The effects of trunk repositioning errors on trunk and extremity functions in stroke.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze the TRE in three directions including forward flexion, lateral flexion to the hemiparetic side, and rotation to the hemiparetic side in patients with stroke and to compare the errors with age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. In addition, it was investigated which functional outcomes were explanatory for TRE in patients with stroke. METHODS: Forty-one patients with subacute/chronic stroke (age 59 ± 14.5 years) and 41 healthy subjects (age 57 ± 12.8 years) were included in the study. Demographic and clinical data were collected. TREs were measured using an inclinometer. The Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Timed Up and Go Test, and 10-m walk test (10MWT) were also used to assess trunk control, motor impairment, upper extremity function, and lower extremity function, respectively, in patients with stroke. RESULTS: TRE scores in three directions were higher in patients with stroke than in healthy subjects (p < 0.001). TREs in three directions were significantly strongly correlated with all functional outcomes (ρ > 0.60, r < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis determined 10MWT, WMFT-Performance, TIS, and FMA-Upper Extremity as explanatory factors for TRE. CONCLUSION: The model presented in this study could help clinicians and researchers to predict the TRE in patients with stroke. Gait speed, upper extremity motor ability, upper extremity motor impairment, and trunk control should be considered for TRE after a stroke.

Prediction of hospitalization time and independence level with functional outcomes for patients with acute stroke: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to develop predictive models for estimating the length of stay (LOS) with standardized clinical outcome measures (Functional Independence Measure, Trunk Impairment Scale, Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients, Fugl Meyer Assessment Scale, and Functional Ambulation Category) during acute care setting. METHODS: One hundred sixty-nine patients were included in the retrospective study. Predictors chosen for the LOS included scores of functional outcome measures at admission. We used Spearman's rank correlation coefficients to calculate correlations among clinical outcome measures and LOS, stepwise multiple regression analysis to develop a predictive model, and receiver operating characteristics curve to analyze the predictive value of explanatory factors obtained from the previous model for discharge Functional Independence Measure score. RESULTS: The predictive equation explained 81% of the variance in LOS. The most important predictors were trunk impairment, motor function of the upper extremity, walking ability, and independence level at admission. The receiver operating characteristic curve was obtained with a cut-off score of 13 points for the Trunk Impairment Scale, 47 points for Fugl Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity, and 2 points for Functional Ambulation Category, demonstrating the highest percentage of the accurately predicted ability of independence level at discharge. DISCUSSION: The models presented in this study could help clinicians and researchers to predict the LOS and discharge independence level of clinical outcomes for patients with acute stroke enrolled in an acute care setting.

Immediate effects of trunk Kinesio Taping® on functional parameters in the acute stage of patients with mild stroke: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Improving early trunk control, balance, and sitting activity following acute stroke is critical for functional prognosis. PURPOSE: To compare the immediate efficacy of Kinesio Taping® (KT) application on anterior and posterior trunk muscles in terms of improving trunk control, balance, and sit-to-stand performance in the acute stage of stroke. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients with acute mild stroke were allocated to the anterior KT group (AKT) (age = 65.95 ± 9.67; 12 females, 11 males; Modified Rankin Score = 3), posterior KT group (PKT) (age = 65.39 ± 10.39; 10 females, 13 males; Modified Rankin Score = 3), and control group (CG) (age = 65.34 ± 8.91; 11 females, 12 males; Modified Rankin Score = 2). Trunk control, balance, and sit-to-stand performance were assessed at the baseline and after 45 minutes and 48 hours post-KT. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS: All outcome measures scores improved in all groups significantly after 48 hours (p < .001). A significant improvement after 45 minutes was only seen in trunk control compared to the CG (p < .001; d = 1.32 for AKT and p = .038; d = 0.75 for PKT). Trunk control, balance, and sit-to-stand performance improved in both AKT and PKT compared to the CG at 48 hours post-taping. Trunk control (p < .001; d = 0.26) and balance (p < .001; d = 0.72) results were in favor of the AKT, while sit-to-stand performance results did not make a difference between KT groups (p = .335; d = 0.47). CONCLUSION: KT application on anterior or posterior trunk muscles was effective for improving trunk control, balance, and sit-to-stand performance in acute stage of stroke in the short term. KT application on anterior trunk muscles had the advantage of improving trunk control and balance.

Development of the postural habits and awareness scale: a reliability and validity study.

Objectives. The aim of this study was to develop a scale that assesses postural awareness and habits, as well as to establish the validity and reliability thereof. Methods. The 19-item postural habits and awareness scale (PHAS) was developed. The scale has a score range of 0-95, with a higher score indicating good posture and awareness. A total of 278 healthy adults with an age range of 18-65 years were included in the study. The sociodemographic form, short form 36 health survey (SF-36) and body awareness questionnaire (BAQ) were used to test the validity and reliability of this newly developed scale. Results. From factor analyses, it was observed that the items clustered into four factors, which explained 55.99% of the variance. Cronbach's α for each factor of the scale varied between 0.619 and 0.832. A high correlation was observed regarding test-retest reliability of the scale (r = 0.905). Conclusion. This newly developed self-reported scale allows for the comprehensive determination of both postural habits and awareness together. The PHAS is a valid and reliable scale that can be used by professionals who are interested in posture.