The development of a clinical practice stroke guideline for physiotherapists in The Netherlands: A systematic review of available evidence

Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of physical therapists towards conventional physical therapy-across-sectional study

Background

Conventional physical therapy (CPT) is widely used in clinical practice and known to contribute beneficially to patient's health conditions but remains loosely defined. Research has shown inconsistency in the definition and utilization of CPT among physical therapists in clinical and research settings, limiting its generalisability and reproducibility. Therefore, this study evaluates physical therapists' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward CPT.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire containing 36 questions was distributed among 238 licensed physical therapists. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to measure the physical therapists' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards CPT.

Results

Physical therapists showed limited knowledge of CPT in rehabilitation (4.09±1.698, 51%). However, the knowledge scores were significantly associated with age (P=0.002), educational levels (P=0.006), and years of work experience (P=0.001). Nevertheless, physical therapists showed an overall positive attitude towards CPT and perceived it as essential to rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Most physical therapists have low knowledge about CPT but positive attitudes and perceptions. Therefore, customized medical education is necessary to incorporate CPT theories and applications into physical therapists' rehabilitation programs.

Informing the development of an outcome set and banks of items to measure mobility among individuals with acquired brain injury using natural language processing

BACKGROUND

The sheer number of measures evaluating mobility and inconsistencies in terminology make it challenging to extract potential core domains and items. Automating a portion of the data synthesis would allow us to cover a much larger volume of studies and databases in a smaller fraction of the time compared to the usual process. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify a comprehensive outcome set and develop preliminary banks of items of mobility among individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) using Natural Language Processing (NLP).

METHODS

An umbrella review of 47 reviews evaluating the content of mobility measures among individuals with ABI was conducted. A search was performed on 5 databases between 2000 and 2020. Two independent reviewers retrieved copies of the measures and extracted mobility domains and items. A pre-trained BERT model (state-of-the-art model for NLP) provided vector representations for each sentence. Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health Framework (ICF) ontology as a guide for clustering, a k-means algorithm was used to retrieve clusters of similar sentences from their embeddings. The resulting embedding clusters were evaluated using the Silhouette score and fine-tuned according to expert input.

RESULTS

The study identified 246 mobility measures, including 474 domains and 2109 items. Encoding the clusters using the ICF ontology and expert knowledge helped in regrouping the items in a way that is more closely related to mobility terminology. Our best results identified banks of items that were used to create a 24 comprehensive outcome sets of mobility, including Upper Extremity Mobility, Emotional Function, Balance, Motor Control, Self-care, Social Life and Relationships, Cognition, Walking, Postural Transition, Recreation, and Leisure Activities, Activities of Daily Living, Physical Functioning, Communication, Work/Study, Climbing, Sensory Functions, General Health, Fatigue, Functional Independence, Pain, Alcohol and Drugs Use, Transportation, Sleeping, and Finances.

CONCLUSION

The banks of items of mobility domains represent a first step toward establishing a comprehensive outcome set and a common language of mobility to develop the ontology. It enables researchers and healthcare professionals to begin exposing the content of mobility measures as a way to assess mobility comprehensively.

Psychometric properties of performance-based measures of physical function administered via telehealth among people with chronic conditions: A systematic review

Background

Telehealth could enhance rehabilitation for people with chronic health conditions. This review examined the psychometric properties of performance-based measures of physical function administered via telehealth among people with chronic health conditions using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) approach.

Methods

This systematic review was registered with Prospero (Registration number: CRD42021262547). Four electronic databases were searched up to June 2022. Study quality was evaluated by two independent reviewers using the COSMIN risk of bias checklist. Measurement properties were rated by two independent reviewers in accordance with COSMIN guidance. Results were summarised according to the COSMIN approach and the modified GRADE approach was used to grade quality of the summarised evidence.

Results

Five articles met the eligibility criteria. These included patients with Parkinson’s Disease (n = 2), stroke (n = 1), cystic fibrosis (n = 1) and chronic heart failure (n = 1). Fifteen performance-based measures of physical function administered via videoconferencing were investigated, spanning measures of functional balance (n = 7), other measures of general functional capacity (n = 4), exercise capacity (n = 2), and functional strength (n = 2). Studies were conducted in Australia (n = 4) and the United States (n = 1). Reliability was reported for twelve measures, with all twelve demonstrating sufficient inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. Criterion validity for all fifteen measures was reported, with eight demonstrating sufficient validity and the remaining seven demonstrating indeterminate validity. No studies reported data on measurement error or responsiveness.

Conclusions

Several performance-based measures of physical function across the domains of exercise capacity, strength, balance and general functional capacity may have sufficient reliability and criterion validity when administered via telehealth. However, the evidence is of low-very low quality, reflecting the small number of studies conducted and the small sample sizes included in the studies. Future research is needed to explore the measurement error, responsiveness, interpretability and feasibility of these measures administered via telehealth.

Quality of mobility measures among individuals with acquired brain injury: an umbrella review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

While several mobility measures exist, there is large variability across measures in how mobility is conceptualized, the source of information and the measurement properties making it challenging to select relevant mobility measures for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI). Therefore, the objective was to conduct a comprehensive synthesis of existing evidence on the measurement properties, the interpretability and the feasibility of mobility measures from various sources of information (patients, clinicians, technology) using an umbrella review of published systematic reviews among individuals with ABI.

METHODS

Ovid MEDLINE, CINHAL, Cochrane Library and EMBASE electronic databases were searched from 2000 to March 2020. Two independent reviewers appraised the methodological quality of the systematic reviews using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. Measurement properties and quality of evidence were applied according to COnsensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instrument (COSMIN) guidelines. Mobility measures were categorized using international standards with the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF).

RESULTS

Thirty-five systematic reviews were included covering 147 mobility measures, of which 85% were mapped to the ICF Activity and Participation component. Results showed an acceptable overall "sufficient" rating for reliability, construct validity and responsiveness for 132 (90%), 127 (86%) and 76 (52%) of the measures, respectively; however, among these measures, ≤ 25% of the methods for evaluating these properties were rated as 'high' quality of evidence. Also, there was limited information that supports measure feasibility and scoring interpretability.

CONCLUSIONS

Future systematic reviews should report measures' content validity to support the use of the measure in clinical care and research. More evaluations of the minimal important difference and floor and ceiling effects are needed to help guide clinical interpretation.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO); ID: CRD42018100068.

Is virtual reality training superior to conventional treatment in improving lower extremity motor function in chronic hemiplegic patients?

Objectives: This study aims to examine the effect of virtual reality (VR) training, frequently included in rehabilitation programs, on lower extremity functional status, mobility, balance, and walking speed in chronic stroke patients.

Patients and methods: This randomized, controlled study was conducted with 60 chronic stroke patients (26 males, 34 females; mean age: 64.0 years; range, 33 to 80 years) who presented to the physical therapy and rehabilitation outpatient clinic of the Kütahya Health Sciences University Evliya Çelebi Training and Research Hospital between February 2019 and February 2020. The participants were randomized to the VR group and the control group by simple randomization with 1:1 allocation. The VR group received 30 min of VR training and 30 min of conventional physiotherapy, while the control group received 60 min of conventional physiotherapy. The patients were evaluated before and after treatment using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremity (FMA-LE), Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI), 10-m walk test (10MWT), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS).

Results: The FMA-LE, RMI, 10MWT, and BBS scores significantly improved in both groups after treatment (p<0.001). The post-treatment change in the FMA-LE score was significantly higher in the VR group than in the control group (Z=-3.560, p<0.001). Similarly, the change in the BBS score was significantly higher in the VR group (Z=-3.769, p<0.001). Post-treatment changes in the RMI and 10MWT were not significant (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Virtual reality training combined with conventional physiotherapy was found to be superior to conventional physiotherapy alone in improving lower extremity functional status in chronic stroke patients; therefore, adding a VR component to rehabilitation programs will have a favorable impact on treatment outcomes.

Generalizability of Results from Randomized Controlled Trials in Post-Stroke Physiotherapy

Purpose: The randomized controlled trial (RCT) is considered a reliable experimental design, able to detect the effect of an intervention. However, a criticism frequently levelled at RCTs by clinicians is their lack of generalizability. This study aimed to evaluate the generalizability of findings from RCTs of physiotherapy interventions for individuals with stroke. Method: A sample of RCTs of physiotherapy interventions after stroke indexed in the PEDro database was selected, and the reported inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed. Results: We reviewed 100 articles, which included 7,366 participants (41.6% women, with a mean weighted age of 65.5 years). The most frequent criteria for exclusion were comorbidity (83%), cognitive impairments (69%), communication skills (55%), recurrent stroke (53%), low functional level (47%) and being elderly (25%). Conclusions: A variety of cohorts of individuals who have had a stroke are excluded from RCTs published in the field of physiotherapy. Because they represent a substantial proportion of the real-world population with stroke, and consequently treated in clinical practice, more vulnerable cohorts of participants should be included in RCTs.

Factors associated with stroke survivors' inconsistent uptake of physiotherapy interventions at Turton Community Health Centre, KwaZulu-Natal

Background

Stroke is one of the major causes of physical disability worldwide. Whilst physiotherapy interventions are important for the recovery of stroke survivors, the uptake remains inconsistent and factors contributing to these inconsistencies are not well documented, especially in South Africa.

Objectives

The overall objective was to determine the intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with adult stroke survivors’ inconsistent uptake of physiotherapy interventions at Turton Community Health Centre, Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study involving 50 stroke survivors who missed one or more of their physiotherapy appointments and 25 who attended all their appointments (comparison group) within a 2-year period. A researcher-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data, which was captured and analysed using SPSS v25. Results were summarised using descriptive statistics. Pearson’s chi-square test was used for bivariate analysis.

Results

Only two intrinsic factors were significantly associated with the outcome variable, namely: believed in exercises recommended by physiotherapists (χ² = 3.86, p = 0.049) and improvements noted from the start of recommended exercises (χ² = 9.439, p = 0.007). Transportation, including hiring of private cars (74%) and being far away from the health facility (48%), were key extrinsic challenges affecting access to health facilities.

Conclusion

Personal reasons and the difficulty in accessing health facilities were main factors affecting stroke survivors’ uptake of physiotherapy interventions.

Clinical implications

Design of patient-tracking and family support systems may potentially improve the stroke survivors’ uptake of physiotherapy interventions.

An Asian-centric human movement database capturing activities of daily living

Assessment of human movement performance in activities of daily living (ADL) is a key component in clinical and rehabilitation settings. Motion capture technology is an effective method for objective assessment of human movement. Existing databases capture human movement and ADL performance primarily in the Western population, and there are no Asian databases to date. This is despite the fact that Asian anthropometrics influence movement kinematics and kinetics. This paper details the protocol in the first phase of the largest Asian normative human movement database. Data collection has commenced, and this paper reports 10 healthy participants. Twelve tasks were performed and data was collected using Qualisys motion capture system, force plates and instrumented table and chair. In phase two, human movement of individuals with stroke and knee osteoarthritis will be captured. This can have great potential for benchmarking with the normative human movement captured in phase one and predicting recovery and progression of movement for patients. With individualised progression, it will offer the development of personalised therapy protocols in rehabilitation.

Consensus-Based Core Set of Outcome Measures for Clinical Motor Rehabilitation After Stroke-A Delphi Study

Introduction: Outcome measures are key to tailor rehabilitation goals to the stroke patient's individual needs and to monitor poststroke recovery. The large number of available outcome measures leads to high variability in clinical use. Currently, an internationally agreed core set of motor outcome measures for clinical application is lacking. Therefore, the goal was to develop such a set to serve as a quality standard in clinical motor rehabilitation poststroke.

Methods: Outcome measures for the upper and lower extremities, and activities of daily living (ADL)/stroke-specific outcomes were identified and presented to stroke rehabilitation experts in an electronic Delphi study. In round 1, clinical feasibility and relevance of the outcome measures were rated on a 7-point Likert scale. In round 2, those rated at least as “relevant” and “feasible” were ranked within the body functions, activities, and participation domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Furthermore, measurement time points poststroke were indicated. In round 3, answers were reviewed in reference to overall results to reach final consensus.

Results: In total, 119 outcome measures were presented to 33 experts from 18 countries. The recommended core set includes the Fugl–Meyer Motor Assessment and Action Research Arm Test for the upper extremity section; the Fugl–Meyer Motor Assessment, 10-m Walk Test, Timed-Up-and-Go, and Berg Balance Scale for the lower extremity section; and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and Barthel Index or Functional Independence Measure for the ADL/stroke-specific section. The Stroke Impact Scale was recommended spanning all ICF domains. Recommended measurement time points are days 2 ± 1 and 7; weeks 2, 4, and 12; 6 months poststroke and every following 6th month.

Discussion and Conclusion: Agreement was found upon a set of nine outcome measures for application in clinical motor rehabilitation poststroke, with seven measurement time points following the stages of poststroke recovery. This core set was specifically developed for clinical practice and distinguishes itself from initiatives for stroke rehabilitation research. The next challenge is to implement this clinical core set across the full stroke care continuum with the aim to improve the transparency, comparability, and quality of stroke rehabilitation at a regional, national, and international level.

Assessing the Use of Standardized Outcome Measures for Stroke Rehabilitation among Physiotherapists in Ghana

Background

The use of standardized outcome measures is an aspect of good clinical practice and essential to the rehabilitation of patients suffering from stroke. Literature reports regarding the extent of usage of outcome measures in stroke rehabilitation by physiotherapists globally are inconsistent. In addition, the patronage of outcome measures in stroke rehabilitation in low-resourced countries is uncertain.

Objective

This study was conducted to assess the current practice of physiotherapists in Ghana regarding the use of standardized outcome measures in the rehabilitation of stroke patients.

Method

A descriptive cross-sectional survey, was used involving 105 registered physiotherapists in Ghana. A 35-item adapted questionnaire was used to collect data on some commonly used outcome measures and frequency of use by physiotherapists for stroke patients.

Results

A total of 55 (52.4%) physiotherapists did not use outcome measures in their clinical practice. Physiotherapists below 40 years of age use outcome measures (64.7%) more than those 41 years and above (6.7%). Physiotherapists working in public facilities in Ghana are more likely to use outcome measures (56.2%) than those in private facilities (16.2%). Physiotherapists who attend to 1-10 patients in a week used outcome measures more (32.4%) than physiotherapists who attend to more than 30 patients (3.8%) in a week.

Conclusion

There is poor usage of outcome measures by Ghanaian physiotherapists, with more than half of the participants not using any standardized outcome measures for rehabilitation of patients in their practice. Physiotherapists who attends to fewer number of patients in a week are more likely to use outcome measures. There is the need for implementation of policy and guidelines on the use of outcome measures by the Allied Health Professions Council and the Ghana Physiotherapy Association.

The three-dimensional shoulder pain alignment (3D-SPA) mobilization improves pain-free shoulder range, functional reach and sleep following stroke: a pilot randomized control trial

Background and purpose: Following a stroke, three-dimensional clavicular/scapular/humeral joint rotations may become restricted and contribute to post-stroke shoulder pain. This study examined whether a treatment group provided with current standard treatment plus the proposed "Three-dimensional Shoulder Pain Alignment" mobilization protocol demonstrated improved pain-free shoulder range, functional reach and sleep compared to a control group provided with standard treatment alone.Methods: In this double-blinded parallel-group randomized control trial, treatment and control subjects with moderate/severe post-stroke upper extremity impairment and shoulder pain were treated 3x/week for 4 weeks. Outcome measures included changes in pain-free three-dimensional clavicular/scapular/humeral range (using computerized digitization), pain during sleep and functional reach (using the Pain Intensity-Numerical Rating Scale), and pain location/prognostic indicators (using the Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment-Shoulder Pain Inventory).Results: Compared to controls (n = 10) the treatment group (n = 10) demonstrated significantly improved three-dimensional clavicular/scapular/humeral pain-free range during shoulder flexion and abduction (p < 0.05; Hedges g > 0.80), large effect sizes for decreased pain during sleep and functional reach to the head and back (OR range: 5.44-21.00), and moderate effect size for improved pain/prognostic indicators (OR = 3.86).Conclusions: The Three-Dimensional Shoulder Pain Alignment mobilization protocol significantly improved pain-free range of motion, functional reach and pain during sleep in shoulders with moderate/severe post-stroke upper-extremity impairment.Implications for rehabilitationAlthough three-dimensional clavicular/scapular/humeral rotations are an essential component of normal pain-free shoulder range of motion, current guidelines for treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain only includes uni-dimensional mobilizations for joint alignment and pain management.The Three-Dimensional Shoulder Pain Alignment (3D-SPA) mobilization protocol incorporates multi-dimensional mobilizations in various planes of shoulder movement.The current study results demonstrate proof-of-concept regarding the 3D-SPA mobilization, and this approach should be considered as an alternative to the uni-dimensional mobilizations currently used in clinical treatment guidelines for post-stroke shoulder pain.

Upper limb strength training in subacute stroke patients: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Stroke patients are often affected by arm paresis, have functional impairments and receive help from professional or informal caregivers. Progressive resistance training is a common intervention for functional impairments after paresis. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) showed benefits for functional recovery after resistance training. However, there is a lack of evidence for strength training in subacute stroke patients. The aim of this study is to investigate safety and effectiveness of arm strength training in subacute stroke patients.

METHODS

We will conduct a prospective, assessor-blinded RCT of people with subacute stroke. We will randomly assign patients to one of two parallel groups in a 1:1 ratio and will use concealed allocation. The intervention group will receive, in addition to standard treatment, high-intensity arm training (three times per week, over three weeks; 60 min each session; with a total of nine additional sessions). The control group will receive, in addition to standard treatment, low-intensity arm training (same quantity, frequency and treatment time as the intervention group). Standard treatment for the affected arm includes mobilisation, stretching, therapeutic positioning, arm and hand motor training, strengthening exercises, mechanical assisted training, functional training and task-oriented training. The primary efficacy endpoint will be grip strength. Secondary outcome measures will be Modified Ashworth Scale, Motricity Index, Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the upper limb, Box and Block Test and Goal Attainment Scale for individual participatory goals. We will measure primary and secondary outcomes with blinded assessors at baseline and immediately after three weeks of additional therapy. Based on our sample size calculation, 78 patients will be recruited from our rehabilitation hospital in two and a half years. Drop-out rates and adverse events will be systematically recorded.

DISCUSSION

This study attempts to close the evidence gap for effects of arm strength training in subacute stroke patients. The results of this trial will provide robust evidence for effects and safety of high-intensity arm training for people with stroke.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00012484 . Registered on 26 May 2017.

Aerobic Training Efficacy in Inflammation, Neurotrophins, and Function in Chronic Stroke Persons: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

BACKGROUND

Neuroinflammation is an important part of stroke pathophysiology and has both detrimental and beneficial effects after stroke. Besides that the enhancement of neurotrophins seems to be related to improvements in stroke recovery. Evidences suggest that exercise plays a role in modulating anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic effects. However, little is known about its impact in stroke survivors, mainly in chronic stroke. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise in changing inflammatory mediators, interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors I and II (sTNFRI, sTNFRII), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in chronic stroke patients. The secondary objective is to investigate the effects of training in improve mobility and exercise capacity.

METHODS

This is a randomized controlled trial. Chronic stroke patients will be randomized to an experimental or control group, and will receive group interventions three times per week, over 12 weeks. The experimental group will receive moderate-intensity (60%-80% of maximum heart rate reserve) treadmill exercise. Control group will perform walking training on the ground (<40% of maximum heart rate reserve). Primary outcomes include IL-6, sTNFRI, sTNFRII, IL-10, and BDNF levels. Secondary outcomes include mobility and exercise capacity. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, postintervention, and at the 4-week follow-up.

DISCUSSION

The findings of this trial have the potential to provide important insights regarding the effects of an aerobic physical program in the inflammatory process and in the neuronal plasticity in stroke persons and its impact on mobility and exercise capacity.

Early functional improvement after stroke correlates with cardiovascular fitness

Cardiovascular fitness exerts directly beneficial effects on functional and cognitive outcomes in patients of chronic stroke. However, the effect of early rehabilitation on cardiovascular function has not yet been thoroughly examined. We tested whether complementary rehabilitation program could influence cardiovascular fitness in an early stage of stroke patients. The associations for post-acute stroke functional recovery with cardiovascular fitness were explored. Thirty-seven patients with mean poststroke interval of 8.6 ± 3.8 days underwent inpatient rehabilitation of 22.8 ± 3.8 days. Functional outcomes of 15.3 points (17.2%) in functional independence measure improved after rehabilitation program. The therapeutic cardiovascular fitness was determined in ramp exercise test on a cycling ergometer. Peak oxygen uptake (V˙O_2peak) significantly increased by 24.8% after early stroke rehabilitation. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess for associations of functional improvement with respect to change in V˙O_2peak and extremities motor impairment. V˙O_2peak gain accounted for more functional recovery than extremities motor improvement (R² = 0.42). In conclusion, these results suggest that cardiovascular fitness appears to increase after complementary program in early stroke rehabilitation, and better cardiovascular fitness may be associated with greater functional improvement.

Implementation and feasibility of the stroke nursing guideline in the care of patients with stroke: a mixed methods study

Background

Nurses often have difficulties with using interdisciplinary stroke guidelines for patients with stroke as they do not focus sufficiently on nursing. Therefore, the Stroke Nursing Guideline (SNG) was developed and implemented. The aim of this study was to determine the implementation and feasibility of the SNG in terms of changes in documentation and use of the guideline in the care of stroke patients on Neurological and Rehabilitation wards, barriers and facilitators, and nurses’ and auxiliary nurses’ view of the implementation.

Methods

A sequential explorative mixed method design was used including pre-test post-test measures and post intervention focus groups interviews. For the quantitative part retrospective electronic record data of nursing care was collected from 78 patients and prospective measures with Barriers and Facilitators Assessment Instrument (BFAI) and Quality Indicator Tool (QIT) from 33 nursing staff including nurses and auxiliary nurses. In the qualitative part focus groups interviews were conducted with nursing staff on usefulness of the SNG and experiences with implementation.

Results

Improved nursing documentation was found for 23 items (N = 37), which was significant for nine items focusing mobility (p = 0.002, p = 0.024, p = 0.012), pain (p = 0.012), patient teaching (p = 0.001, p = 0.000) and discharge planning (p = 0.000, p = 0.002, p = 0.004). Improved guideline use was found for 20 QIT-items (N = 30), with significant improvement on six items focusing on mobility (p = 0.023), depression (p = 0.033, p = 0.025, p = 0.046, p = 0.046), discharge planning (p = 0.012). Facilitating characteristics for change were significantly less for two of four BFAI-subscales, namely Innovation (p = 0.019) and Context (p = 0.001), whereas no change was found for Professional and Patient subscales. The findings of the focus group interviews showed the SNG to be useful, improving and providing consistency in care. The implementation process was found to be successful as essential components of nursing rehabilitation were defined and integrated into daily care.

Conclusion

Nursing staff found the SNG feasible and implementation successful. The SNG improved nursing care, with increased consistency and more rigorous functional exercises than before. The SNG provides nurses and auxiliary nurses with an important means for evidence based care for patients with stroke. Several challenges of implementing this complex nursing intervention surfaced which mandates ongoing attention.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12912-017-0262-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Overground gait training using a motorized assistive device in patients with severe disabilities after stroke

Regaining of the patient's ability to walk after stroke is an important goal of rehabilitation programmes. The ultimate goal of gait rehabilitation is to empower patients for overground walking. We have previously developed a prototype of a therapist-controlled mobile platform with compliant pelvis support mechanism that enables balance training during overground walking (device E-go). The aim of this pilot randomized controlled study was to explore the usefulness of the E-go in reducing the number of therapists needed during walking training, and to explore the effectiveness of the E-go on walking abilities in severely affected stroke patients. The study included 19 subacute poststroke patients divided into two groups. The experimental group (nine patients) trained to walk with the E-go and the control group trained within conventional physiotherapy programs for 3 weeks. Outcome measures were walking distance and speed, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Ambulation Category and the number of therapists needed during training. At the end of the training both groups significantly improved in walking speed, walking distance, Berg Balance Scale and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (P≤0.001), but there were no between-group differences. The experimental group on average needed a lower number of therapists (P=0.040). These findings highlight the potential of the E-go for overground walking training in severely disabled subacute stroke patients.

Efficacy of Task-Specific Training on Physical Activity Levels of People With Stroke: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The majority of people after stroke demonstrate mobility limitations, which may reduce their physical activity levels. Task-specific training has been shown to be an effective intervention to improve mobility in individuals with stroke, however, little is known about the impact of this intervention on levels of physical activity.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective is to investigate the efficacy of task-specific training, focused on both upper and lower limbs, in improving physical activity levels and mobility in individuals with stroke. The secondary objective is to investigate the effects of the training on muscle strength, exercise capacity, and quality of life.

DESIGN

This is a randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

The setting is public health centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Community-dwelling people with chronic stroke.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants will be randomized to either an experimental or control group, who will receive group interventions 3 times per week over 12 weeks. The experimental group will undertake task-specific training, while the control group will undertake global stretching, memory exercises, and health education sessions.

MEASUREMENTS

Primary outcomes include measures of physical activity levels and mobility, whereas secondary outcomes are muscle strength, exercise capacity, and quality of life. The outcomes will be measured at baseline, postintervention, and at the 4- and 12-week follow-ups.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this trial have the potential to provide important insights regarding the effects of task-specific training, focused on both upper and lower limbs, in preventing secondary poststroke complications and improving the participants' general health through changes in physical activity levels.

Poor consistency in evaluating South African adults with neurogenic dysphagia

BACKGROUND

Speech-language therapists are specifically trained in clinically evaluating swallowing in adults with acute stroke. Incidence of dysphagia following acute stroke is high in South Africa, and health implications can be fatal, making optimal management of this patient population crucial. However, despite training and guidelines for best practice in clinically evaluating swallowing in adults with acute stroke, there are low levels of consistency in these practice patterns.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to explore the clinical practice activities of speech-language therapists in the clinical evaluation of swallowing in adults with acute stroke. Practice activities reviewed included the use and consistency of clinical components and resources utilised. Clinical components were the individual elements evaluated in the clinical evaluation of swallowing (e.g. lip seal, vocal quality, etc.)Methods: The questionnaire used in the study was replicated and adapted from a study increasing content- and criterion-related validity. A narrative literature review determined what practice patterns existed in the clinical evaluation of swallowing in adults. A pilot study was conducted to increase validity and reliability. Purposive sampling was used by sending a self-administered, electronic questionnaire to members of the South African Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Thirty-eight participants took part in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and the small qualitative component was subjected to textual analysis.

RESULTS

There was high frequency of use of 41% of the clinical components in more than 90% of participants (n = 38). Less than 50% of participants frequently assessed sensory function and gag reflex and used pulse oximetry, cervical auscultation and indirect laryngoscopy. Approximately a third of participants showed high (30.8%), moderate (35.9%) and poor (33.3%) consistency of practice each. Nurses, food and liquids and medical consumables were used usually and always by more than 90% of participants.

CONCLUSION

Infrequent use of clinical components and high variability in clinical practice among speech-language therapists calls for uniform curricula in the clinical evaluation of swallowing at South African universities and for continued professional development post-graduation. Different contexts and patient symptoms contribute towards varied practice; however, there is still a need to improve consistency of practice for quality health care delivery. A research-based policy for the clinical swallowing evaluation for a resource-limited context is also needed.

'Massive potential' or 'safety risk'? Health worker views on telehealth in the care of older people and implications for successful normalization

BACKGROUND

Telehealth technologies, which enable delivery of healthcare services at distance, offer promise for responding to the challenges created by an ageing population. However, successful implementation of telehealth into mainstream healthcare systems has been slow and fraught with failure. Understanding of frontline providers' experiences and attitudes regarding telehealth is a crucial aspect of successful implementation. This study aims to examine healthcare worker views on telehealth, and their implications for implementation to mainstream healthcare services for older people. The study includes a focus on two further dimensions of urban versus rural services and level of clinician experience with telehealth.

METHODS

Seven semi-structured focus groups were conducted with a total of 44 healthcare workers providing services to older people in the areas of rehabilitation and allied health, residential aged care and palliative care. Focus groups included both telehealth experienced and inexperienced groups. Of the experienced groups, two provided services to both urban and rural patients, and two to rural patients. Inexperienced groups included one rural and two urban. Thematic analysis was undertaken to identify predominant themes. Between-group differences and agreement in viewpoints for each of these themes are discussed and mapped to the theoretical constructs of Normalization Process Theory.

RESULTS

The views of participants varied with the extent of telehealth experience and perception of accessibility of healthcare services. Four themes describing clinician attitudes and perceptions that could impact on successful implementation of telehealth services are outlined: 1) Workability of telehealth: exponential growth in access or decay in the quality of healthcare? 2) What is an acceptable level of risk to patient safety with telehealth? 3) Shifting responsibilities and recalibrating the team; and 4) Change of architecture required to enable integration of telehealth service delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of telehealth technologies to provide healthcare services to older people may be more readily normalized in areas where existing services are limited. Though exposure to telehealth may be a factor, changes to the perceived feasibility of telehealth in relation to conventional services, as well as supportive infrastructure and training and skill recalibration may be more critical to successful normalization of telehealth services for older people.

Selecting relevant and feasible measurement instruments for the revised Dutch clinical practice guideline for physical therapy in patients after stroke

PURPOSE

To select relevant and feasible instruments for the revision of the Dutch clinical practice guideline for physical therapy in patients with stroke.

METHODS

In this implementation study a comprehensive proposal for ICF categories and matching instruments was developed, based on reliability and validity. Relevant instruments were then selected in a consensus round by 11 knowledge brokers who were responsible for the implementation of the selected instruments. The feasibility of the selected instruments was tested by 36 physical therapists at different work settings within stroke services. Finally, instruments that were deemed relevant and feasible were included in the revised guideline.

RESULTS

A total of 28 instruments were recommended for inclusion in the revised guideline. Nineteen instruments were retained from the previous guideline. Ten new instruments were tested in clinical practice, seven of which were found feasible. Two more instruments were added after critical appraisal of the set of the measurement instruments.

CONCLUSIONS

The revised guideline contains 28 relevant and feasible instrument selected and tested in clinical practice by physical therapists. Further education and implementation is needed to integrate instruments in clinical practice. Further research is proposed for developing and implementing a core set of measurement instruments to be used at fixed time points to establish data registries that allow for continuous improvement of rehabilitation for stroke patients. Implications for Rehabilitation The revised Dutch Stroke Physical Therapy Guideline recommends a total of 28 instruments, that are relevant and feasible for clinical practice of physical therapist in the different settings of stroke rehabilitation. The selection of instrument in daily practice should be part of the clinical reasoning process of PTs and be tailored to individual patients' needs and the degree of priority of the affected ICF category. Suggested education strategies for further integration of instruments in of the daily practice of PTs in Stroke Rehabilitation are: 'Training on the job' and 'peer assessment in clinical situations'.

Effect of affordable technology on physical activity levels and mobility outcomes in rehabilitation: a protocol for the Activity and MObility UsiNg Technology (AMOUNT) rehabilitation trial

INTRODUCTION

People with mobility limitations can benefit from rehabilitation programmes that provide a high dose of exercise. However, since providing a high dose of exercise is logistically challenging and resource-intensive, people in rehabilitation spend most of the day inactive. This trial aims to evaluate the effect of the addition of affordable technology to usual care on physical activity and mobility in people with mobility limitations admitted to inpatient aged and neurological rehabilitation units compared to usual care alone.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A pragmatic, assessor blinded, parallel-group randomised trial recruiting 300 consenting rehabilitation patients with reduced mobility will be conducted. Participants will be individually randomised to intervention or control groups. The intervention group will receive technology-based exercise to target mobility and physical activity problems for 6 months. The technology will include the use of video and computer games/exercises and tablet applications as well as activity monitors. The control group will not receive any additional intervention and both groups will receive usual inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation care over the 6-month study period. The coprimary outcomes will be objectively assessed physical activity (proportion of the day spent upright) and mobility (Short Physical Performance Battery) at 6 months after randomisation. Secondary outcomes will include: self-reported and objectively assessed physical activity, mobility, cognition, activity performance and participation, utility-based quality of life, balance confidence, technology self-efficacy, falls and service utilisation. Linear models will assess the effect of group allocation for each continuously scored outcome measure with baseline scores entered as a covariate. Fall rates between groups will be compared using negative binomial regression. Primary analyses will be preplanned, conducted while masked to group allocation and use an intention-to-treat approach.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol has been approved by the relevant Human Research Ethics Committees and the results will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12614000936628. Pre-results.

'Well, if the kids can do it, I can do it': older rehabilitation patients' experiences of telerehabilitation

Background and objective

Although trials continue to emerge supporting the role of telerehabilitation, implementation has been slow. Key users include older people living with disabilities who are frequent users of hospital rehabilitation services but whose voices are rarely heard. It is unclear whether the use of technologies and reduced face‐to‐face contact is acceptable to these people. We report on a qualitative study of community dwelling participants who had received a home telerehabilitation programme as an alternative to conventional rehabilitation.

Design

Thirteen older participants, three spouses and one carer were interviewed. All had participated in an individualized therapy programme, using a combination of face‐to‐face and video consults with therapists. The programme used ‘off‐the‐shelf’ technologies including iPads for videoconferencing and electronic FitBit^R devices. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using NVivo software.

Results

Thematic analysis resulted in five emergent themes: (i) telerehabilitation is convenient; (ii) telerehabilitation promotes motivation and self‐awareness; (iii) telerehabilitation fosters positive therapeutic relationships; (iv) mastering technologies used by younger relatives is a valued aspect of telerehabilitation; and (v) Telerehabilitation does not replace traditional face‐to‐face rehabilitation therapies.

Conclusions

Participants found telerehabilitation convenient and motivating, coped well with the technology and developed positive therapeutic relationships. The learning and practice aspects sat well in the context of a rehabilitation programme. The use of commercially available technologies may have contributed to respondents' high levels of acceptability. The perception of telerehabilitation as complementary to in‐person care and the expectation of technological support have implications for the implementation and delivery of telerehabilitation services to older people.

Video and computer-based interactive exercises are safe and improve task-specific balance in geriatric and neurological rehabilitation: a randomised trial

QUESTION

Does adding video/computer-based interactive exercises to inpatient geriatric and neurological rehabilitation improve mobility outcomes? Is it feasible and safe?

DESIGN

Randomised trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-eight rehabilitation inpatients.

INTERVENTION

Physiotherapist-prescribed, tailored, video/computer-based interactive exercises for 1 hour on weekdays, mainly involving stepping and weight-shifting exercises.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the Short Physical Performance Battery (0 to 3) at 2 weeks. Secondary outcomes were: Maximal Balance Range (mm); Step Test (step count); Rivermead Mobility Index (0 to 15); activity levels; Activity Measure for Post Acute Care Basic Mobility (18 to 72) and Daily Activity (15 to 60); Falls Efficacy Scale (10 to 40), ED5D utility score (0 to 1); Reintegration to Normal Living Index (0 to 100); System Usability Scale (0 to 100) and Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (0 to 126). Safety was determined from adverse events during intervention.

RESULTS

At 2 weeks the between-group difference in the primary outcome (0.1, 95% CI -0.2 to 0.3) was not statistically significant. The intervention group performed significantly better than usual care for Maximal Balance Range (38mm difference after baseline adjustment, 95% CI 6 to 69). Other secondary outcomes were not statistically significant. Fifty-eight (55%) of the eligible patients agreed to participate, 25/29 (86%) completed the intervention and 10 (39%) attended > 70% of sessions, with a mean of 5.6 sessions (SD 3.3) attended and overall average duration of 4.5hours (SD 3.1). Average scores were 62 (SD 21) for the System Usability Scale and 62 (SD 8) for the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. There were no adverse events.

CONCLUSION

The addition of video/computer-based interactive exercises to usual rehabilitation is a safe and feasible way to increase exercise dose, but is not suitable for all. Adding the exercises to usual rehabilitation resulted in task-specific improvements in balance but not overall mobility.

REGISTRATION

ACTRN12613000610730.

Factors Influencing Physical Therapists' Use of Standardized Measures of Walking Capacity Poststroke Across the Care Continuum

BACKGROUND

The use of standardized assessment tools is an element of evidence-informed rehabilitation, but physical therapists report administering these tools inconsistently poststroke. An in-depth understanding of physical therapists' approaches to walking assessment is needed to develop strategies to advance assessment practice.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to explore the methods physical therapists use to evaluate walking poststroke, reasons for selecting these methods, and the use of assessment results in clinical practice.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive study involving semistructured telephone interviews was conducted.

METHODS

Registered physical therapists assessing a minimum of 10 people with stroke per year in Ontario, Canada, were purposively recruited from acute care, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded line by line by the interviewer. Credibility was optimized through triangulation of analysts, audit trail, and collection of field notes.

RESULTS

Study participants worked in acute care (n=8), rehabilitation (n=11), or outpatient (n=9) settings and reported using movement observation and standardized assessment tools to evaluate walking. When selecting methods to evaluate walking, physical therapists described being influenced by a hierarchy of factors. Factors included characteristics of the assessment tool, the therapist, the workplace, and patients, as well as influential individuals or organizations. Familiarity exerted the primary influence on adoption of a tool into a therapist's assessment repertoire, whereas patient factors commonly determined daily use. Participants reported using the results from walking assessments to communicate progress to the patient and health care professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

Multilevel factors influence physical therapists' adoption and daily administration of standardized tools to assess walking. Findings will inform knowledge translation efforts aimed at increasing the standardized assessment of walking poststroke.

Development and Evaluation of Self-Management and Task-Oriented Approach to Rehabilitation Training (START) in the Home: Case Report

BACKGROUND

The incidence of stroke and subsequent level of disability will increase, as age is the greatest risk factor for stroke and the world's population is aging. Hospital admissions are too brief for patients to regain necessary function. Research to examine therapy delivered within the home environment has the potential to expedite relearning of function and reduce health care expenditures.

PURPOSE

This case report describes the use of the knowledge-to-action cycle (KTA) to develop and evaluate an evidence-based approach for rehabilitation in the home that incorporates self-management and task-oriented functional training (TOFT) for people with stroke.

CASE DESCRIPTION

The KTA cycle was used to guide adaptation of evidence from self-management and TOFT into an approach titled START (Self-Management and Task-Oriented Approach to Rehabilitation Training). Three stakeholder symposiums identified barriers and supports to implementation. Clinical practice leaders were engaged as partners in the development of the intervention. An online learning management system housed the resources to support therapist training. Therapist focus groups were conducted and stroke outcomes were used to assess patient response.

OUTCOMES

Eight therapists completed 4 workshops and applied the home intervention in 12 people with stroke. A mentoring process for therapists included feedback from peers and experts after viewing treatment videos. Therapist response was determined from the focus groups; patient response was measured by standardized assessments. The therapists noted that the intervention was easier to implement with patients who were motivated and had minimal cognitive impairment.

DISCUSSION

The KTA cycle provided a structure for the development of this evidence-based rehabilitation intervention, which was feasible to implement in the home. Further evaluation needs to be undertaken to assess the effectiveness of START.

Effects of additional, dynamic supported standing practice on functional recovery in patients with sub-acute stroke: a randomized pilot and feasibility trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of additional dynamic versus static passive standing performed by patients with sub-acute stroke supervised by trained helpers.

DESIGN

Assessor blinded, randomized pilot and feasibility trial.

SETTING

Neurological rehabilitation centre.

PARTICIPANTS

Non-ambulatory participants in the sub-acute phase after stroke.

INTERVENTION

Usual care plus additional standing training, consisting of either dynamic standing practice in a modified standing frame (intervention group, n=14) or static standing practice in a conventional standing frame (control group, n=14) for 5 weeks.

MAIN MEASURES

Feasibility was assessed through occurrence of adverse events, patient satisfaction and operability of the technical device handled by trained helpers. Preliminary effectiveness was assessed with the Berg Balance Scale (primary outcome) and other measures of physical functioning.

RESULTS

Trained helpers were capable to apply the intervention, and no adverse events occurred. Both groups were comparable at baseline. Within-group changes tended to be higher for the intervention group, but did not reach a significant level except for the Functional Ambulation Categories. Specifically, median pre-post improvements in the Berg Balance Scale tended to be higher in the dynamic (20, inter quartile range (IQR): 2-33 points) than in the static standing group (4.5, IQR: 0-16 points; U=62; P=0.052; effect size=0.478).

CONCLUSIONS

In severely affected individuals after stroke, dynamic supported standing practice can be performed safely by trained helpers. In a larger-scale phase III study, a total of 116 patients would be needed to prove the preliminary effectiveness found in this study.

Applying knowledge translation theory to physical therapy research and practice in balance and gait assessment: case report

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Knowledge translation (KT) is an emerging discipline with a focus on implementing health evidence in decision making and clinical practice. Knowledge translation theories provide conceptual frameworks that can direct research focused on optimizing best practice. The objective of this case report is to describe one prominent KT theory--the knowledge-to-action (KTA) framework--and how it was applied to research on balance and gait assessment in physical therapist practice.

CASE DESCRIPTION

Valid and reliable assessment tools are recommended to evaluate balance and gait function, but gaps in physical therapy practices are known. The KTA framework's 2-pronged approach (knowledge creation phase and action cycle) guided research questions exploring current practices in balance and gait assessment and factors influencing practice in Ontario, Canada, with the goal of developing and evaluating targeted KT interventions.

OUTCOMES

Results showed the rate at which therapists use standardized balance and gait tools was less than optimal and identified both knowledge-to-practice gaps and individual and organizational barriers to implementing best assessment practices. These findings highlighted the need for synthesis of evidence to address those gaps prior to the development of potential intervention strategies.

DISCUSSION

The comprehensive KTA framework was useful in guiding the direction of these ongoing research programs. In both cases, the sequence of the individual KTA steps was modified to improve the efficiency of intervention development, there was a need to go back and forth between the 2 phases of the KTA framework, and additional behavior change and barrier assessment theories were consulted. Continued research is needed to explicitly evaluate the efficacy of applying KT theory to best practice in health care.

An overview of systematic reviews on upper extremity outcome measures after stroke

BACKGROUND

Although use of standardized and scientifically sound outcome measures is highly encouraged in clinical practice and research, there is still no clear recommendation on which tools should be preferred for upper extremity assessment after stroke. As the aims, objectives and methodology of the existing reviews of the upper extremity outcome measures can vary, there is a need to bring together the evidence from existing multiple reviews. The purpose of this review was to provide an overview of evidence of the psychometric properties and clinical utility of upper extremity outcome measures for use in stroke, by systematically evaluating and summarizing findings from systematic reviews.

METHODS

A comprehensive systematic search was performed including systematic reviews from 2004 to February 2014. A methodological quality appraisal of the reviews was performed using the AMSTAR-tool.

RESULTS

From 13 included systematic reviews, 53 measures were identified of which 13 met the standardized criteria set for the psychometric properties. The strongest level of measurement quality and clinical utility was demonstrated for Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Action Research Arm Test, Box and Block Test, Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory, Wolf Motor Function Test and ABILHAND.

CONCLUSIONS

This overview of systematic reviews provides a comprehensive systematic synthesis of evidence on which outcome measures demonstrate a high level of measurement quality and clinical utility and which can be considered as most suitable for upper extremity assessment after stroke. This overview can provide a valuable resource to assist clinicians, researchers and policy makers in selection of appropriate outcome measures.

Are the hierarchical properties of the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale the same in acute stroke and chronic stroke?

BACKGROUND

The motor function section of the Fugl-Meyer assessment scale (FM motor scale) is a robust scale of motor ability in people after stroke, with high predictive validity for outcome. However, the FM motor scale is time-consuming. The hierarchical properties of the upper extremity (UE) and lower extremity (LE) sections of the FM motor scale have been established in people with chronic stroke. These data support the use of a more concise method of administration and confirm scores can be legitimately summed.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to establish that a similar hierarchy exists in people within 72 hours after stroke onset.

DESIGN

A prospective, cross-sectional design was used.

METHODS

Data were obtained from 75 eligible people in a nationwide prospective study (the Early Prediction of Functional Outcome After Stroke). The full version of both sections of the FM motor scale was administered within 72 hours after stroke onset. The hierarchy of item difficulty was investigated by applying Guttman scaling procedures within each stage and each subsection of the UE and LE sections of the scale. The scaling procedures then were applied to item difficulty between stages and subsections and finally across all scale items (stage divisions ignored) of the FM motor scale.

RESULTS

For all analyses, the results exceeded acceptable levels for the coefficient of reproducibility and the coefficient of scalability.

LIMITATIONS

The sample was a population of people with stroke of moderate severity.

CONCLUSIONS

The unidimensional hierarchy of the UE and LE sections of the FM motor scale (already established for chronic stroke) within 72 hours after stroke onset was confirmed. A legitimate total summed score can indicate a person's level of motor ability.

Validity and Reliability of the Swedish Version of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale in People with Chronic Stroke

PURPOSE

To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Swedish version of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale in people >1 year after stroke.

METHOD

In a multi-centre study design, using initial cross-sectional data collection with follow-up, the timed up-and-go (TUG) test, 10 m timed walk (10TW), and 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) were performed; ABC scale and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were completed; and falls history data were collected during one session. One week later, the ABC scale was sent to participants for a second rating. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated, and reliability was assessed via the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach alpha.

RESULTS

A convenience sample of 67 people was included (mean age 68 y). The median score for the ABC scale changed from 57 at the first rating to 43 at the second; 19 participants (28%) reported falls during the previous 3 months. Scores on the ABC scale were moderately correlated with the TUG (r=-0.48), 10TW (r=-0.52), 6MWT (r=0.45), and SF-36 physical component summary score (r=0.43). Internal consistency was high for the ABC scale at test and retest (α=0.95-0.97). The ICC was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.72-0.88).

CONCLUSIONS

The Swedish version of the ABC scale is a valid and reliable measure for investigating balance confidence in people >1 year after stroke.

The effects of mental practice in neurological rehabilitation; a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To investigate the beneficial and adverse effects of a mental practice intervention on activities, cognition, and emotion in patients after stroke, patients with Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.

Methods: Electronic databases PubMed/Medline, PEDro, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Rehadat, Embase, and Picarta were searched until June 2012. Fourteen randomized controlled trials in stroke and two randomized controlled trials in Parkinson's disease were included, representing 491 patients (421 with stroke). No randomized controlled trials in multiple sclerosis were identified. The methodologic quality of the included trials was assessed with the Amsterdam-Maastricht-Consensus-List (AMCL). Information on study characteristics and outcomes was summarized and evidence for effects described. Data from individual studies in stroke with same outcome measures were pooled.

Results: The included 16 randomized controlled trials were heterogeneous and methodologic quality varied. Ten trials reported significant effects in favor of mental practice in patients with stroke (n = 9) and Parkinson's disease (n = 1). In six studies mental practice had similar effects as therapy as usual (n = 5 in stroke and n = 1 in Parkinson's disease). Of six performed meta-analyses with identical measures in stroke studies only two showed significant effects of mental practice: short-term improvement of arm-hand-ability (ARAT: SMD 0.62; 95% CI: 0.05 to 1.19) and improvement of performance of activities (NRS: SMD 0.9; 95% CI: 0.04 to 1.77). Five studies found effects on cognition (e.g., effects on attention, plan actions in unfamiliar surroundings) and four reported observed side-effects, both positive (e.g., might increase motivation and arousal and reduce depression) and negative (e.g., diminished concentration, irritation).

Conclusions: Mental practice might have positive effects on performance of activities in patients with neurological diseases, but this review reports less positive results than earlier published ones. Strengths and limitations of past studies are pointed out. Methodologic recommendations for future studies are given.

Accuracy of physical therapists' early predictions of upper-limb function in hospital stroke units: the EPOS Study

BACKGROUND

Early prediction of outcome after stroke is becoming increasingly important, as most patients are discharged from hospital stroke units within several days after stroke.

OBJECTIVES

The primary purposes of this study were: (1) to determine the accuracy of physical therapists' predictions at hospital stroke units regarding upper-limb (UL) function, (2) to develop a computational prediction model (CPM), and (3) to compare the accuracy of physical therapists' and the CPM's predictions. Secondary objectives were to explore the impact of timing on the accuracy of the physical therapists' and CPM's predictions and to investigate the direction of the difference between predicted and observed outcomes. Finally, this study investigated whether the accuracy of physical therapists' predictions was affected by their experience in stroke rehabilitation.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study was conducted.

METHODS

Physical therapists made predictions at 2 time points-within 72 hours after stroke onset (T(72h)) and at discharge from the hospital stroke unit (Tdischarge)-about UL function after 6 months in 3 categories, derived from the action research arm test. At the same time, clinical variables were measured to derive a CPM. The accuracy of the physical therapists' and CPM's predictions was evaluated by calculating Spearman rank correlation coefficients (r(s)) between predicted and observed outcomes.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-one patients and 20 physical therapists participated in the study. For the T(72h) assessment, the rs value between predicted and observed outcomes was .63 for the physical therapists' predictions and .75 for the CPM's predictions. For the Tdischarge assessment, the rs value for the physical therapists' predictions improved to .75, and the rs value for the CPM's predictions improved slightly to .76.

LIMITATIONS

Physical therapists administered a test battery every 3 days, which may have enhanced the accuracy of prediction.

CONCLUSIONS

The accuracy of the physical therapists' predictions at T(72h) was lower than that of the CPM's predictions. At Tdischarge, the physical therapists' and CPM's predictions are about equally accurate.

Long-term use of a static hand-wrist orthosis in chronic stroke patients: a pilot study

Background. Long-term splinting, using static orthoses to prevent contractures, is widely accepted in stroke patients with paresis of the upper limb. A number of stroke patients complain about increased pain and spasticity, which leads to the nonuse of the orthosis and a risk of developing a clenched fist. Objectives. Evaluating long-term use of static hand-wrist orthoses and experienced comfort in chronic stroke patients. Methods. Eleven stroke patients who were advised to use a static orthosis for at least one year ago were included. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted to explore the long-term use and experienced comfort with the orthosis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results. After at least one year, seven patients still wore the orthosis for the prescribed hours per day. Two patients were unable to wear the orthosis 8 hours per day, due to poor comfort. Two patients stopped using the orthosis because of an increase in spasticity or pain. Conclusions. These pilot data suggest that a number of stroke patients cannot tolerate a static orthosis over a long-term period because of discomfort. Without appropriate treatment opportunities, these patients will remain at risk of developing a clenched fist and will experience problems with daily activities and hygiene maintenance.

Assessing longitudinal change in coordination of the paretic upper limb using on-site 3-dimensional kinematic measurements

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It is largely unknown how adaptive motor control of the paretic upper limb contributes to functional recovery after stroke. This paucity of knowledge emphasizes the need for longitudinal 3-dimensional (3D) kinematic studies with frequent measurements to establish changes in coordination after stroke. A portable 3D kinematic setup would facilitate the frequent follow-up of people poststroke. This case report shows how longitudinal kinematic changes of the upper limb can be measured at a patient's home using a portable 3D kinematic system in the first 6 months poststroke.

CASE DESCRIPTION

The outcomes of the upper-limb section of the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA), the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), and 3D kinematic analyses were obtained from a 41-year-old man with a left hemispheric stroke. Three-dimensional kinematic data of the paretic upper limb were collected during a reach-to-grasp task using a portable motion tracker in 5 measurements during the first 6 months after stroke. Data from an individual who was healthy were used for comparison.

OUTCOMES

The FMA and ARAT scores showed nonlinear recovery profiles, accompanied by significant changes in kinematic outcomes over time poststroke. Specifically, elbow extension increased, forward trunk motion decreased, peak hand speed increased, peak hand opening increased, and peak hand opening occurred sooner after peak hand speed.

DISCUSSION

This case report illustrates the feasibility of frequently repeated, on-site 3D kinematic measurements of the paretic upper limb. Early after stroke, task performance was mainly driven by adaptive motor control, whereas adaptations were mostly reduced at 26 weeks poststroke. The presented approach allows the investigation of what is changing in coordination and how these changes are related to the nonlinear pattern of improvements in body functions and activities after stroke.

Physical therapy adjuvants to promote optimization of walking recovery after stroke

Stroke commonly results in substantial and persistent deficits in locomotor function. The majority of scientific inquiries have focused on singular intervention approaches, with recent attention given to task specific therapies. We propose that measurement should indicate the most critical limiting factor(s) to be addressed and that a combination of adjuvant treatments individualized to target accompanying impairment(s) will result in the greatest improvements in locomotor function. We explore training to improve walking performance by addressing a combination of: (1) walking specific motor control; (2) dynamic balance; (3) cardiorespiratory fitness and (4) muscle strength and put forward a theoretical framework to maximize the functional benefits of these strategies as physical adjuvants. The extent to which any of these impairments contribute to locomotor dysfunction is dependent on the individual and will undoubtedly change throughout the rehabilitation intervention. Thus, the ability to identify and measure the relative contributions of these elements will allow for identification of a primary intervention as well as prescription of additional adjuvant approaches. Importantly, we highlight the need for future studies as appropriate dosing of each of these elements is contingent on improving the capacity to measure each element and to titrate the contribution of each to optimal walking performance.

Impact of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on fall risks in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

The objective of this work was to summarise and evaluate the evidence showing that physical activity is a protector factor as regards falls in older people. Relevant studies were identified through a systematic search in the MEDLINE and Cochrane Library, under the keywords of accidental fall/numerical data and risk factors, and with the bibliographies of retrieved papers. The combined odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval] for physical activity was 0.75 [0.64, 0.88] with moderate heterogeneity (I 2 = 33%). For fall injury, it was 0.59 [0.47, 0.74] and, for falls in general, it rose to 0.94 [0.76, 1.17] with nil heterogeneity. The combined OR for sedentary factors was 1.14 [1.10, 1.82] with moderate heterogeneity (I 2 = 36%). Regular physical activity in daily life yields significant reduction in falls in older people, especially falls with injuries.

Nature, timing, frequency and type of augmented feedback; does it influence motor relearning of the hemiparetic arm after stroke? A systematic review

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of different aspects and types of augmented feedback on motor functions and motor activities of the hemiparetic arm after stroke.

METHOD

Systematic search of the scientific literature was performed in the Pubmed and Cochrane database from 1975 to March 2009. The augmented feedback used in the intervention was classified with respect to aspects (nature, timing and frequency) and types (auditory, sensory and visual).

RESULTS

The systematic literature search resulted in 299 citations. On the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 23 full-text articles were included for analysis. There are some trends in favour of providing augmented knowledge of performance feedback, augmented auditory and combined sensory and visual feedback. No consistent effects on motor relearning were observed for summary or faded, terminal or concurrent, solely visual or solely sensory augmented feedback.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of this study, it was not possible to determine which combinations of aspects and types of augmented feedback are most essential for a beneficial effect on motor activities and motor functions of the hemiparetic arm after stroke. This was due to the combination of multiple aspects and types of augmented feedback in the included studies. This systematic review indicates that augmented feedback in general has an added value for stroke rehabilitation.

Is Accurate Prediction of Gait in Nonambulatory Stroke Patients Possible Within 72 Hours Poststroke?

Background. Early prognosis, adequate goal setting, and referral are important for stroke management. Objective. To investigate if independent gait 6 months poststroke can be accurately predicted within the first 72 hours poststroke, based on simple clinical bedside tests. Reassessment on days 5 and 9 was used to check whether accuracy changed over time. Methods. In 154 first-ever ischemic stroke patients unable to walk independently, 19 demographic and clinical variables were assessed within 72 hours and again on days 5 and 9 poststroke. Multivariable logistic modeling was applied to identify early prognostic factors for regaining independent gait, defined as ≥4 points on the Functional Ambulation Categories. Results. Multivariable modeling showed that patients with an independent sitting balance (Trunk Control Test–sitting; 30 seconds) and strength of the hemiparetic leg (Motricity Index leg; eg, visible contraction for all 3 items, or movement against resistance but weaker for 1 item) on day 2 poststroke had a 98% probability of achieving independent gait at 6 months. Absence of these features in the first 72 hours was associated with a probability of 27%, declining to 10% by day 9. Conclusions. Accurate prediction of independent gait performance can be made soon after stroke, using 2 simple bedside tests: “sitting balance” and “strength of the hemiparetic leg.” This knowledge is useful for making early clinical decisions regarding treatment goals and discharge planning at hospital stroke units.

Determinants of research use in clinical decision making among physical therapists providing services post-stroke: a cross-sectional study

Background

Despite evidence of the benefits of research use in post-acute stroke rehabilitation where compliance with clinical practice guidelines has been associated with functional recovery and patient satisfaction, the rate of reliance on the research literature in clinical decision making among physical therapists is low. More research examining factors that motivate physical therapists to consider research findings in neurological practice is needed to inform efforts to intervene. The objective of this study was to identify practitioner, organizational, and research characteristics associated with research use among physical therapists providing services post-stroke.

Methods

A cross-sectional mail survey of physical therapists providing services to people with stroke in Ontario, Canada was conducted. The survey questionnaire contained items to evaluate practitioner and organizational characteristics and perceptions of research considered to influence evidence-based practice (EBP), as well as the frequency of using research evidence in clinical decision making in a typical month. Ordinal regression was used to identify factors associated with research use.

Results

The percentage of respondents reporting research use in clinical decision making 0 to 1, 2 to 5, or 6+ times in a typical month was 33.8%, 52.9%, and 13.3%, respectively (n = 263). Academic preparation in the principles of EBP, research participation, service as a clinical instructor, self-efficacy to implement EBP, a positive attitude towards research, perceived organizational support of research use, and Internet access to bibliographic databases at work were each associated with research use and placed in the final regression model. In the final model (n = 244), academic preparation in EBP, EBP self-efficacy, agreement that research findings are useful, and research participation each remained significantly associated with research use after adjusting for the effects of the other variables in the model.

Conclusions

A third of therapists rarely use research evidence in clinical decision making. Education in the principles of EBP, EBP self-efficacy, a positive attitude towards research, and involvement in research at work may promote research use in neurological physical therapy practice. Future research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the type of research participation that may promote research use.

Capacidade funcional de hemiparéticos crônicos submetidos a um programa de fisioterapia em grupo

Este estudo tem como objetivos analisar a eficácia da fisioterapia em grupo sobre a marcha, o equilíbrio corporal e o risco de queda, e verificar se há correlação entre a capacidade funcional da marcha e o equilíbrio em indivíduos com hemiparesia crônica. Participaram do estudo 21 adultos hemiparéticos, com idade média de 58,9±10,6 anos, com seqüela de no mínimo 1 ano após acidente vascular encefálico isquêmico ou hemorrágico. Os sujeitos foram submetidos a um programa de 1 hora de fisioterapia em grupo duas vezes por semana durante seis meses. Foram avaliados por meio da escala de equilíbrio de Berg (EEB) e do teste de levantar e caminhar cronometrado TLCC (TUG, na sigla em inglês de timed up & go) antes do programa, após 13 e ao fim de 26 semanas. Os resultados mostram uma redução progressiva, embora não-significativa, no tempo de execução do TLCC e aumento progressivo, também não-significativo, do escore na EEB. Foi observada forte correlação entre as duas escalas (r=0,7, p<0,05). Assim, a terapia não foi efetiva para produzir melhora nos escores dos testes, mas contribuiu para manter a mobilidade.

Effects of a high-intensity task-oriented training on gait performance early after stroke: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility and the effects on gait of a high intensity task-oriented training, incorporating a high cardiovascular workload and large number of repetitions, in patients with subacute stroke, when compared to a low intensity physiotherapy-programme.

DESIGN AND SUBJECTS

Randomized controlled clinical trial: Forty-four patients with stroke were recruited at 2 to 8 weeks after stroke onset.

MEASURES

Maximal gait speed assessed with the 10-metre timed walking test (10MTWT), walking capacity assessed with the six-minute walk test (6MWT). Control of standing balance assessed with the Berg Balance Scale and the Functional Reach test. Group differences were analysed using a Mann-Whitney U-test.

RESULTS

Between-group analysis showed a statistically significant difference in favour of the high intensity task-oriented training in performance on the 10MTWT (Z = -2.13, P = 0.03) and the 6MWT (Z = -2.26, P = 0.02). No between-group difference were found for the Berg Balance Scale (Z = -0.07, P = 0.45) and the Functional Reach test (Z = -0.21, P = 0.84).

CONCLUSION

A high-intensity task-oriented training programme designed to improve hemiplegic gait and physical fitness was feasible in the present study and the effectiveness exceeds a low intensity physiotherapy-programme in terms of gait speed and walking capacity in patients with subacute stroke. In a future study, it seems appropriate to additionally use measures to evaluate physical fitness and energy expenditure while walking.

Rehabilitation of gait speed after stroke: a critical review of intervention approaches

PURPOSE

Walking speed is a cardinal indicator of poststroke gait performance; however, no consensus exists regarding the optimal treatment method(s) for its enhancement. The most widely accepted criterion for establishing the contribution of treatment to walking speed is the gain in speed. The actual speed, however, at the end of the intervention (final speed) may be more important for functional community ambulation. This review examines the contribution of the prevailing methods for gait rehabilitation to final walking speed.

METHOD

Walking speed information was derived from studies included in meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and clinical practice guidelines. Recent references, not included in the mentioned sources, were incorporated in cases when gait speed was an outcome variable. Final speed was assessed by the reported speed values and by inferring the capacity for functional community walking at the end of the intervention period.

RESULTS

Similar outcomes for final walking speed were found for the different prevailing treatment methods. Treatment gains were likewise comparable and generally insufficient for upgrading patients' functional community walking capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

Different treatment methods exist for poststroke gait rehabilitation. Their availability, mode of application, and costs vary, yet outcomes are largely similar. Therefore, choosing an appropriate method may be guided by a pragmatic approach. Simple "low technology" and conventional exercise to date is at least as efficacious as more complex strategies such as treadmill and robotic-based interventions.