Top Stroke Rehabil
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Constraint-induced movement therapy (CI therapy) is one of few treatments for upper extremity (UE) hemiparesis that has been shown to result in motor recovery and improved quality of life in chronic stroke. However, the extent to which treatment-induced improvements in motor function versus daily use of the more affected arm independently contribute to improved quality of life remains largely unexplored. ⋯ Results suggest that improved arm use during everyday activities is integral to maximizing quality of life gains during motor rehabilitation for chronic post-stroke UE hemiparesis. In contrast, gains in motor function were not associated with increases in quality of life. These findings further support the need to implement techniques into clinical practice that promote arm use during daily life if improving quality of life is a main goal of treatment. ClinicalTrials.gov Registration Numbers: NCT01725919 and NCT03005457.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Pilot randomized controlled trial to assess a physical therapy program on upper extremity function to counteract inactivity in chronic stroke.
In chronic stroke, feasible physical therapy (PT) programs are needed to promote function throughout life. ⋯ The suggested PT program may be useful to improve the paretic UE function and motor recovery in chronic stroke. Moreover, it may be helpful to facilitate lifelong active involvement of stroke subjects in exercise.
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Post-stroke cardiovascular fitness is typically half that of healthy age-matched people. Cardiovascular deconditioning is a risk factor for recurrent stroke that may be overlooked during routine rehabilitation. This study investigated the cardiovascular responses of two upper limb rehabilitation protocols. ⋯ This is the first study to demonstrate a cardiovascular benefit during specifically targeted upper limb rehabilitation. Thus, WMT not only improves upper limb motor function but also improves cardiovascular fitness.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The effects of Bobath-based trunk exercises on trunk control, functional capacity, balance, and gait: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Bobath-based individually designed trunk exercises on trunk control, upper and lower extremity function, and walking and balance in stroke patients. The main aim of treatment was to eliminate individual trunk impairments during various patient functions. ⋯ Individually developed exercise programs in the Bobath concept improve trunk performance, balance, and walking ability in stroke patients more than do conventional exercises.
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The leap motion controller (LMC) is a new optoelectronic system for capturing motion of both hands and controlling a virtual environment. Differently from previous devices, it optoelectronically tracks the fine movements of fingers neither using glows nor markers. ⋯ This feasibility pilot study was the first one using leap motion controller for conducting a videogame-based therapy. This study provided a proof of concept that LMC can be a suitable tool even for elderly patients with subacute stroke. LMC training was in fact performed with a high level of active participation, without adverse effects, and contributed to increase the recovery of hand abilities.