The effect of hemispheric lesion location on trunk control.

BACKGROUND: Trunk control is the basic component of postural control, and achieving trunk control is a complex process that can be achieved by dynamically building and maintaining neuromuscular function. Lateropulsion, which is also defined as the body falling to one side, is considered an important condition that is frequently encountered after stroke and affects trunk control. It is known that there are differences in the regulation of postural control and trunk control according to hemispheric localization. We had a very specific group of patients and tried to find out the outcomes prospectively in this study. METHODS: The patients were divided into 2 groups those with right hemisphere lesions (Group 1) and those with left hemisphere lesions (Group 2). Comorbidity and cognitive function were evaluated using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CMI) and Standardized Mini-Mental State Test (SMMSE). Activities of daily living were evaluated using the Turkish version of the Modified Barthel Index (MBI). The Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement Instrument (STREAM) test was used to assess trunk control and the Brunnstrom (BS) test was used to assess motor functions. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between Groups 1 and 2 in terms of STREAM in lower extremity scores were higher in Group 2 (P < .05). The number of patients in BS lower extremity Stages IV-VI was higher in Group 1 and Group 2 (P < .05). It was determined that upper extremity, lower extremity and Total STREAM scores and BS Hand stage in Group 2 were significantly higher than Group 1 in patients with total middle cerebral artery (MCA) affected(P < .05). CONCLUSION: It was determined that trunk control was more affected in patients with right hemispheric lesions. Additionally, trunk control is significantly affected in patients with total MCA lesions.

Three dimensional gait analyses in dizygotic twin athletes.

Gait analysis and gait indices are frequently used to evaluate gait pathologies and outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate the differences in gait parameters of dizygotic twin athletes according to each other and athletes group who are similar age but non-twin. Eighty-four athletes without any disease that could cause gait pathology were included the study. Time-distance measurements, kinematic - kinetic variables, and gait deviation index (GDI) of the gait functions of twin athletes (17 boys and 25 girls, height: 153.9 ± 15 cm, weight: 45.9 ± 12 kg, leg length 80.5 ± 11 cm) were compared with each other and with 42 sex and age matched non-twins athletes (height: 155 ± 15 cm, weight: 47 ± 14 kg, leg length 80.6 ± 9.8 cm, mean age 11.8 ± 2.29, range 6-15 years). No statistically significant difference was found about the time, distance parameters and GDIs in comparison of twin athletes with each other and the non-twin group. Additionally, kinetic and kinematic variables were similar in between twins. We measured lower adduction angles and higher abduction angles in non-twin athletes in comparison to the twin athletes (p = 0.01, 0.04). Additionally, the angle of knee flexion at the first contact was higher in non-twins (p = 0.003).Being dizygotic twin seems to have no clinical effect on gait function in athletes.