The Effects of Biofeedback Balance Training Using InteractiveBalance System in Acute Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the biofeedback balance training using Interactive Balance System (IBS) in acute stroke patients. METHOD: We recruited 40 acute stroke patients who were able to stand independently. The patients were divided into two groups. One group received conventional balance training (control group) and the other group received biofeedback balance training using IBS (case group) for 2 weeks. After training, the effects were evaluated using 3 parameters: indices from IBS (stability score, weight distribution index, and distance form zero point to body's center of pressure (COP) in coordinate), balance assessments (Berg balance scale and postural assessment scale for stroke patients), and functional outcome (the Korean version of modified Barthel index). RESULTS: There were no differences in age and time since onset between the two groups. All parameters were significantly improved in both groups after training. However, the distribution of COP of the case group was significantly closer to the zero point than that of the control group in coordinate after training (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: Biofeedback balance training using IBS has a better effect on the symmetry in static condition on evaluation using IBS than conventional balance training for acute stroke patients.

The Effects of Arm Ergometry Exercise in Acute Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of arm ergometry exercise training on the cardiovascular system and sensorimotor function in the early stroke patients. METHOD: 19 stroke patients without cardiac disease were randomly assigned to exercise training group (9 patients) and control group (10 patients). The time interval between the onset of stroke and exercise training was 20 days. The training group subjects were trained three times a week for 30 minuts by arm ergometry and conventional rehabilitation during 4 weeks. Exercise intensity was prescribed at 30% to 60% of heart rate reserve. Control group were trained only conventional rehabilitation. Exercise test with arm ergometry was performed before and after 4 weeks training period. To evaluate sensorimotor function, Fugl-Meyer score of upper extremities was measured before and after 4 weeks training period. RESULTS: In training group, heart rate at rest decreased after 4 weeks training significantly. However, improvement of peak oxygen uptake was not significant. After 4 weeks, the difference of Fugl-Meyer score are correlate the difference of peak oxygen uptake. CONCLUSION: Early aerobic exercise training in stroke patients may improve resting heart rate and sensorimotor function.

Delayed Postanoxic Encephalopathy : Two cases report

Delayed postanoxic encephalopathy causes relapse of cognitive impairment and movement deterioration in a few weeks after clinically complete recovery from initial anoxic or hypoxic insult. Delayed postanoxic encephalopathy is a rare condition, and its clinical symptoms are characterized by abulia, apathy, akinesia, confusion, agitation, parkinsonism, chorea, dystonia and/or progressive neurologic deficits. We reported two distinguished cases caused by carbon monoxide intoxication and mixed respiratory and metabolic lactic acidosis.