Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Can Reduce Unilateral Spatial Neglect after Stroke: ELETRON Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Rehabilitation top-down techniques based on brain stimulation present variable outcomes in unilateral spatial neglect (USN) after stroke. This study aimed to examine the effects of physical therapy after anodal and cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (A-tDCS and C-tDCS, respectively) to improve visuospatial and functional impairments in individuals with USN after stroke. METHODS: This double-blinded, pilot randomized clinical trial enrolled patients with USN after ischemic stroke. Randomization was stratified according to the Behavior Inattention Test-Conventional (BIT-C) and Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS). Outpatient physical therapy was conducted for 7.5 weeks after 20 minutes of tDCS. The primary outcome was the USN degree evaluated by the BIT-C. Secondary outcomes were the difference in CBS score, stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS]), disability (modified Rankin Scale), autonomy (Barthel Index, Functional Independence Measure), and quality of life (EuroQol Group 5-Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire). Outcomes were analyzed using an analysis of covariance model corrected by age, baseline NIHSS, and baseline BIT-C. Pairwise post hoc comparisons were performed using Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: In the primary outcomes, A-tDCS led to greater improvement in BIT-C after intervention (mean difference [MD] = 18.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.9-32.8, p = 0.008) compared to sham. However, no significant differences were observed between A-tDCS and C-tDCS (MD = 13.9, 95% CI = -0.3 to 28.1, p = 0.057), or C-tDCS and sham (MD = 4.5, 95% CI = -9.7 to 18.8, p = 0.99). There were no significant differences between groups in terms of secondary outcomes. INTERPRETATION: A-tDCS associated with physical therapy can decrease the severity of USN after stroke. However, these preliminary findings must be confirmed by collecting additional evidence in a larger phase 3 trial. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:400-410.

Evaluation of Respiratory Muscle Strength in the Acute Phase of Stroke: The Role of Aging and Anthropometric Variables.

BACKGROUND: During hospitalization, stroke patients are bedridden due to neurologic impairment, leading to loss of muscle mass, weakness, and functional limitation. There have been few studies examining respiratory muscle strength (RMS) in the acute phase of stroke. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the RMS of patients with acute stroke compared with predicted values and to relate this to anthropometric variables, risk factors, and neurologic severity. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study in the acute phase of stroke. After admission, RMS was evaluated by maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP); anthropometric data were collected; and neurologic severity was evaluated by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. The analysis of MIP and MEP with predicted values was performed by chi-square test, and the relationship between anthropometric variables, risk factors, and neurologic severity was determined through multiple linear regression followed by residue analysis by the Shapiro-Wilk test; P < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In the 32 patients studied, MIP and MEP were reduced when compared with the predicted values. MIP declined significantly by 4.39 points for each 1 kg/m2 increase in body mass index (BMI), and MEP declined significantly by an average of 3.89 points for each 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI. There was no statistically significant relationship between MIP or MEP and risk factors, and between MIP or MIP and neurologic severity in acute phase of stroke. CONCLUSION: There is a reduction of RMS in the acute phase of stroke, and RMS was lower in individuals with increased age and BMI.

Impact of CPAP treatment for a short period in moderate-to-severe OSAS patients: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is the most frequent reversible agravating factor of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, with physical activity very important for its control. Continuous positive air pressure during sleep is the "gold standard" treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. OBJECTIVE: we aimed to investigate if the use of continuous positive air pressure for a short period (7 days), would improve sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and the disposition for physical activity. METHODS: Eighty obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients were randomly assigned as follows: group I - continuous positive air pressure with a steady pressure of 4 cm H2O; group II - ideal therapeutic pressure. After filling out the questionnaires related to the studied variables (International physical activity questionnaire long-form, Epworth sleepiness scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index), patients underwent a baseline pulmonary function test and continuous positive air pressure titration. After continuous positive air pressure therapy for 4≥ hours a night for 7 consecutive days, patients returned and filled out new (International physical activity questionnaire long-form, Epworth sleepiness scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index) forms. New spirometry was carried out. RESULTS: 39 patients completed the study. The mean age was 52 ±â€¯11 years old and 28 patients (71.79%) were obese. Both groups were similar for all variables studied at baseline. After Continuous positive air pressure use, patients of group II presented more significant improvements (p <  0.05) for sleep quality and diurnal sleepiness. Time spent with physical activities did not change. Spirometric data were at normal range at baseline. Solely the variable FEF 25%-75% was significantly enhanced (p <  0.05) in group II. CONCLUSION: Continuous positive air pressure therapy for 1 week, with ideal pressure, improves daytime sleepiness and sleep quality, enhances pulmonary function, but does not change the mean time spent with physical activities.

Respiratory Function and Grip Strength in the Acute Phase of Stroke Are Associated with Stroke Severity and Disability at Hospital Discharge.

Introduction. Stroke can lead to musculoskeletal and respiratory dysfunction, chronic deconditioning, and functional limitations, as well as long-term complications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between respiratory function and grip strength in the acute phase of stroke and stroke severity, disability, and autonomy in the long term. METHODS: This was a cohort study including 46 patients in the stroke unit. The stroke patients were assessed in the stroke unit at the following moments: at admission by the clinical and haemodynamic stability, demographic and anthropometric data, hand grip strength, stroke severity by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and respiratory function using a manovacuometer; during hospitalization by clinical complications and the length of stay; and at hospital discharge and 90 days after discharge by the degrees of functional capacity and dependence using NIHSS, modified Rankin scale (mRs), and Barthel index. Data analysis was performed by multiple linear regression to verify the association between respiratory function and grip strength and the outcomes. RESULTS: The median length of stay in the stroke unit was 7 days. A negative correlation was found between the palmar prehension strength on the unaffected side and mRs at discharge (ß = -0.034, p = 0.049). The NIHSS scores at discharge (ß = -0.034, p = 0.049). The NIHSS scores at discharge (ß = -0.034, p = 0.049). The NIHSS scores at discharge (. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that a loss of grip strength is associated with a loss of ability and autonomy at discharge and poor respiratory function is associated with stroke severity at discharge.

Effect of ankle-foot orthosis on functional mobility and dynamic balance of patients after stroke: Study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is the principal cause of impairment in the motor function and gait of adults. One of the resources used in rehabilitation to optimize gait is a prescription of ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), and the most prescribed AFOs are Fixed AFO and Articulated AFO; however, it is not known which of these options is more effective for these individuals. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of different types of ankle-foot orthosis functional mobility and dynamic balance in stroke patients. METHODS: Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial with 2 parallel groups will be conducted, and the aim is to recruit 50 patients with stroke diagnosis within 1 year, who indicated that they use both types of orthotics, who had a previous Rankin score less than or equal to 3, and who obtained AFO orthosis through the Hospital Clinics at the Botucatu Medical School (HCBMS) São Paulo, Brazil. After a specific evaluation by a physiotherapist, the patient will receive 1 of the AFO types via randomization. After 30 days, the patient will be reevaluated. The primary outcomes will be balance and mobility, which will be evaluated by the Time Up Go Test (TUG) and Tinetti's Scale of Mobility and Balance (TSMB). The secondary outcomes will be quality of life and the levels of anxiety and depression, which will be evaluated with the European (5D) Quality of Life Scale (Euroqol) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Group allocation will be not concealed because the blinding of participants and of therapists that provide intervention is not possible, and all analyses will be based on an intention-to-treat principle. This study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the São Paulo State University UNESP, number 2.367.953. The results will be published in relevant journal. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will contribute to clinical practice by identifying the type of AFO orthosis that is more suitable for this condition, helping to standardize prescription of these orthoses by professionals, and guiding future research studies on this subject, which is still incompletely defined in the literature. TRIAL REGISTRATION: RBR-6SF2VV (March 5, 2018).

Influence of an exercise program on cardiac remodeling and functional capacity in patients with stroke (CRONuS trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular rehabilitation is one of the treatment options for post-stroke individuals in order to improve functional independence in activities of daily life and reduce energy expenditure. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the effect of an exercise program on the echocardiographic variables, functional capacity, inflammatory response, neurological status, nutritional status, cardiologic evaluation, and quality of life of patients after stroke. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a randomized controlled trial including patients with ischemic stroke in the chronic phase. The patients will be evaluated at the beginning of the study and after 16 weeks. This will include clinical and physical evaluation, 6-min walk test, neurological assessment, nutritional assessment, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, transthoracic echocardiography, and assessment of the quality of life. The sample size has been determined as 40 patients, who will be divided into two groups: control group (CG; n = 20) and intervention group (IG; n = 20). The CG will undergo conventional physiotherapy for 45 min, three times a week, up to 16 weeks, while the IG will be put on a cardiovascular rehabilitation program consisting of heating, aerobic exercise, and muscle strengthening for 45 min, three times a week, for 16 weeks. The primary endpoint will be functional capacity following a 6-min walk test (delta maxVO2) and morphofunctional echocardiographic variables (indexed left ventricular mass) before and after the intervention. DISCUSSION: We expect to observe an improvement in cardiac structural and functional abnormalities in the IG, on echocardiography and biochemical examination, and that the improvement of these parameters after cardiovascular rehabilitation will have a favorable impact on the functional capacity and quality of life of patients after stroke. TRIAL REGISTRATION: REBEC, RBR-4wk4b3. Registered on 19 September 2016.

Respiratory parameters and exercise functional capacity in preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate maximal respiratory pressures, pulmonary volumes and capacities and exercise functional capacity in pregnant women with preeclampsia. METHOD: Primigravid women with preeclampsia and healthy primigravid women were evaluated by means of manovacuometry, spirometry and the 6-minute walk test. RESULTS: The group with preeclampsia showed higher minute ventilation and lower forced vital capacity and exercise tolerance. The presence of preeclampsia and forced vital capacity were predictors in the six-minute walk test. CONCLUSION: Preeclampsia showed significant alterations in the respiratory system and was associated with lower exercise tolerance; however, it did not affect respiratory muscle functions.