Hip abduction with ankle dorsiflexion (HAAD) score and trunk seating control within 72 h after stroke predicts long-term disability: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether muscle strength of the lower limb and trunk during the acute phase after stroke are predictors of motor function and disability 90 days after hospital discharge. METHODS: This prospective study used a nonconcurrent design to evaluate stroke patients at two time points: a) first 72 h: hip abduction and ankle dorsiflexion (HAAD) score, trunk sitting control, clinical evaluation, demographic profile, and stroke severity using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS); b) 90 days after hospital discharge: modified Rankin scale (mRS). The participants were divided into two groups: good outcome (mRS 0-2) and worse outcome (mRS>2), and the differences between them were assessed statistically. Clinical and demographic variables were included in the multiple logistic regression analysis. The ROC curve was used to illustrate the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the HAAD score cutoff for the outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were included: 16 with mRS≤2 and 21 with mRS>2. Patients in the worse outcome group were older (p = 0.02) and presented with higher NIHSS scores (p = 0.002), lower HAAD scores (p < 0.001), higher pain sensation (p = 0.04), greater altered perception (p = 0.008), and no trunk control in the sitting position (p = 0.004). A lower HAAD score (OR = 0.09; 95%CI: 0.14-0.53; p < 0.001) and the absence of trunk control in the sitting position (OR = 0.55; 95%CI:0.54-0.95; p < 0.001) were associated with unsatisfactory outcomes. CONCLUSION: A HAAD score <6 and the absence of trunk control while sitting during the first 72 h are predictors of worse long-term disability in stroke patients.

Virtual Reality Immersion in Healthy Individuals: Ellipse Sway Area of an Electrical Shuttle Balance.

To assess indirectly the effects of virtual reality (VR) immersion on postural sway in thirteen healthy individuals. The ellipse sway area was recorded with an accelerometer coupled to an electrical shuttle balance under six conditions, varying Romberg and single leg stance (SLS) position with eyes open and eyes closed. The length of the ellipse traveled over 10 s was measured and Romberg and single leg stance (SLS) ratios were calculated. Ellipse sway area was reduced in all positions after VR intervention. Statistical differences were observed in the left SLS ratio 24 hr after comparison to the baseline. A single VR session could reduce ellipse sway area and decrease the visual dependency of posture control indicating increased ability to maintain stable body sway over the shuttle.