Measurement properties of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale in adults from the general population with concussion: a report from the Toronto Concussion Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish the internal consistency and construct validity of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale and ABC-6 in adults from the general population with concussion. DESIGN: Prospective analysis. SETTING: Outpatient concussion care clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Adults from the general population with concussion referred to a concussion care clinic within 7 days of injury (n=511). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Balance confidence was assessed with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) and the ABC-6. Concussion symptoms were characterized using the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT5) symptom checklist. Instrumented measures of balance and gait included centre of pressure (COP) velocity and double support time, respectively. Balance was also assessed using the mBESS (modified Balance Error Scoring System). RESULTS: The ABC and ABC-6 were strongly correlated (ρ=0.980, p<0.001). Cronbach's α for ABC and ABC-6 were 0.966 and 0.940, respectively. Factor analysis verified the existence of 2 components of the ABC, one including all items of the ABC-6 as well as 3 additional items. ABC and ABC-6 were moderately significantly correlated with SCAT5 symptom number, severity, and symptom domain (ρ=-0.350 to -0.604). However, correlations between ABC and ABC-6 with instrumented measures of balance and gait were not statistically significant, except for of double support time during dual task gait with ABC-6 (ρ=-0.218). CONCLUSIONS: In community dwelling adults with concussion, the ABC and ABC-6 have good internal consistency. Convergent validity is stronger for symptom endorsement measures within SCAT5 domains, which has a similar construct (subjectivity) to balance confidence. Both the ABC and ABC-6 are valid measures of balance self-efficacy in adults from the general population with concussion. The ABC-6 may be a useful tool for characterizing the impact of concussion on perceptions of the ability to perform functional tasks that challenge balance and mobility.

Adverse Events During Submaximal Aerobic Exercise Testing in People With Subacute Stroke: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Concern for adverse cardiovascular events and limited guidance regarding how to conduct aerobic exercise (AEx) testing for individuals poststroke are key barriers to implementation by physical therapists in stroke rehabilitation. This study aimed to describe the nature and safety of submaximal AEx testing protocols for people with subacute stroke (PwSS) and the nature of comorbidity of PwSS who underwent submaximal AEx testing. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review and searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus from inception to October 29, 2020. Studies involving submaximal AEx testing with PwSS, reporting on participant comorbidity and on adverse events during testing, were eligible. Two reviewers independently conducted title and abstract and full-text screening. One reviewer extracted data; a second reviewer verified data. RESULTS: Thirteen studies involving 452 participants and 19 submaximal AEx testing protocols (10 field test, 7 incremental, and 2 constant load) were included. Hypertension (41%), diabetes (31%), and dyslipidemia (27%) were the most common comorbidities reported. No protocols resulted in a serious adverse event. The most common test termination criterion was a heart rate (HR) limit (9 protocols); a limit of 85% age-predicted maximal HR (APM-HR) most frequently reported. Average APM-HR achieved, computed using mean age and mean peak HR, ranged from 59% to 88% across 13 protocols. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Diverse submaximal AEx testing protocols with conservative test termination criteria can be safely implemented with PwSS. Results can inform clinical practice guidelines and address physical therapists' concerns with the occurrence of serious adverse events during submaximal AEx testing.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1 available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A430 ).

The Toronto Concussion Study: a prospective investigation of characteristics in a cohort of adults from the general population seeking care following acute concussion, 2016-2020.

Purpose: There is limited research regarding the characteristics of those from the general population who seek care following acute concussion. Methods: To address this gap, a large cohort of 473 adults diagnosed with an acute concussion (female participants = 287; male participants = 186) was followed using objective measures prospectively over 16 weeks beginning at a mean of 5.1 days post-injury. Results: Falls were the most common mechanism of injury (MOI) (n = 137, 29.0%), followed by sports-related recreation (n = 119, 25.2%). Male participants were more likely to be injured playing recreational sports or in a violence-related incident; female participants were more likely to be injured by falling. Post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) was reported by 80 participants (16.9 %), and loss of consciousness (LOC) was reported by 110 (23.3%). In total, 54 participants (11.4%) reported both PTA and LOC. Male participants had significantly higher rates of PTA and LOC after their injury compared to their female counterparts. Higher initial symptom burden was associated with a longer duration of recovery for both male and female participants. Female participants had more symptoms and higher severity of symptoms at presentation compared to male participants. Female participants were identified to have a longer recovery duration, with a mean survival time of 6.50 weeks compared to 5.45 weeks in male participants (p < 0.0001). A relatively high proportion of female and male participants in this study reported premorbid diagnoses of depression and anxiety compared to general population characteristics. Conclusion: Although premorbid diagnoses of depression and/or anxiety were associated with higher symptom burden at the initial visit, the duration of symptoms was not directly associated with a pre-injury history of psychological/psychiatric disturbance. This cohort of adults, from the general population, seeking care for their acute concussion attained clinical and functional recovery over a period of 4-12 weeks.

Identifying priorities for balance interventions through a participatory co-design approach with end-users.

BACKGROUND: Most individuals living with spinal cord injuries/diseases (SCI/D) or stroke experience at least one fall each year; hence, the development of interventions and technologies that target balance control is needed. The purpose of this study was to identify and explore the priorities for balance-focused interventions and technologies from the perspectives of end-users to assist with the design of an intervention that combines functional electrical stimulation (FES) with visual feedback training for standing balance. METHODS: Two individuals with SCI/D, one individual with stroke, two physical therapists (PT) and one hospital administrator were recruited. Participants attended three focus group meetings that followed a participatory co-design approach. A semi-structured interview guide, developed from the FAME (Feasibility, Appropriateness, Meaningfulness, Effectiveness, Economic Evidence) framework, was used to lead the discussion, querying participants' experiences with balance deficits and interventions, and FES. Meetings were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. An iterative and reflexive inductive thematic analysis was applied to the transcripts by three researchers. RESULTS: Four themes were identified: (1) Balance is meaningful for daily life and rehabilitation. Participants acknowledged various factors influencing balance control and how balance deficits interfered with participation in activities. End-users stressed the importance of continuing to work on one's balance after discharge from hospital-based rehabilitation. (2) Desired characteristics of balance interventions. Participants explained that balance interventions should be tailored to an individual's unique needs and goals, relevant to their lives, balance their safety and risk, and be engaging. (3) Prior experiences with FES to inform future therapeutic use. Participants with stroke or SCI/D described initial apprehension with FES, but experienced numerous benefits that motivated them to continue with FES. Challenges with FES were mentioned, including wires, cost, and time of set up. (4) Potential role of FES in balance interventions. Participants felt that FES would complement balance interventions; however, they had not experienced this combination of therapies previously. CONCLUSIONS: End-users described how their experiences with balance deficits, rehabilitation, and FES informed their priorities for balance interventions. The findings inform the design and implementation of future balance interventions for individuals with SCI/D or stroke, including an intervention involving FES and visual feedback training.

TeleRehabilitation with Aims to Improve Lower extremity recovery in community-dwelling individuals who have had a stroke: protocol for a multisite, parallel group, assessor-blinded, randomised attention-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Telerehabilitation is an accessible service delivery model that may support innovative lower extremity rehabilitation programmes that extend the stroke recovery continuum into the community. Unfortunately, there is limited evidence on the provision of exercises for lower extremity recovery after stroke delivered using telerehabilitation. In response, we developed the TeleRehabilitation with Aims to Improve Lower extremity recovery poststroke (TRAIL) programme, a 4-week progressive exercise and self-management intervention delivered synchronously using video-conferencing technology. Our primary hypothesis is that individual within 1-year poststroke who participate in TRAIL will experience significantly greater improvements in functional mobility than individuals in an attention-controlled education programme (EDUCATION). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In this multisite, parallel group, assessor-blinded randomised attention-controlled trial, 96 community-living stroke survivors within 1-year poststroke will be recruited from five sites (Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, London and Halifax, Canada) from the CanStroke Recovery Trials Platform which is a network of Canadian hospital sites that are affiliated with academic institutions to facilitate participant recruitment and quality trial practices. Participants will be randomised on a 1:1 basis to TRAIL or EDUCATION. Participants randomised to TRAIL will receive eight telerehabilitation sessions where they will perform exercises and receive self-management support to improve lower extremity recovery from a TRAIL physical therapist. The primary outcome will be measured using the Timed Up and Go. Secondary outcomes include lower extremity muscle strength, functional balance, motor impairment, balance self-efficacy, health-related quality of life and health service use for our economic evaluation. Measurements will be taken at baseline, immediately after the intervention, 3-month and 6-month postintervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval for this research has been obtained by all participating sites. All study participants will provide their informed consent prior to enrolling them in the study. Findings from this trial will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international scientific meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04908241.

Clinicians' Experiences of Implementing a Telerehabilitation Toolkit During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND: Although the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a rapid implementation and scale-up of telehealth for patients in need of rehabilitation, an overall slower scaling up to telerehabilitation has been documented. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to understand experiences of implementing telerehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as using the Toronto Rehab Telerehab Toolkit from the perspective of rehabilitation professionals across Canada and internationally. METHODS: The study adopted a qualitative descriptive approach that consisted of telephone- or videoconference-supported interviews and focus groups. Participants included rehabilitation providers as well as health care leaders who had used the Toronto Rehab Telerehab Toolkit. Each participant took part in a semi-structured interview or focus group, lasting approximately 30-40 minutes. Thematic analysis was used to understand the barriers and enablers of providing telerehabilitation and implementing the Toronto Rehab Telerehab Toolkit. Three members of the research team independently analyzed a set of the same transcripts and met after each set to discuss their analysis. RESULTS: A total of 22 participants participated, and 7 interviews and 4 focus groups were included. The data of participants were collected from both Canadian (Alberta, New Brunswick, and Ontario) and international sites (Australia, Greece, and South Korea). A total of 11 sites were represented, 5 of which focused on neurological rehabilitation. Participants included health care providers (ie, physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, and social workers), managers and system leaders, as well as research and education professionals. Overall, 4 themes were identified including (1) implementation considerations for telerehabilitation, encompassing 2 subthemes of "infrastructure, equipment, and space" and "leadership and organizational support"; (2) innovations developed as a result of telerehabilitation; (3) the toolkit as a catalyst for implementing telerehabilitation; and (4) recommendations for improving the toolkit. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this qualitative study confirm some of the previously identified experiences with implementing telerehabilitation, but from the perspective of Canadian and international rehabilitation providers and leaders. These findings include the importance of adequate infrastructure, equipment, and space; the key role of organizational or leadership support in adopting telerehabilitation; and availing resources to implement it. Importantly, participants in our study described the toolkit as an important resource to broker networking opportunities and highlighted the need to pivot to telerehabilitation, especially early in the pandemic. Findings from this study will be used to improve the next iteration of the toolkit (Toolkit 2.0) to promote safe, accessible, and effective telerehabilitation to those patients in need in the future.

Factors That Influence the Clinical Implementation of Aerobic Exercise in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Theory-Informed Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE: Best practice guidelines recommend that aerobic exercise (AEx) be implemented as early as possible poststroke, yet the prescription of AEx remains limited in stroke rehabilitation settings. This study used theoretical frameworks to obtain an in-depth understanding of barriers and enablers to AEx implementation in the stroke rehabilitation setting. METHODS: A qualitative, descriptive study was conducted. Participants were recruited from 4 stroke rehabilitation settings in Ontario, Canada, that have participated in an implementation study to provide structured AEx programming as part of standard care. Six clinician focus groups (with 19 physical therapists and 5 rehabilitation assistants) and one-to-one interviews with 7 managers and 1 physician were conducted to explore barriers and enablers to AEx implementation. The Theoretical Domains Framework and Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research informed content analysis for clinician and manager perspectives, respectively. RESULTS: Barriers specific to resource constraints and health care system pressures, combined with patient goals, led to interventions to improve function being prioritized over AEx. Successful implementation was enabled through an interprofessional approach and team engagement in the planning and implementation process. Health care providers described concerns about patient safety, but confidence and capability for implementing AEx were enabled by education, skill development, use of exercise tests, and consultation with individuals with content expertise. Participants described the development of supportive processes that enabled AEx implementation within team workflows and shared resources. CONCLUSION: Strategies to support implementation of AEx in stroke rehabilitation should incorporate knowledge and skills, the provision of clinical decision-making tools, access to expert consultation, the roles and social influence of the interprofessional team and formal and informal leaders, and supportive processes adapted to the local context. IMPACT: Results from this study will inform the development of a clinical implementation toolkit to support clinical uptake of AEx in the stroke rehabilitation setting.

Rehabilitation clinicians' perspectives of reactive balance training.

PURPOSE: Reactive balance training (RBT) aims to improve reactive balance control. However, because RBT involves clients losing balance, clinicians may view that it is unsafe or not feasible for some clients. We aimed to explore how clinicians implement RBT to treat balance and mobility issues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Physiotherapists and kinesiologists across Canada who reported that they include RBT in their practices were invited to complete telephone interviews about their experiences with RBT. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and analysed using a deductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Ten participants completed telephone interviews, which lasted between 30-60 min. Participants primarily worked in a hospital setting (inpatient rehabilitation (n = 3); outpatient rehabilitation (n = 2)), and were treated clients with neurological conditions (n = 5). Four main themes were identified: 1) there is variability in RBT approaches; 2) knowledge can be a barrier and facilitator to RBT; 3) reactive balance control is viewed as an advanced skill; and 4) RBT experience builds confidence. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a need for resources to make clinical implementation of RBT more feasible.Implications for rehabilitationTrust between the therapist and client improves self-efficacy and feelings of apprehension/fear when conducting reactive balance training.Being creative and improvising with equipment that is readily available in clinics enables reactive balance training, without the need for high-tech equipment.Clinicians should consider using standardized tools with reactive balance control components, such as the Balance Evaluation Systems Test or Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment, to assess balance control.

Can Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) Symptom Scores Be Converted to Rivermead Post-concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) Scores and Vice Versa? Findings From the Toronto Concussion Study.

Background: The Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) and the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) are widely used self-report tools assessing the type, number, and severity of concussion symptoms. There are overlapping symptoms and domains, though they are scored differently. The SCAT consists of 22 questions with a 7-point Likert scale for a total possible score 132. The RPQ has 16 questions and a 5-point Likert scale for a total of 64 possible points. Being able to convert between the two scores would facilitate comparison of results in the concussion literature. Objectives: To develop equations to convert scores on the SCAT to the RPQ and vice versa. Methods: Adults (17-85 years) diagnosed with a concussion at a referring emergency department were seen in the Hull-Ellis Concussion and Research Clinic, a rapid access concussion clinic at Toronto Rehab-University Health Network (UHN) Toronto Canada, within 7 days of injury. The RPQ and SCAT symptom checklists as well as demographic questionnaires were administered to all participants at Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 16. Results: 215 participants had 1,168 matched RPQ and SCAT assessments. Total scores of the RPQ and the SCAT had a rho = 0.91 (p < 0.001); correlations were lower for sub-scores of specific symptom domains (range 0.74-0.87, p < 0.001 for all domain comparisons). An equation was derived to calculate SCAT scores using the number and severity of symptoms on the RPQ. Estimated scores were within 3 points of the observed total score on the SCAT. A second equation was derived to calculate the RPQ from the proportion weighted total score of the SCAT. This equation estimated corresponding scores within 3 points of the observed score on the RPQ. Conclusions: The RPQ and SCAT symptom checklists total scores are highly correlated and can be used to estimate the total score on the corresponding assessment. The symptom subdomains are also strongly correlated between the 2 scales however not as strongly correlated as the total score. The equations will enable researchers and clinicians to quickly convert between the scales and to directly compare concussion research findings.

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Stroke Rehabilitation: Benefits and Clinical Utility Perceived by Physiotherapists and Individuals with Stroke.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the perceived benefits and clinical utility of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) from the perspectives of physiotherapists and patients and to explore the factors that influence adopting CPET in a stroke rehabilitation setting. Method: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Physiotherapists (n = 6) participated in a focus group to discuss the use of CPET in practice. Patients (n = 8) who had completed CPET during stroke rehabilitation participated in a semi-structured interview to explore their experiences. Thematic analysis was performed. Results: CPET increased the physiotherapists' confidence in prescribing exercise, especially for medically complex patients. Ongoing medical management early post-stroke was a barrier to referral. Physiotherapists expressed decreased confidence in interpreting test results. Consultation with local experts facilitated the use of CPET. Patients described how CPET increased their confidence to participate in exercise. They desired more information before and after CPET to better understand the purpose and results and their relation to their rehabilitation goals. Conclusions: Both physiotherapists and patients described the benefit of having CPET available to support them as they participated in exercise in a stroke rehabilitation setting. Physiotherapists would benefit from having educational tools to support their interpretation and application of test results, and patients would benefit from improved communication and education to support their understanding of the relevance of CPET to their rehabilitation goals. Future research should explore these findings in other stroke rehabilitation settings.

Objectif : comprendre les avantages perçus et l'utilité clinique de l'épreuve d'effort cardiorespiratoire (ÉECR) du point de vue des physiothérapeutes et des patients et explorer les facteurs qui influent sur l'adoption de l'ÉECR dans un milieu de réadaptation après un accident vasculaire cérébral (AVC). Méthodologie : étude descriptive qualitative. Les physiothérapeutes (n = 6) ont participé à un groupe de travail pour discuter de l'utilisation de l'ÉECR dans la pratique. Les patients (n = 8) qui ont effectué une ÉECR pendant la réadaptation après un AVC ont participé à une entrevue semi-structurée pour explorer leurs expériences. Une analyse thématique a suivi. Résultats : l'ÉECR donne confiance aux physiothérapeutes qui prescrivent de l'exercice, particulièrement pour les patients qui éprouvent des problèmes de santé complexes. La prise en charge médicale continue peu après un AVC était un obstacle à une demande de consultation. Les physiothérapeutes exprimaient leur manque de confiance à interpréter les résultats de l'ÉECR. La consultation d'experts locaux les incitait à utiliser l'ÉECR. Les patients ont expliqué que l'ÉECR leur donnait confiance à participer aux exercices. Ils souhaitaient recevoir plus d'information avant et après l'ÉECR, afin de mieux comprendre la raison d'être, les résultats et leur lien avec les objectifs de réadaptation. Conclusion : les physiothérapeutes et les patients ont décrit les avantages de disposer de l'ÉECR pour les aider dans le cadre des exercices effectués en réadaptation après un AVC. Les physiothérapeutes profiteraient d'outils de formation pour les aider à interpréter et appliquer les résultats, et les patients profiteraient de meilleures communications et d'une meilleure éducation pour mieux comprendre la pertinence de l'ÉECR dans l'atteinte de leurs objectifs de réadaptation. Les prochaines recherches devraient explorer ces résultats dans d'autres milieux de réadaptation après un AVC.

The Toronto concussion study: a cross-sectional analysis of balance deficits following acute concussion in community-dwelling adults.

Objective: To characterize balance deficits in community-dwelling adults following acute concussion.Design: Cross-sectional observational study.Methods: Individuals with acute concussion (n=100) and healthy controls (n=20) completed the BESS (Balance Error Scoring System) and quiet standing trials on forceplates with the eyes open, closed, or during a cognitive dual task. BESS score and centre-of-pressure root mean square and high-frequency power (0.4-3Hz) were used to characterize group differences. In a secondary analysis, participants were subdivided based on self-reported symptoms of balance problems and dizziness using the SCAT-3 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool - Third Edition) Symptom Checklist.Results: In comparing individuals with concussion and controls, BESS score (16.0 ± 6.0 vs 12.6 ± 3.8; F(1,116) = 5.814, p = .017) and anteroposterior [F(1.78, 204.2) = 11.93, p < .001] and mediolateral [F(1, 114) = 10.05, p = .002] high-frequency power revealed significant group differences. Dividing individuals based on self-reported symptoms revealed significant differences in mediolateral high frequency power, such that participants reporting balance and dizziness problems as well as those participants not reporting balance or dizziness symptoms following concussion were less stable than controls.Conclusions: Deficits in clinical and posturographic measures of balance occur in community-dwelling adults with concussion. These measures do not align with self-reported balance symptoms. Future research and clinical practice aimed at careful selection of optimized balance assessment is recommended.

A survey of Canadian healthcare professionals' practices regarding reactive balance training.

Background: Perturbation-based balance training (PBT) is a relatively new type of balance training that aims to improve control of reactions to a loss of balance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of use of PBT in clinical practice, and the most significant barriers and facilitators to implementing PBT in practice.Methods: Health-care professionals across Canada (primarily physiotherapists and kinesiologists) who provide balance training to individuals with balance impairments and/or increased fall risk completed a questionnaire that asked about knowledge and use of PBT in practice.Results: Overall, 76.3% of participants (299/392) reported that they had used PBT in their practices, with 22.4% (88/392) reporting regular PBT use. Lack of knowledge of PBT appeared to be the most significant barrier for those not currently using PBT in their practices, whereas individuals who were familiar with PBT and open to using it in practice experienced barriers related to training, knowledge, human resources, client characteristics, and the practice setting. More than 90% of respondents were interested in learning more about almost all aspects of PBT.Conclusions: These findings could be used to inform development of future educational strategies to increase uptake of PBT in rehabilitation practice.

Determining the optimal dose of reactive balance training after stroke: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Falls risk poststroke is highest soon after discharge from rehabilitation. Reactive balance training (RBT) aims to improve control of reactions to prevent falling after a loss of balance. In healthy older adults, a single RBT session can lead to lasting improvements in reactive balance control and prevent falls in daily life. While increasing the dose of RBT does not appear to lead to additional benefit for healthy older adults, stroke survivors, who have more severely impaired balance control, may benefit from a higher RBT dose. Our long-term goal is to determine the optimal dose of RBT in people with subacute stroke. This assessor-blinded pilot randomised controlled trial aims to inform the design of a larger trial to address this long-term goal. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Participants (n=36) will be attending out-patient stroke rehabilitation, and will be randomly allocated to one of three groups: one, three or six RBT sessions. RBT will replace a portion of participants' regular physiotherapy so that the total physical rehabilitation time will be the same for the three groups. Balance and balance confidence will be assessed at: (1) study enrolment; (2) out-patient rehabilitation discharge; and (3) 6 months postdischarge. Participants will report falls and physical activity for 6 months postdischarge. Pilot data will be used to plan the larger trial (ie, sample size estimate using fall rates, and which groups should be included based on between-group trends in pre-to-post training effect sizes for reactive balance control measures). Pilot data will also be used to assess the feasibility of the larger trial (ie, based on the accrual rate, outcome completion rate and feasibility of prescribing specific training doses). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Institutional research ethics approval has been received. Study participants will receive a lay summary of results. We will also publish our findings in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04219696; Pre results.

The Toronto Concussion Study: a longitudinal analysis of balance deficits following concussion in community-dwelling adults.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize recovery of balance deficits in community-dwelling adults with concussion. HYPOTHESIS: Balance measures will improve 2 weeks after injury and persist over 12 weeks. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal observational study. METHODS: Assessments included the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) and quiet standing during eyes open, eyes closed, and a cognitive dual task. Recovery was determined using a Hierarchical Growth Curve Model (HGCM) at Week1 (n = 61), Week2 (n = 58), Week4 (n = 53), Week8 (n = 51), and Week12 (n = 39) post-injury. Within-individual follow-up analysis was conducted using the coefficient of variation (quiet standing measures) and a reliable change index (BESS) on 28 individuals with concussion assessed at all 5 time points. RESULTS: Self-reported symptom score recovered between Week 4-8. Anteroposterior COP velocity (eyes closed) was the only variable to show statistically significant (p < .05) recovery in the HGCM. The within-individual analysis identified fewer than 43% (12/28) of participants recovered by Week 12, relative to their own Week 1 assessment. CONCLUSIONS: While recovery of balance deficits was observed in 1 variable over 12 weeks, less than half of the participants included in all assessments demonstrated improvement in balance outcomes. Future research and clinical practice should focus on the unique characteristics of community-dwelling adults with concussion to optimize recovery in this cohort.

Effect of reactive balance training on physical fitness poststroke: study protocol for a randomised non-inferiority trial.

INTRODUCTION: Regular exercise is essential in the chronic phase of stroke recovery for improving or maintaining function, and reducing the risk of a second stroke. To achieve these goals, multiple components of fitness should be targeted with poststroke exercise, including aerobic capacity, strength and balance. However, following the recommended frequency and duration of each component separately can take a long time and lead to fatigue in people with stroke. Therefore, finding types of exercise that target multiple components of fitness all together is valuable.Reactive balance training (RBT) is a novel type of exercise where individuals repeatedly lose their balance in order to practise balance reactions. When people do RBT, they increase their heart rate and exert forces with their leg muscles which could improve aerobic fitness and muscle strength, respectively. This means that RBT could have the potential to improve multiple components of fitness, simultaneously. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a randomised controlled non-inferiority trial with internal pilot study. Participants with chronic stroke will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) RBT or (2) aerobic and strength training (AST). Participants in both groups will complete 1 hour of exercise, three times/week for 12 weeks. The primary objective is to determine the effect of RBT on aerobic capacity and knee muscles' strength. The secondary objective is to determine the effects of RBT and AST on balance control and balance confidence. We expect to find that RBT is superior to AST in terms of improving balance control and balance confidence, yet not inferior to AST in terms of its effects on aerobic capacity and strength. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Research ethics approval has been received. Results will be disseminated directly to study participants at the end of the trial, and to other stakeholders via publication in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04042961.

Determining Safe Participation in Aerobic Exercise Early After Stroke Through a Graded Submaximal Exercise Test.

OBJECTIVE: The benefits of aerobic exercise early after stroke are well known, but concerns about cardiovascular risk are a barrier to clinical implementation. Symptom-limited exercise testing with electrocardiography (ECG) is recommended but not always feasible. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of and corresponding exercise intensities at which ECG abnormalities occurred during submaximal exercise testing that would limit safe exercise prescription beyond those intensities. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of ECGs from 195 patients who completed submaximal exercise testing during stroke rehabilitation. A graded submaximal exercise test was conducted with a 5- or 12-lead ECG and was terminated on the basis of predetermined endpoint criteria (heart rate, perceived exertion, signs, or symptoms). ECGs were retrospectively reviewed for exercise-induced abnormalities and their associated heart rates. RESULTS: The peak heart rate achieved was 65.4% (SD = 10.5%) of the predicted maximum heart rate or 29.1% (SD = 15.5%) of the heart rate reserve (adjusted for beta-blocker medications). The test was terminated more often because of perceived exertion (93/195) than because of heart rate limits (60/195). Four patients (2.1%) exhibited exercise-induced horizontal or downsloping ST segment depression of ≥1 mm. Except for 1 patient, the heart rate at test termination was comparable with the heart rate associated with the onset of the ECG abnormality. CONCLUSION: A graded submaximal exercise test without ECG but with symptom monitoring and conservative heart rate and perceived exertion endpoints may facilitate safe exercise intensities early after stroke. Symptom-limited exercise testing with ECG is still recommended when progressing to higher intensity exercise. IMPACT: Concerns about cardiovascular risk are a barrier to physical therapists implementing aerobic exercise in stroke rehabilitation. This study showed that, in the absence of access to exercise testing with ECG, submaximal testing with conservative heart rate and perceived exertion endpoints and symptom monitoring can support physical therapists in the safe prescription of aerobic exercise early after stroke. LAY SUMMARY: It is recommended that people with stroke participate in aerobic exercise as early as possible during their rehabilitation. A submaximal exercise test with monitoring of heart rate, perceived exertion, blood pressure, and symptoms can support physical therapists in safely prescribing that exercise.

Integrating Technology Into Clinical Practice for the Assessment of Balance and Mobility: Perspectives of Exercise Professionals Practicing in Retirement and Long-term Care.

OBJECTIVE: To explore exercise professionals' perspectives on technology integration for balance and mobility assessment practices in retirement and long-term care. SETTING: A private residential care organization in Ontario, Canada, with 18 sites providing accommodation and services for older adults. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive approach was used including semistructured focus group interviews. Open-ended questions explored perceptions of technology integration along with factors influencing its adoption. Analysis involved preliminary coding based on research questions, review and discussion of emerging themes, and final, resultant coding for each category. PARTICIPANTS: Exercise professionals (kinesiologists and exercise therapists) (N=18). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Not applicable. RESULTS: All participants felt that technology could enhance their practice by supporting programming, communication, and/or information management. Potential barriers to technology integration related primarily to the need to accommodate the broad range of complex health conditions present among clients, which would impact (1) their ability to engage with the technology and (2) relevance of technology-derived outcomes. Specific concerns related to individuals with significant cognitive and/or functional impairment. Solutions to these barriers emphasized the need for flexible technology and appropriate normative data to maximize the potential for uptake. CONCLUSIONS: The participating exercise professionals working in a retirement and long-term care setting saw technology as a potentially effective addition to current clinical practice. To increase the likelihood for clinical uptake, technology must be maximize flexibility in order to accommodate a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities and meet specific needs related to setting and job responsibilities. The findings emphasize the need for continuous dialogue between technology producers and end users for successful development and implementation.

Longitudinal change in spatiotemporal gait symmetry after discharge from inpatient stroke rehabilitation.

Purpose: To describe the change in spatiotemporal gait asymmetry after discharge from stroke rehabilitation and examine the relationship with change in other clinical outcome measures.Methods: Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study was conducted. Swing time and step length symmetry, balance, mobility, gait speed, and motor impairment were assessed at discharge and 6 months later. Participants (n = 61) were classified by shift in symmetry status (Asymmetric-to-Symmetric, Symmetric-to-Asymmetric, No Shift) and magnitude of difference scores (Improved, Worse, No Difference). Correlations between change in spatiotemporal symmetry and the other clinical measures of physical status were calculated.Results: At discharge, 61% (37/61) and 36% (22/61) of participants were asymmetric in swing time and step length, respectively. Of this subgroup, 43% (16/37) and 50% (11/22) shifted to symmetric gait by follow-up. In contrast, only six individuals significantly improved in swing and/or step symmetry according to minimal detectable change. Change in spatiotemporal symmetry was not significantly correlated with change in the clinical outcome measures.Conclusions: Despite overall gains in physical function and decreased prevalence of asymmetry, most individuals with stroke do not improve in swing or step symmetry following discharge from rehabilitation. Further research is necessary to elucidate factors that affect recovery of gait quality.Implications for rehabilitationAsymmetric gait after stroke is a major concern for patients and their therapists but can be resistant to intervention.Spatiotemporal asymmetry persists for many individuals following discharge from hospital stay despite improvement in other gait-related measures.While the determinants of change remain unclear, gait quality should be specifically monitored and addressed to avoid long-term negative effects.

Improvements in balance reaction impairments following reactive balance training in individuals with sub-acute stroke: A prospective cohort study with historical control.

Background: Reactive balance training (RBT) has been previously found to reduce fall risk in individuals with sub-acute stroke; however, our understanding of the effects of RBT on specific balance impairments is lacking.Objective: To quantify changes in common balance reaction impairments in individuals with sub-acute stroke resulting from RBT, relative to traditional balance training, using a prospective cohort study design with a historical control group.Methods: Individuals with sub-acute stroke completed either RBT or traditional balance training as part of their routine care during physiotherapy in inpatient rehabilitation. Reactive balance control was assessed using lean-and-release perturbations pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 6-months post-intervention (follow-up). Individuals with impaired balance reactions (delayed foot-off times, slide steps, and/or a preference for stepping with the preferred limb) at the pre-intervention assessment were identified using video and force plate data. Outcome measures (foot-off times, frequency of trials with slide steps, and stepping with the preferred limb) from the RBT participants with impaired reactions were compared for each of the three assessments to the mean values for the participants with impaired reactions in the historical control group.Results: Improvements were observed in all outcome measures for the RBT participants between pre-intervention and post-intervention, and/or between post-intervention and follow-up. These improvements were generally equivalent to, if not better than, the improvements demonstrated by the historical control group.Conclusions: Findings further support the use of RBT for post-stroke inpatient rehabilitation, and provide insight into specific balance reaction impairments that are improved by RBT.

Clinical assessment of reactive balance control in acquired brain injury: A comparison of manual and cable release-from-lean assessment methods.

OBJECTIVE: Perturbation-evoked stepping reactions are infrequently assessed directly in clinical settings even though stepping reactions in response to a sudden loss-of-balance perturbation ultimately determine whether a fall occurs. Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) due to stroke who are ambulatory and awaiting hospital discharge have been found to exhibit delayed stepping reactions but are typically discharged without assessment of perturbation-evoked stepping. Tests that specifically target the capacity to perform perturbation-evoked stepping reactions are important to identify those at risk for falls and to direct intervention strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate agreement and reliability of two assessment methods used to assess rapid stepping reactions, specifically in individuals with ABI due to stroke or other causes. A secondary aim was to compare perturbation-triggered biomechanics of the two assessment methods. METHODS: Thirty-five participants who were less than 4 months post-ABI were evaluated in an inpatient unit at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. Stepping reactions were assessed using manual release-from-lean and cable release-from-lean perturbation-based assessment methods. RESULTS: There was moderate agreement between the assessment scores resulting from the two assessment methods (κ = 0.55) and substantial test-retest reliability (κ's > 0.61) for both assessment methods. There was no evidence that the assessment score was affected by assessment method, test-retest, or assessment order. However, the cable release from lean resulted in a more rapid release of the lean support force (2 ms vs. 125 ms) and earlier foot-off times (340 ms vs. 401 ms) compared with the manual release from lean. CONCLUSION: Delays in foot-off time associated with the manual release-from-lean perturbation raise concerns that the manual assessment method may not provide a perturbation that is sufficiently challenging to reveal a patient's balance-recovery capacity and associated fall risk. However, the manual assessment requires no equipment and the assessment score may provide a useful indication of gross reactive balance control.