statistic and Mann-Whitney U test supported the difference of manual dexterity and motor function of the upper limb between baseline and treatment in all participants (p?<?0.001).

Conclusion: Current findings showed that sensory retraining may be an effective adjunctive intervention for improving the light touch threshold of the hand, dexterity and upper limb motor function in chronic stroke survivors.     

What are the determinants of explicit and implicit motor imagery ability in stroke patients?: a controlled study

Abstract

Purpose: The purposes of the study were to (a) investigate both explicit and implicit motor imagery ability (MIA) impairment after stroke, (b) examine predictive effects of clinical characteristics for MIA after stroke.

Materials and Methods: Forty one patients with stroke (PwS) (mean age 59.41?±?10.19?years; %41 female) and 36 healthy participants (mean age 62.47?±?9.29?years; %47 female) completed Chaotic Motor Imagery Assessment-Hand Rotation for implicit MIA and Movement Imagery Questionnaire-3 (MIQ-3) and Box and Block Test (BBT) for explicit MIA. The severity of motor and sensory impairments were determined by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMAUE) scores. The Turkish version of Motor Activity Log-28 was used to assess amount of use (AUS) and quality of movement in daily life.

Results: Our results indicated that both implicit and explicit MIA (except kinaesthetic imagery of MIQ-3) in PwS were statistically impaired compared to controls (p?<?0.05). The sensorimotor impairment level, amount of use and movement quality of the affected upper limb were found to be correlated with MIA in various degrees. Total motor scores in FMAUE and AUS were significant predictors of explicit MIA (p?<?0.01). Additionally, explicit MIA scores of stroke subgroups were statistically different between severely and mildly impaired patients, in favour of mildly impaired group (p?<?0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, both motor impairment level and amount of daily use of upper extremity were found to be predictive factors for explicit MIA. Further investigation with brain imaging techniques is needed to explore the validity of these findings in establishing MIA.     

运动想象疗法联合PNF躯干模式训练对脑卒中偏瘫患者上肢功能、步行功能和躯干控制能力的影响

摘要 目的：探讨运动想象疗法（MI）联合神经肌肉本体感觉促进术(PNF)躯干模式训练对脑卒中偏瘫患者上肢功能、步行功能和躯干控制能力的影响。方法：选取2015年1月-2019年6月期间中国人民解放军第九八三医院及中国中医科学院望京医院康复治疗中心收治的112例脑卒中偏瘫患者。根据按入院顺序编号的奇、偶数分为对照组（n=56）和研究组（n=56）,对照组给予常规康复训练联合MI训练,研究组在对照组基础上联合PNF躯干模式训练,两组均干预8周。对比两组干预前、干预4周后、干预8周后的Carroll手功能评定(UEFT)、Fugl-Meyer运动功能评定(FMA)、改良的Barthel指数（mBI）、功能性步行分级(FAC)、Tinetti步态评估量表(TGA)、躯干控制能力测试(TCT)、Berg平衡功能量表(BBS)、坐-站-坐时间以及躯干前倾距离。结果：两组干预4周后、干预8周后UEFT、FMA、mBI评分逐渐升高,且研究组高于对照组（P<0.05）。两组干预4周后、干预8周后FAC、TGA评分逐渐升高,且研究组高于对照组（P<0.05）。两组干预4周后、干预8周后TCT、BBS评分逐渐升高,且研究组高于对照组（P<0.05）。两组干预4周后、干预8周后坐-站-坐时间逐渐降低,且研究组低于对照组（P<0.05）,躯干前倾距离逐渐升高,且研究组高于对照组（P<0.05）。结论：MI联合PNF躯干模式训练治疗脑卒中偏瘫患者,可有效改善患者步行功能、上肢功能和躯干控制能力。     

经颅直流电刺激干预联合康复训练对痉挛型脑瘫患儿精细运动功能的影响

摘要 目的：探究经颅直流电刺激干预联合康复训练对痉挛型脑瘫患儿精细运动功能的影响。方法：选取2020年7月至2022年6月在我院儿童康复科收治的痉挛型脑瘫患儿116例为研究对象,按随机数字表法将患儿随机分为观察组、对照组,每组58例,对照组采用常规康复训练,观察组在对照组的基础上采用tDCS治疗。采用采用关节活动度量角器测定腕关节背伸关节活动度(AROM) ,采用脑瘫患儿精细运动功能测试量表（FMFM）评估患儿的双上肢精细操作能力,采用Peabody 精细运动发育量表(PDMS-FM)评定双手精细运动功能,采用改良Ashworth肌张力评定量表(MAS)评估患儿患侧上肢肘关节肌张力状况,比较两组治疗前后的各项指标差异变化。结果：治疗后两组患儿AROM评分较治疗前均显著增加,且观察组AROM评分显著高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。治疗后两组患儿FMFM评分较治疗前均显著增加,且观察组FMFM评分显著高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。治疗后两组患儿FMQ评分较治疗前均显著增加,且观察组FMQ评分显著高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。治疗后两组患儿MAS评分较治疗前均显著降低,且观察组MAS评分显著低于对照组,差异具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论：经颅直流电刺激干预联合康复训练可以显著改善痉挛型脑瘫患儿腕关节背伸关节活动度、双上肢精细操作能力、双手精细运动功能和患侧上肢肘关节肌张力,对精细运动功能具有改善作用。     

Residual Upper Arm Motor Function Primes Innervation of Paretic Forearm Muscles in Chronic Stroke after Brain-Machine Interface (BMI) Training

Background

Abnormal upper arm-forearm muscle synergies after stroke are poorly understood. We investigated whether upper arm function primes paralyzed forearm muscles in chronic stroke patients after Brain-Machine Interface (BMI)-based rehabilitation. Shaping upper arm-forearm muscle synergies may support individualized motor rehabilitation strategies.

Methods

Thirty-two chronic stroke patients with no active finger extensions were randomly assigned to experimental or sham groups and underwent daily BMI training followed by physiotherapy during four weeks. BMI sessions included desynchronization of ipsilesional brain activity and a robotic orthosis to move the paretic limb (experimental group, n = 16). In the sham group (n = 16) orthosis movements were random. Motor function was evaluated with electromyography (EMG) of forearm extensors, and upper arm and hand Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) scores. Patients performed distinct upper arm (e.g., shoulder flexion) and hand movements (finger extensions). Forearm EMG activity significantly higher during upper arm movements as compared to finger extensions was considered facilitation of forearm EMG activity. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to test inter-session reliability of facilitation of forearm EMG activity.

Results

Facilitation of forearm EMG activity ICC ranges from 0.52 to 0.83, indicating fair to high reliability before intervention in both limbs. Facilitation of forearm muscles is higher in the paretic as compared to the healthy limb (p<0.001). Upper arm FMA scores predict facilitation of forearm muscles after intervention in both groups (significant correlations ranged from R = 0.752, p = 0.002 to R = 0.779, p = 0.001), but only in the experimental group upper arm FMA scores predict changes in facilitation of forearm muscles after intervention (R = 0.709, p = 0.002; R = 0.827, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Residual upper arm motor function primes recruitment of paralyzed forearm muscles in chronic stroke patients and predicts changes in their recruitment after BMI training. This study suggests that changes in upper arm-forearm synergies contribute to stroke motor recovery, and provides candidacy guidelines for similar BMI-based clinical practice.     

Prediction of lower limb motor outcomes based on transcranial magnetic stimulation findings in patients with an infarct of the anterior cerebral artery

Abstract

The aim was to investigate the relationship between transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at the early stage of stroke and 6-month motor outcome for patients with anterior cerebral artery territory infarct. Patients were classified into TMS(+) and TMS(?) groups. At the 6-month evaluation, lower limb motor function for the TMS(+) group was significantly better than those for the TMS(?) group. Thus, early TMS evaluation is useful for predicting recovery of lower limb motor function in patients experiencing this type of stroke.     

Comparative study of observed actions,motor imagery and control therapeutic exercise on the conditioned pain modulation in the cervical spine: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of cervical exercise, motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) of cervical exercise actions on conditioned pain modulation and pressure pain thresholds. The second objective was to assess the effects of these interventions on cervical motor activity (ranges of motion and muscle endurance), attention, and the ability to generate motor images.

Study design: Single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Materials and methods: Fifty-four healthy subjects were randomly assigned to each group. Response conditioned pain modulation, pressure pain threshold, were the main variables. The secondary outcome measures included, cervical range of motion, Neck flexor endurance test, mental movement representation associated and psychosocial variables.

Results: All groups showed significant differences in time factor for all evaluated variables (p?<?.01) except pressure pain threshold over the tibial region. The post hoc analysis revealed significant within-group differences in the AE and AO groups in conditioned pain modulation (p?<?.05), with medium effect size in time [AE (d –0.61); AO (d –0.74)].

Conclusion: The results showed that within-group changes in conditioned pain modulation, cervical muscle endurance, and attention where founded only in the AE and AO groups. Variations in pain thresholds at pressure in the trapezium area were also obtained in the three groups. Changes in the ranges of flexion-extension and rotation movement were presented exclusively in the exercise group, and in the capacity to generate motor images only in the AO group. However, there was no difference in the pressure pain threshold over the tibial region.     

三维旋进式振动疗法联合常规康复训练对脑卒中偏瘫患者上下肢痉挛状态、步行能力及生活质量的影响

摘要 目的：探讨三维旋进式振动疗法联合常规康复训练对脑卒中偏瘫患者上下肢痉挛状态、步行能力及生活质量的影响。方法：按照随机数字表法,将南京医科大学附属苏州医院2020年4月~2022年4月期间收治的80例脑卒中偏瘫患者分为对照组（常规康复训练）和实验组（三维旋进式振动疗法联合常规康复训练）,每组各40例。对比两组偏瘫侧上下肢痉挛状态、步行能力及生活质量情况。结果：两组干预4周后、干预8周后Fugl-Meyer运动功能评分（FMA）上肢、下肢评分均较干预前升高,且实验组高于对照组（P<0.05）。两组干预4周后、干预8周后步长、步速、6 min步行试验（6MWT）均较干预前升高,且实验组高于对照组（P<0.05）。两组干预8周后,生理职能（RP）、活力（VT）、生理功能（PF）、总体健康（GH）、社会功能（SF）、躯体疼痛（BP）、情感职能（RE）、精神健康（MH）均较干预前升高,且实验组高于对照组（P<0.05）。结论：三维旋进式振动疗法联合常规康复训练应用于脑卒中偏瘫患者,可有效改善上下肢痉挛状态,提高步行能力,促进生活质量提高。     

MOTOmed下肢智能运动训练联合运动想象疗法对脑卒中偏瘫患者下肢功能、步行能力和躯干屈伸肌群肌力的影响

摘要 目的：探讨MOTOmed下肢智能运动训练联合运动想象疗法对脑卒中偏瘫患者下肢功能、步行能力和躯干屈伸肌群肌力的影响。方法：148例脑卒中偏瘫患者来源于我院2019年5月~2021年5月期间我院接收的患者,根据随机数字表法分为对照组（n=74,常规康复训练的基础上结合MOTOmed下肢智能运动训练）和研究组（n=74,对照组的基础上结合运动想象疗法）。两组均干预12周。对比两组下肢功能、步行能力和躯干屈伸肌群肌力变化。结果：两组干预12周后Fugl-Meyer运动功能量表（FMA）、Barthel指数（BI）、功能性步行能力分级量表（FAC）评分升高,且研究组高于对照组（P<0.05）。两组干预12周后步频、步速、跨步长比率升高,且研究组高于对照组（P<0.05）。两组干预12周后健侧腹直肌、竖脊肌表面肌电信号的均方根值未见明显变化,且组间同时点对比无差异（P>0.05）。两组干预12周后患侧腹直肌、竖脊肌表面肌电信号的均方根值升高,且研究组高于对照组（P<0.05）。结论：脑卒中偏瘫患者在MOTOmed下肢智能运动训练的基础上进行运动想象疗法,可促进下肢功能改善,提高步行能力,同时还可改善患侧躯干屈伸肌群肌力。     

Cross-training effect of chronic whole-body vibration exercise: a randomized controlled study

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether unilateral leg whole-body vibration (WBV) strength training induces strength gain in the untrained contralateral leg muscle. The secondary aim was to determine the potential role of spinal neurological mechanisms regarding the effect of WBV exercise on contralateral strength training.

Materials and Methods: Forty-two young adult healthy volunteers were randomized into two groups: WBV exercise and Sham control. An isometric semi-squat exercise during WBV was applied regularly through 20 sessions. WBV training was applied to the right leg in the WBV group and the left leg was isolated from vibration. Sham WBV was applied to the right leg of participants in the Control group. Pre- and post-training isokinetic torque and reflex latency of both quadricepses were evaluated.

Results: The increase in the strength of right (vibrated) knee extensors was 9.4?±?10.7% in the WBV group (p?=?.001) and was 1.2?±?6.6% in the Control group (p?=?.724). The left (non-vibrated) extensorsvibrated) knee extensors w4?±?8.4% in the WBV group (p?=?.038), whereas it decreased by 1.4?±?7.0% in the Control (p?=?.294). The strength gains were significant between the two groups. WBV induced the reflex response of the quadriceps muscle in the vibrated ipsilateral leg and also in the non-vibrated contralateral leg, though with a definite delay. The WBV-induced muscle reflex (WBV-IMR) latency was 22.5?±?7.7?ms for the vibrated leg and 39.3?±?14.6?ms for the non-vibrated leg.

Conclusions: Chronic WBV training has an effect of the cross-transfer of strength to contralateral homologous muscles. The WBV-induced muscular reflex may have a role in the mechanism of cross-transfer strength.     

本体感觉训练对膝关节周围骨折术后所致关节僵硬患者康复的影响

目的:分析本体感觉训练对膝关节周围骨折术后所致关节僵硬患者康复的影响。方法:选取我院收治的膝关节周围骨折术后所致关节僵硬患者62例,随机分成两组,对照组(n=31)采取常规康复训练,观察组(n=31)强化常规康复训练,采取本体感觉训练,比较两组康复训练方式对患者和的影响。结果:两组患者治疗前AROM水平比较(P0.05)。两组患者治疗后AROM水平均优于治疗前,且观察组高于对照组(P0.05)。两组患者治疗前LKSS评分比较(P0.05)。两组患者治疗后LKSS评分均优于治疗前,且观察组高于对照组(P0.05)。两组患者治疗前BBS评分比较(P0.05)。两组患者治疗后BBS评分均优于治疗前,且观察组高于对照组(P0.05)。结论:本体感觉训练对膝关节周围骨折术后所致关节僵硬患者康复有利,具有较高的临床价值。     

开窍醒神补虚通络针刺治疗对脑卒中后偏瘫患者血液流变学和Notch信号通路的影响

摘要 目的：探讨开窍醒神补虚通络针刺治疗对脑卒中后偏瘫患者血液流变学和Notch信号通路的影响。方法：选取东莞市中医院2020年12月至2022年7月期间收治的110例脑卒中后偏瘫患者,按照随机数字表法分为观察组（55例,脑卒中常规康复治疗结合开窍醒神补虚通络针刺治疗）和对照组（55例,脑卒中常规康复治疗）。对比两组各项量表评分[日常生活能力量表（ADL）、美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表（NIHSS）、Fugl-Meyer量表（FMA）]、平衡功能[前后倾斜角（F-BIA）、左右倾斜角（L-RIA）、Berg平衡量表（BBS）]、血液流变学和Notch信号通路相关指标。结果：与对照组相比,观察组干预4周后ADL、FMA评分更高,NIHSS评分更低（P<0.05）。与对照组相比,观察组干预4周后BBS、F-BIA、L-RIA更高（P<0.05）。与对照组相比,观察组干预4周后全血高切黏度、纤维蛋白原、血浆黏度、全血低切黏度更低（P<0.05）。与对照组相比,观察组干预4周后Notch1信使核糖核酸（mRNA）、Notch2 mRNA、Jagged1 mRNA、Jagged2 mRNA更低（P<0.05）。结论：开窍醒神补虚通络针刺治疗可有效改善脑卒中后偏瘫患者的日常活动能力、神经功能、运动功能和平衡功能,改善血液流变学和Notch信号通路。     

平衡功能训练联合肌内效贴对脑卒中偏瘫患者平衡功能、步行功能和生活质量的影响

摘要 目的：观察脑卒中偏瘫患者经肌内效贴联合平衡功能训练治疗后,其步行功能、生活质量及平衡功能的变化。方法：于2018年6月~2020年8月期间,选取我院收治的300例脑卒中偏瘫患者,根据随机数字表法分为对照组（150例,常规康复训练和平衡功能训练）和研究组（150例,常规康复训练、平衡功能训练联合肌内效贴）,均治疗4周。对比两组平衡功能、步行功能、生活质量、睁眼站立、脚前后站立、闭眼站立的重心摆动速度及动态稳定时间。结果：治疗4周后,两组Fugl-Meyer下肢运动功能评定量表（FMA）、Berg平衡量表（BBS）评分较治疗前升高,且研究组高于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗4周后,两组步行功能指标：步频、步长、步速、步幅较治疗前升高,且研究组高于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗4周后,两组SF-36各维度评分较治疗前升高,且研究组高于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗4周后,两组睁眼站立、脚前后站立、闭眼站立的重心摆动速度和动态稳定时间较治疗前降低,且研究组低于对照组（P<0.05）。结论：脑卒中偏瘫患者经肌内效贴联合平衡功能训练治疗后,平衡功能得到较好的恢复,步行能力提高,其生活质量得到改善。     

Visual motor imagery predominance in professional Spanish dancers

Abstract

Purpose: The main objectives of the study were to analyse the predominant motor imagery modality used by professional Spanish dancers and to compare Spanish dancers’ ability to perform mental motor imagery with that of non-dancers, and to analyse differences between male and female dancers. As a secondary aim, to compare the motor imagery ability between two styles of Spanish dance: classical Spanish dancers and Flamenco dancers.

Methods: A total of 74 participants were classified into two groups: professional Spanish dancers (n?=?37) and sedentary participants (n?=?37). The professional Spanish dancer group was composed of two dance disciplines: flamenco dancers (n?=?17), and classical dancers (n?=?20).

Results: Professional Spanish dancers used predominantly visual imagery modalities over kinesthetics to generate motor imagery, with a moderate effect size (p?<?.01, d?=?0.68). Regarding the ability to generate motor imagery, significant intergroup differences between professional Spanish dancers and sedentary participants were observed in all variables, with a large effect size (p?<?.05, d?>?0.80). Differences were obtained between men and women among non-dancers group (t?=??3.34; p?=?.03; d?=?0.5). No differences between Flamenco and classical dancers were observed.

Conclusion: Visual motor imagery modality was easier than the kinaesthetic modality in the generation of motor imagery for professional Spanish dancers regardless of the dance style. Spanish dancers had a greater ability to perform motor imagery compared with non-dancer individuals, needing less time to perform these mental tasks. Men non-dancers had a greater ability to generate motor imagery than women. Reinforcing the training of kinaesthetic motor imagery might be useful for professional Spanish dancers.     

Ultrasonographic and electrophysiologic evaluation of median and ulnar nerves in chronic stroke patients with upper extremity spasticity

Objective: To evaluate the upper extremity nerves of stroke patients morphologically and electrophysiologically and to determine whether there is a relationship between clinical evaluations, ultrasonographic measurements, and electrodiagnostic findings.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 30 chronic stroke patients. After recording demographical data, clinical, ultrasonographic, and electrophysiological evaluations were performed. Clinical evaluations included Brunnstrom Recovery Stages (BRS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Motricity index (MI), Functional Independence Measurement (FIM), and Functional Ambulation Scale (FAS). For ultrasonographic measurements, median and ulnar nerves were scanned. Median and ulnar nerve conduction studies were performed bilaterally.

Results: Mean ages of the patients were 62.2?±?13.0 years (range 24–84 years; 22 males, 8 females). There was no significant difference in median/ulnar nerve ultrasonographic measurements between paretic and non-paretic sides (p?>?.05), whereas median nerve motor conduction velocity was significantly slower and median nerve F-wave latency was prolonged on the paretic side (p?<?.05). The median and ulnar nerve compound motor action potential (CMAP) amplitudes of paretic sides were positively correlated with lower extremity BRS and FAS scores. Median CMAP amplitudes were also positively correlated with FIM scores and ulnar CMAP amplitudes were positively correlated with motricity scores. Moreover, on the paretic side, there were positive correlations of median SNAP amplitudes with FIM and FAS scores (p?<?.05).

Conclusions: Our results showed electrophysiological changes in peripheral nerves on the paretic upper extremities, however, no morphological change was determined. Further studies with larger number of patients and longer follow-up periods are needed to clarify the effect of stroke and spasticity on the peripheral nervous system.