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.

The effect of kinesio taping on pain, respiratory function, and muscle strength after thoracotomy.

Background: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of kinesio taping on pain, respiratory function, and respiratory muscle strength in patients after posterolateral thoracotomy. Methods: Between June 2019 and May 2020, a total of 88 patients (48 males, 40 females; mean age: 56.1±9.0 years; range, 28 to 69 years) following posterolateral thoracotomy were randomly allocated to the therapeutic kinesio taping group (n=44) or the control group (n=33). Kinesio taping was applied to the kinesio taping group for seven days. Pain, respiratory functions, respiratory muscle strength, amount of analgesic drug use, and quality of life were evaluated preoperatively, on postoperative Day 0, before tape application, postoperative Days 1, 2, and 7, and at postoperative first month. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics. The results of respiratory functions and respiratory muscle strength were all improved in both groups, while there were more significant improvements in the kinesio taping group. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean Visual Analog Scale scores on postoperative Days 2 and 7 between the two groups. The amount of tramadol use of the patients in the kinesio taping group was significantly lower on postoperative Days 2 and 7 than in the control group. Conclusion: Kinesio taping is an effective method to reduce pain and improve respiratory function after posterolateral thoracotomy. Therefore, it is thought that kinesio taping should be applied as a part of the pulmonary rehabilitation program after thoracotomy.

Can trunk control scales differentiate for dependent and independent ambulation in ischemic stroke patients?

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the ability of trunk control scales (TCSs) to distinguish independent ambulation and investigate whether there was a relationship between TCSs and activities of daily living in patients with stroke. Patients and methods: The prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 126 patients (52 females, 74 males; mean age: 64.9±10.7 years; range, 40 to 88 years) between August 2018 and January 2020. According to their ability to walk 10 m, the patients were divided into three groups: the nonambulatory group (Group 1, n=31), those who required an assistive device while walking (Group 2, n=35), and those who could walk independently (Group 3, n=60). The Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement Instrument (STREAM), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients Scale (PASS), Trunk Impairment Scale, Trunk Recovery Scale, Trunk Control Test, and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were used to determine the relationship between TCSs and activities of daily living. Results: The median TCS scores differed between the groups; the lowest score was of Group 1, and the highest score was of Group 3 (p