Influence of Age, Gender and Education Level on Executive Functions and Functioning in People with Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Alterations in mental functions are among the most frequent manifestations of stroke that have a direct impact on the patient's functionality. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship of sociodemographic variables with the executive functions (EFs) of participants with right middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational case-control study was conducted at the State Center for Brain Damage in Madrid, Spain. Fifty-eight subjects were recruited and divided into two groups. Each participant was administered the following: the FIM+FAM Functional Assessment Measure, the Lawton and Brody scale, The Trail-Making Test, the Zoo Map Test and the Hanoi Tower. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were identified between participants with ischemic stroke and control in functional and EF functions, as well as between participants with hemorrhagic stroke and control. No statistically significant differences were found in the experimental group between subjects who had sustained ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. No significant associations were identified between the variables age, gender and education level in relation to functionality and executive functions (p > 0.05) in people with stroke. CONCLUSION: People who have suffered a right cerebral artery stroke have deficiencies in the EFS, resulting in poorer performance of the activity of daily living, compared to healthy subjects of the same age, gender and education level. In the correlational analysis of the stroke participants, no significant associations were identified between the variables gender, age and education level in relation to functionality and EF.

The flubbed body: Pathological body size representation in personal neglect.

Personal Neglect (PN) is a disorder in which patients fail to attend or explore the contralateral side of their body. An increasing number of studies have considered PN as a form of body representation disorder frequently observed following damage to parietal areas. The extent and the direction of the body misrepresentation is still unclear with recent studies suggesting a general reduction of contralesional hand size. However, little is known about the specificity of this representation and whether the misrepresentation also generalises to other body parts. We explored the features of the representation of the hands and face in a group of 9 right brain damaged patients with (PN+) and without PN (PN-), when compared to a healthy control group. For this, we used a body size estimation task with pictures, in which patients were required to choose the one that most closely matched the perceived size of their body part. We found that PN + patients showed a labile body representation for both hands and face, having a larger distorted representational range. Interestingly, in comparison with PN + patients and healthy controls, PN- patients also showed misrepresentation of the left contralesional hand which could be related to impaired motor performance of their upper limb. Our findings are discussed within a theoretical framework suggesting a reliance on multisensory integration (body representation, ownership, and motor influences) for an ordered representation of the size of the body.

STELO: A New Modular Robotic Gait Device for Acquired Brain Injury-Exploring Its Usability.

In recent years, the prevalence of acquired brain injury (ABI) has been on the rise, leading to impaired gait functionality in affected individuals. Traditional gait exoskeletons are typically rigid and bilateral and lack adaptability. To address this, the STELO, a pioneering modular gait-assistive device, was developed. This device can be externally configured with joint modules to cater to the diverse impairments of each patient, aiming to enhance adaptability and efficiency. This study aims to assess the safety and usability of the initial functional modular prototype, STELO, in a sample of 14 ABI-diagnosed participants. Adverse events, device adjustment assistance and time, and gait performance were evaluated during three sessions of device use. The results revealed that STELO was safe, with no serious adverse events reported. The need for assistance and time required for device adjustment decreased progressively over the sessions. Although there was no significant improvement in walking speed observed after three sessions of using STELO, participants and therapists reported satisfactory levels of comfort and usability in questionnaires. Overall, this study demonstrates that the STELO modular device offers a safe and adaptable solution for individuals with ABI, with positive user and therapist feedback.

Responsiveness of the Spanish Version of Newcastle Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Measure (NEWSQOL).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the responsiveness of the Spanish version of the Newcastle Stroke-specific Quality of Life measure (NEWSQOL) to assess quality of life in Spanish people after suffering a stroke. DESIGN: A prospective observational study was conducted to assess the responsiveness of the Spanish version of NEWSQOL. The sample contained 128 patients who filled in the questionnaires before and after a physical therapy intervention. The responsiveness was assessed with p-values using the effect size (ES) and the standardized response means (SRMs) of the change. Besides, two other external criteria were used to distinguish patients who improved with the treatment from those who remained stable. This classification was based on one functional independence measure (the Barthel Index) and one disability measure (the modified Rankin Scale). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant correlation (Spearman's coefficient = p < 0.01) between the domains of the Spanish version of NEWSQOL in relation to the Barthel Index and the modified Rankin Scale. All domains showed between marked-to-mild change responsiveness except sleep and relationships; mobility (ES 0.66 and SRM 0.92) and activities of daily living (ES 0.75 and SRM 0.87) were markedly responsive; communication (ES 0.38 and SRM 0.61) was moderately responsive; and pain, vision, cognition, feelings, emotions and fatigue were mildly responsive (ES 0.21-0.41 and SRM 0.23-0.44). CONCLUSION: The Spanish version of NEWSQOL shows between marked and mild responsiveness to measure the perception of QoL in post-stroke patients. Therefore, its use can be suitable for evaluation studies, clinical trials and clinical practice.

Validation of the Spanish Version of Newcastle Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Measure (NEWSQOL).

BACKGROUND: Stroke causes a wide variety of clinical manifestations that may have a negative impact on quality of life. Therefore, it is very important to use specific instruments for measuring quality of life in individuals who suffered a stroke. The aim of this study was to develop a psychometrically validated Spanish version of the Newcastle stroke-specific quality of life measure (NEWSQOL). METHODS: A psychometric validation of the Spanish version of the NEWSQOL questionnaire was carried out in 159 patients. The reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach's alpha coefficient), validity (factorial analysis and Spearman's coefficient), feasibility (response rate), and the ceiling and floor effects were calculated. RESULTS: Internal consistency showed that Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.93. The test-retest reliability was high or excellent for all domains (range 0.71-0.97 p < 0.001). The response rate of the questionnaire was 100% and the average administration time was 20.5 (±7.2) min. No ceiling effect was detected and two domains (pain and vision) may have a significant potential for floor effect. Construct validity showed that all the variables are important enough to keep them all in the questionnaire. Concerning convergent construct validity, a high correlation was found with the Nottingham Health Profile, the Barthel Index, and the Modified Rankin Scale. CONCLUSION: The Spanish version of the NEWSQOL questionnaire is reliable, valid, and feasible to evaluate quality of life in the Spanish population.

Haptic Adaptive Feedback to Promote Motor Learning With a Robotic Ankle Exoskeleton Integrated With a Video Game.

Background: Robotic devices have been used to rehabilitate walking function after stroke. Although results suggest that post-stroke patients benefit from this non-conventional therapy, there is no agreement on the optimal robot-assisted approaches to promote neurorecovery. Here we present a new robotic therapy protocol using a grounded exoskeleton perturbing the ankle joint based on tacit learning control. Method: Ten healthy individuals and a post-stroke patient participated in the study and were enrolled in a pilot intervention protocol that involved performance of ankle movements following different trajectories via video game visual feedback. The system autonomously modulated task difficulty according to the performance to increase the challenge. We hypothesized that motor learning throughout training sessions would lead to increased corticospinal excitability of dorsi-plantarflexor muscles. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation was used to assess the effects on corticospinal excitability. Results: Improvements have been observed on task performance and motor outcomes in both healthy individuals and post-stroke patient case study. Tibialis Anterior corticospinal excitability increased significantly after the training; however no significant changes were observed on Soleus corticospinal excitability. Clinical scales showed functional improvements in the stroke patient. Discussion and Significance: Our findings both in neurophysiological and performance assessment suggest improved motor learning. Some limitations of the study include treatment duration and intensity, as well as the non-significant changes in corticospinal excitability obtained for Soleus. Nonetheless, results suggest that this robotic training framework is a potentially interesting approach that can be explored for gait rehabilitation in post-stroke patients.

[Study of the pre- and post-treatment functionality of unilateral acquired brain injuries]. / Estudio de la funcionalidad pre y postratamiento de las lesiones cerebrales adquiridas unilaterales.

INTRODUCTION: Most of the people who have survived a lateralized brain injury have sequelae components affecting sensorimotor, cognitive or behavioral. These deficits affect the proper execution of daily living activities. The aim of this study is to analyze and compare the occupational profile of people with unilateral acquired brain injury, both people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), with functional independence, ability, participation and the quality of performance of everyday activities, before and after a multidisciplinary treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cohort quasi-experimental design with pre-cutting measures after treatment with a sample of 58 people, 28 TBI and 30 CVA, both lateralized. The measures used were the FIM+FAM, ICF, and AMPS. RESULTS: Considering the groups analyzed (lateralized full sample, sample diagnosis) analysis results indicate the existence of significant differences and a moderate effect size in the two cross-sectional estimates, providing greater levels of independence to injuries occurring in the right hemisphere (p < 0.001). However, when it is divided the sample by diagnosis appears no significant differences, except in motor skills, where higher scores for TBI are showed (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that this justifies the differences is not the mode of injury (TBI or CVA), but the hemispheric location. Therefore, it is suggested that people with acquired brain injury in the left hemisphere require more intensive intervention.

TITLE: Estudio de la funcionalidad pre y postratamiento de las lesiones cerebrales adquiridas unilaterales.Introduccion. La mayoria de las personas que han sobrevivido a un daño cerebral lateralizado presenta secuelas que afectan a componentes sensoriomotores, cognitivos o conductuales. Estos deficits repercuten en la correcta ejecucion de actividades de la vida diaria, antes y despues de un tratamiento multidisciplinar. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar y comparar el perfil ocupacional de las personas con daño cerebral adquirido unilateral, tanto en personas con traumatismo craneoencefalico (TCE) como accidentes cerebrovasculares (ACV), mediante la independencia funcional, la capacidad, la participacion y la calidad del desempeño de las actividades cotidianas. Pacientes y metodos. Diseño cuasi experimental de cohortes con medidas transversales pre y postratamiento con una muestra de 58 personas, 28 con TCE y 30 con ACV, en ambos casos lateralizados. Las medidas utilizadas fueron la Functional Independence Measure + Functional Assessment Measure, la clasificacion internacional del funcionamiento, la discapacidad y la salud, y el Assessment of Motor and Process Skills. Resultados. Teniendo en cuenta los grupos analizados (muestra completa lateralizada, muestra por diagnostico), los resultados del analisis apuntan hacia la existencia de diferencias significativas y un moderado tamaño del efecto en las dos estimaciones transversales, otorgando mayores niveles de independencia a las lesiones sobrevenidas en el hemisferio derecho (p < 0,001). Sin embargo, al dividir la muestra segun el diagnostico, no aparecen diferencias significativas, salvo en las habilidades motoras, donde se muestran mayores puntuaciones en los TCE (p < 0,05). Conclusiones. Se piensa que lo que justifica las diferencias no es la modalidad de la lesion (TCE o ACV), sino la localizacion hemisferica. Por ello, se sugiere que las personas con daño cerebral adquirido en el hemisferio izquierdo requeriran una intervencion mas intensa.

[Analysis of the effect of physical group activities in patients with acquired brain injury in the subacute phase]. / Analisis del efecto de las actividades fisicas grupales en pacientes con daño cerebral adquirido en fase subaguda.

INTRODUCTION: The term acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to any kind of non-degenerative injury that occurs in the brain. Group physical activities (GPA) are an effective treatment that improves the functional capacity. AIMS: To analyse the efficacy of a GPA programme in persons with ABI in the subacute phase so that they can be re-integrated physically in the community. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients with ABI, aged 33.18 ± 10.39 years, took part in a 10-week GPA programme (circuit workshops, simple equilibrium, dual equilibrium, dual displacement and physical-sports activities). At the start and the end of the programme the following variables were evaluated: speed (10-metre walking speed test), resistance (six-minute walk test), dynamic balance (Step Test), functional capacity (Timed Up and Go), safety perception scale (Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale) and Physical Activity and Disability Survey (PADS), the average per hour intensity of the activity and the number of steps outside the rehabilitation centre (using physical activity monitors). The t test for related samples was used to evaluate the differences among the variables. RESULTS: Significant differences were found (p <= 0.05) in the variables speed, resistance, balance, functional capacity, perception of safety, perception of general activity performance (question 3 of the PADS) and number of steps. CONCLUSIONS: GPA programmes improve physical capacities, perception of safety, performance of activity in general and the number of steps, which can lead to greater participation in the community.

TITLE: Analisis del efecto de las actividades fisicas grupales en pacientes con daño cerebral adquirido en fase subaguda.Introduccion. El daño cerebral adquirido (DCA) hace referencia a cualquier tipo de lesion no degenerativa que se produce en el cerebro. Las actividades fisicas grupales (AFG) se presentan como un tratamiento efectivo para la mejora de la capacidad funcional. Objetivo. Analizar la eficacia de un programa de AFG en personas con DCA en fase subaguda para su integracion fisica en la comunidad. Pacientes y metodos. Treinta y tres pacientes con DCA, con una edad de 33,18 ± 10,39 años, participaron en un programa de AFG (talleres de circuito, equilibrio simple, equilibrio dual, desplazamiento dual y actividades fisico-deportivas) de 10 semanas. Al comenzar y concluir el programa se evaluaron las variables de velocidad (prueba de velocidad de la marcha en 10 metros), resistencia (prueba de marcha de seis minutos), equilibrio dinamico (Step Test), capacidad funcional (Timed Up and Go), escala de percepcion de seguridad (Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale) y Physical Activity and Disability Survey (PADS), el promedio por hora de la intensidad de la actividad y el numero de pasos fuera del centro de rehabilitacion (usando monitores de actividad fisica). La prueba t para muestras relacionadas se utilizo para evaluar las diferencias en las variables. Resultados. Se hallaron diferencias significativas (p <= 0,05) en las variables de velocidad, resistencia, equilibrio, capacidad funcional, percepcion de seguridad, percepcion de realizacion de actividad general (pregunta 3 del PADS) y numero de pasos. Conclusion. Los programas de AFG mejoran las capacidades fisicas, percepcion de seguridad, realizacion de actividad en general y numero de pasos, lo que puede conllevar una mayor participacion en la comunidad.