Gait, balance, and functional independence level in stroke patients

Introduction: Most stroke patients present limited movement, which alters gait speed and balance. This study aimed to correlate balance and gait speed, and weight distribution and balance in post-stroke patients.Methods: In total, 36 participants were included. Data collection occurred as follows: filling out the assessment form; assessment with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS); assessment with the baropodometric platform; performing the 10 Meter Walk Test (10mWT) with accelerometer; measurements with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS); the Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC); and the Barthel Index (BI).Results: A negative correlation between FAC and mRS (r = −0.708; p < 0.05) and between BI and mRS (r = −0.716; p < 0.05) was found. The correlation between BI and FAC was positive (r = 0.591). There was a strong positive correlation between the 10mWT values and the BBS score (r = 0.708; p < 0.05). Moreover, a weak negative correlation was observed between BBS values and lower limb weight distribution (r = −0.378; p < 0.05).Conclusion: We found a correlation between the functional ambulation and the degree of independence.This study showed that the better the balance, the greater the gait speed, and the lower the difference on lower limbs weight distribution, the better the balance in post-stroke patients.

Effect of Proximal Needling at Tianzhu (BL10)plus Electroacupuncture at the Balance Zone on Lower-limb Motor Function and Walking Function in Cerebral Stroke Patients / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the effect of proximal needling at Tianzhu (BL10) plus electroacupuncture at the Balance Zone on the lower-limb motor function and walking function in cerebral stroke patients.Method A hundred cerebral stroke patients were randomized into a rehabilitation group and a proximal needling group. The rehabilitation group was intervened by balance training and conventional rehabilitation exercises; the proximal needling group was intervened by proximal needling at Tianzhu plus electroacupuncture at the Balance Zone in addition to the treatment given to the rehabilitation group. The interventions weregiven once a day, 5 times a week, successively for 4 weeks. Prior to the intervention and after 4-week treatment, the lower-limb motor function and walking function were estimated by using lower-extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), time taken for 10-meter walk, and Holden's Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC).Result After 4-week treatment, the FMA, 10-meter walk time and FAC were significantly enhanced in both groups compared to the indexes prior to the treatment (P<0.01); the FMA, 10-meter walk time and FAC in the proximal needling group were significantly superior to those in the rehabilitation group (P<0.05).Conclusion In addition to conventional rehabilitation and acupuncture, proximal needling at Tianzhuplus electroacupuncture at the Balance Zone can increasethe lower-limb motor function score and promote the activities of daily life in cerebral stroke patients; it can also strengthen the security in walking and keep the patients from falling down.