Ricardo Viana

Time to Rethink Long-Term Rehabilitation Management of Stroke Patients

Abstract Background: It has long been assumed that stroke patients plateau in their recovery within 3 to 6 months of their stroke, and evidence for rehabilitation during the chronic stage is limited. As a consequence, rehabilitation resources for the management of chronic stroke are minimal. Objective: The primary objective was to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) across the continuum of stroke rehabilitation for interventions initiated 6 months or more following the onset of stroke. The secondary objective was to determine whether treatments provided post 6 months are effective in improving outcomes among stroke survivors. Methods: Multiple databases were used to identify all RCTs published from 1970 to June 2012 in the English language where the stroke rehabilitation interventions were initiated more than 6 months after the onset of the stroke. Data abstraction was performed using a standardized data abstraction form that included general citation information, study participant characteristics, methodology, outcomes assessed, and overall findings. Results: The results of our analysis revealed 339 RCTs. The mean number of subjects per study was 73. Two hundred fifty-six RCTs were related to motor recovery, 39 to cognitive function, and only 19 to psychosocial issues and community reintegration. The majority of the RCTs demonstrated a significant positive benefit. Conclusions: There is a robust evidence-base for stroke rehabilitation interventions in chronic stroke. This research synthesis reveals a paradox, whereby an impressive evidencebase contrasts with the limited optimism and resources available for rehabilitation in chronic stroke.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of constraint-induced movement therapy in the hemiparetic upper extremity more than six months post stroke.

Abstract Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available evidence on the effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) in the hemiparetic upper extremity (UE) among individuals who were more than 6 months post stroke. Methods: A literature search of multiple databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE) was conducted to identify articles published in the English language up to and including July 2012. Studies were included for review if (1) ≥50% of the sample had sustained a stroke, (2) the research design was a randomized controlled trial (RCT), (3) the mean time since stroke was ≥6 months for both the treated and control groups, (4) the treatment group received CIMT, (5) the control group received a form of traditional rehabilitation, and (6) functional improvement was assessed both pre and posttreatment. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro tool with a score out of 10. Results: Sixteen RCTs (PEDro scores 4–8) met inclusion criteria and included a pooled sample size of 572 individuals with a mean age of 58.2 years (range, 30–87). The meta-analysis revealed a significant treatment effect on the amount of use and quality of movements subscales of the Motor Activity Log (P < .001, for both), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (P = .014), and Action Research Arm Test (P = .001); however, there was no significant treatment effect demonstrated by the Wolf Motor Function Test (P = .120) or FIM (P = .070). Conclusions: CIMT to improve UE function is an appropriate and beneficial therapy for individuals who have sustained a stroke more than 6 months previously.

Barriers to the Implementation of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Into Practice

Abstract Background and Purpose: Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) has been studied for many years in the treatment of the hemiplegic upper extremity (UE). However, there has been limited adoption of the protocol in daily practice. Methods: In this article, we review the CIMT literature specifically for meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), recent case reports, case series, and pilot studies of CIMT in the adult poststroke population to identify barriers to implementation. Results: The following barriers have been identified: (a) limited generalizability, (b) resource intensity, (c) therapist factors, (d) patient factors, and (e) uncertainty regarding the emerging debate that the gains seen may be a result of intense, task-specific therapy focused on the use of the more affected UE and not specific to the protocol. Conclusions: CIMT has positive outcomes in the treatment of a select group of stroke survivors. Many national guidelines of stroke rehabilitation recommend that CIMT be used when appropriate, however adoption into practice has been limited. The issue of generalizability is being addressed by expanding protocol application to other populations. Resource intensity, with respect to cost and therapist time, is a major concern and has lead to the development of novel modes of service deliveryThe benefit seen with CIMT may actually be the result of exposure to intense, task-specific therapy with a focus on the use of the more affected UE, but more research into this area is needed.

Resistance Training for Gait Speed and Total Distance Walked During the Chronic Stage of Stroke: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis examining the effectiveness of resistance training on comfortable gait speed and total distance walked when initiated in the chronic stage of stroke. Methods: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were searched from 1980 to June 2012. Studies were selected if they met the following criteria: (1) they were randomized controlled trials; (2) individuals in the studies were entered into the studies at or over 6 months post stroke; (3) resistance training was initiated during the chronic stage of stroke; and (4) study participants were ≥18 years of age. A standardized mean difference (SMD ± SE and 95% confidence interval [CI]) was calculated for at least 1 of the following outcomes in each study: comfortable gait speed and/or 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Treatment effect sizes were interpreted as follows: small, >0.2; moderate, >0.5; or large, >0.8. Study quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) tool. Results: Ten randomized controlled trials met inclusion criteria. Significant improvement was seen for gait speed with a small effect size (0.295 ± 0.118; 95% CI, 0.063–0.526; P < .013) and a pooled post mean speed of 0.79 m/s, and for the 6MWT (0.247 ± 0.111; 95% CI, 0.030–0.465; P = .026) with a pooled post mean total distance walked of 271.9 m. Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrated that providing lower limb resistance training to community-dwelling individuals who are 6 months post stroke has the capacity to improve comfortable gait speed and total distance walked.

Evidence for therapeutic interventions for hemiplegic shoulder pain during the chronic stage of stroke: a review.

Abstract Objective: To determine the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions targeting hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) more than 6 months post stroke. Methods: A literature search of multiple databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Ovid, and EMBASE) was conducted to identify articles published in the English language from 1980 to April 2012. Studies were included if (1) all participants were adults who had sustained a stroke; (2) research design was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that examined the effectiveness of any treatment for HSP; (3) all participants had experienced stroke at least 6 months previously; and (4) an assessment of pain had been conducted before and after treatment using a standardized method. The following data were extracted: patient characteristics (ie, age, gender, time since stroke), sample size, study design, measurement of pain pre and post treatment, and adverse events. Results: Ten RCTs (PEDro scores 4–9) met inclusion criteria and included a total sample size of 388 individuals with a mean age of 53.2 years (range, 43.6–73.2). Mean time post stroke was 18.4 months. Three studies addressed the use of botulinum toxin type A (BTx-A); 2 studies examined electrical stimulation; 3 studies focused on intraarticular glenohumeral corticosteroid injections; 1 studied subacromial corticosteroid injections; and 1 study looked at massage therapy. Conclusions: Positive outcomes were noted with the use of corticosteroid injections and electrical stimulation and conflicting results were seen regarding the use of BTx-A. Overall, these targeted therapies provide benefit in the treatment of HSP in individuals who are more than 6 months post stroke.

Cardiovascular conditioning for comfortable gait speed and total distance walked during the chronic stage of stroke: a meta-analysis.

Abstract Objective: To examine the effectiveness of cardiovascular conditioning on comfortable gait speed and total distance walked when initiated in the chronic stage of stroke through a meta-analysis. Methods: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were searched from 1980 to June 2012. A study was selected if (1) it was a randomized controlled trial; (2) individuals in the study were entered into the study at or over 6 months post stroke; (3) cardiorespiratory training was initiated during the chronic stage of stroke; and (4) study participants were ≥18 years of age. A standardized mean difference (SMD ± SE and 95% confidence interval [CI]) was calculated for comfortable gait speed and/or 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Results from all studies were then pooled using a random effects model. Treatment effect sizes were interpreted as small, >0.2; moderate, >0.5; or large, >0.8. Methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) tool. Results: Seven studies met inclusion criteria. The analysis demonstrated a moderate and significant effect on 6MWT post treatment (SMD = 0.581 ± 0.277; 95% CI, -0.037 to 1.125; P = .036) with an improvement of 111.4 m to a pooled average of 357.7 m. No significant improvement in comfortable gait speed was noted post treatment (SMD = 0.159 ± 0.124; 95% CI, -0.085 to 0.402; P = .202) or at follow-up (SMD = 0.248 ± 0.256; 95% CI, -0.253 to 0.750; P = .332). Conclusion: Cardiovascular conditioning resulted in clinically relevant gains in walking distance of over 100 m post treatment on the 6MWT when initiated during the chronic stage of stroke. These results demonstrate that individuals in the chronic stage of stroke can still benefit from interventions to improve gait and mobility. This has important implications for outpatient and community-based programs.

Association Between Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scores and Measures of Functional Mobility in Lower Extremity Amputees After Inpatient Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE To determine whether scores on a cognitive measure are associated with walking endurance and functional mobility of individuals with transfemoral or transtibial amputations at discharge from inpatient prosthetic rehabilitation. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS Consecutive admissions (N=176; mean age ± SD, 64.27±13.23y) with transfemoral or transtibial amputation that had data at admission and discharge from an inpatient prosthetic rehabilitation program. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cognitive status was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The L Test and the 2-minute walk test (2MWT) were used to estimate functional mobility and walking endurance. RESULTS The mean ± SD MoCA score was 24.05±4.09 (range, 6-30), and 56.3% of patients had scores <26. MoCA scores had a small positive correlation with the 2MWT (r=.29, P<.01), and a small negative correlation to the L Test (r=-.24, P<.01). In multivariable linear regression, compared with people with the highest MoCA score quartile, there was no difference on the 2MWT, but people in the lowest 2 quartiles took longer to complete the L Test. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive impairment was very prevalent. The association between MoCA and functional mobility was statistically significant. These results highlight the potential for differences on complex motor tasks for individuals with cognitive impairment but does not indicate a need to exclude them from rehabilitation on the basis of cognitive impairment alone.

Use of calcitonin in recalcitrant phantom limb pain complicated by heterotopic ossification.

A common complication following amputation is phantom sensation, which may include experiencing pain in the phantom limb. This study details the management of phantom limb pain in a 72-year-old man, in whom comorbid heterotopic ossification was present. In addition, the authors provide a review of the literature regarding phantom limb pain management, and summarize the current understanding of heterotopic ossification and its possible link to peripheral nerve injury.

Comparing the Effects of Dual-Task Gait Testing in New and Established Ambulators With Lower Extremity Amputations

Gait is a complex process that involves coordinating motor and sensory systems through higher‐order cognitive processes. Walking with a prosthesis after lower extremity amputation challenges these processes. However, the factors that influence the cognitive‐motor interaction in gait among lower extremity amputees has not been evaluated. To assess the interaction of cognition and mobility, individuals must be evaluated using the dual‐task paradigm.

Dual-task Related Gait Changes in Individuals with Trans-Tibial Lower Extremity Amputation

BACKGROUND The improvement of gait and mobility are major rehabilitation goals following lower extremity amputations. However, when living in the community many daily activities require the multitasking of motor and cognitive tasks. The dual-task paradigm can be used to evaluate the concurrent performance of mobility and cognitive tasks. RESEARCH QUESTION The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dual-task gait testing in older adults with trans-tibial amputations. METHODS Twenty-four people (15 men, mean age ± SD, 62.72 ± 8.59) with trans-tibial amputation walked on an electronic walkway at i) self-selected comfortable pace and ii) self-selected comfortable pace while counting backwards by threes from a number randomly selected between 100 and 150. Cognitive performance, in the form of corrected response rate, was also evaluated as a single-task. RESULTS The dual-task testing produced poorer performance in velocity (single-task = 58.15 ± 23.16 cm/s, dual-task = 50.92 ± 21.16 cm/s, p = 0.008), cadence (single-task = 76.65 ± 15.84 steps/min, dual-task = 67.85 ± 15.76 steps/min, p = 0.002) and stride time (single-task = 1094 ± 458.28 ms, dual-task = 1241.44 ± 513.73 ms, p = 0.005). Step length, stance time and single limb support time symmetry were also affected, such that less time was spent on the amputated limb during the dual-task testing. SIGNIFICANCE Dual-task testing demonstrated interference resulting in a poor performance in both gait and cognitive performance in trans-tibial amputees. Further research is suggested to evaluate the change in cognition-mobility effects over time and the relationship of this value to future adverse events such as falls and successful outcomes such as community ambulation and reintegration.