The Effect of Motor Learning on Balance, Mobility and Performance of Activities of Daily Living Among Post-Stroke Patients

Parc de Salut Mar66 enrolled

Overview

The primary objective of this study is to assess - through a randomized controlled trial - the effectiveness and long-term improvement of motor relearning program on balance, mobility and performance of activities of daily living among post-stroke patients. In this two-armed randomized controlled clinical trial, a total of 66 sub-acute stroke patients who meet the trial criteria will be recruited. The patients will randomly receive task-specific training based on a motor relearning program (MRP) or a conventional physical therapy program (CPT). Twenty-four rehabilitation sessions will be conducted for eight weeks. Both interventions will be followed by analysis of patients' balance, gait and performance of activates of daily living at two time period; post-intervention and follow-up after 3-months, using clinical outcome measures and instrumental analysis of balance and gait.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Stroke

Interventions

Task-specific training based on motor relearning program will be performed for 8 weeks (3 sessions per week; 1 hr. per session; total 24 sessions). Each training session will consist of five training tasks: (1) bed mobility and sitting up over the side of the bed; (2) balanced sitting; (3) standing up and sitting down; (4) balanced standing; and (5) practice of walking.

Control Group (Conventional physical therapy program)OTHER

The conventional physical therapy program (CPT) exercises will be performed following a standard stroke rehabilitation program for 8 weeks (3 sessions per week; 1 hr. per session; total 24 sessions). Each CPT rehabilitation session will include the following exercises: (1) passive and active-assisted range of motion; (2) stretching; (3) strengthening exercises; (4) balance exercises; and (5) walking.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 85 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * First-ever subacute (1-6 months) stroke patients; * Able to give informed consent; * Patients with hemiparesis: muscle power of 2-4 on Medical Research Council-MRC Muscle Scale in the affected upper and lower limbs; * Able to stand independently for at least one minute; * Can ambulate 25 feet/10 meter (with or without assistive device). Exclusion Criteria: * Post-stroke patients with major cognitive deficits (Montreal Cognitive Assessment- MoCA score ≥ 20) and/or communication impairments that don't allow patients to follow directions (i.e., deafness, aphasia, etc.); * Patients who are receiving other related therapy through the study, which may affect efficacy of this study; * Any medical contraindications to start rehabilitation; * History of disability related to neurological deficits other than stroke.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Berg Balance Scale (BBS)

Time frame: The BBS will be used to assess the changes from the baseline balance at 8 weeks (post-intervention) as well as at 3-months after intervention (3-months follow-up).

Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)

Time frame: The TUG will be used to evaluate the changes from baseline functional mobility at 8 weeks (post-intervention) as well as at 3-months after intervention (3-months follow-up).

10-meter Walk Test (10mWT)

Time frame: The 10mWT will be used to assess the changes from the baseline walking speed (meters per second) at 8 weeks (post-intervention) as well as at 3-months after intervention (3-months follow-up).

Barthel Index (BI)

Time frame: The BI will be used to measure the changes from baseline functional independency at 8 weeks (post-intervention) as well as at 3-months after intervention (3-months follow-up).

Instrumental analysis of balance

The balance and postural control will be assessed using the computerized posturography - NedSVE/IBV® platform.

Time frame: NedSVE/IBV® system will be used to assess the changes from baseline balance and postural control at 8 weeks (post-intervention) as well as at 3-months after intervention (3-months follow-up).

Instrumental analysis of gait

The gait will be assessed using the NedAMH/IBV® system, a software application for the biomechanical gait assessment, based on the use of a Dinascan/IBV P600 dynamometric platform.

Time frame: NedAMH/IBV® system will be used to assess the changes from baseline gait parameters at 8 weeks (post-intervention) as well as at 3-months after intervention (3-months follow-up).