Effect of spatial target reaching training based on visual biofeedback on the upper extremity function of hemiplegic stroke patients

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the effect of spatial target reaching training (TRT) based on visual biofeedback (VB) on the upper extremity (UE) function of hemiplegic subjects. [Subjects and Methods] Forty subjects between six and eighteen months post-stroke were enrolled in this study. They were randomly allocated to an experimental group (EG, n=20) and a control group (CG, n=20). All subjects received an hour of routine therapy for stroke three times a week for four weeks. Subjects in EG received additional spatial TRT based on VB using a 2-dimensional motion capture analysis system. Both groups were tested at pre and post-intervention. The motor function of each subject’s UE was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer (FM) test of UE and the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). The reaching speed, angle and maximum reach distance were recorded using the motion capture analysis system. The experimental data were analyzed using the paired and independent t-tests. [Results] The mean change scores of the FM Test of UE and WMFT show there was significantly more improvement at post-intervention in EG than in CG. Also, the speed and angle reached showed significantly more increase in the EG compared with the CG. [Conclusions] The findings indicate that UE motor recovery of hemiplegic stroke patients can be enhanced through the use of TRT based on VB.

Short-Term Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Combined with Task-Related Training on Upper Extremity Function, Spasticity, and Grip Strength in Subjects with Poststroke Hemiplegia

“…By investigating these clinical evaluations, it is possible to examine whether functional improvement is accompanied by a change in motor performance of the upper limb, 30 and the impairment and disability of UE were generally assessed by ordinal scales such as the FMS test and WMFT. 31 Moreover, most studies have reported composite scores of standardized tests, such as the FMS test or WMFT, rather than determining how the motor control or coordination of arm movements has changed. 30,31 Spasticity is a well-known syndrome, most commonly arising after stroke and other central nervous system lesions.…”

“…31 Moreover, most studies have reported composite scores of standardized tests, such as the FMS test or WMFT, rather than determining how the motor control or coordination of arm movements has changed. 30,31 Spasticity is a well-known syndrome, most commonly arising after stroke and other central nervous system lesions. Indeed, many patients with a cerebral lesion have a spastic UE movement disorder.…”

Restoration of the complicated locomotor functions of the upper extremities in the patients surviving ischemic stroke

“…В настоящее время широко изучается влияние тренировок сложноорганизованных движений на функциональную активность верхней конечности у больных после инсульта [9,10,[12][13][14][15]. По данным H. Hsui-Yun и соавт.…”

Can Short-Term Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Combined With Visual Biofeedback Training Improve Hemiplegic Upper Limb Function of Subacute Stroke Patients?

“…Also, Kim et al [9] reported a significant effect of spatial target reaching training based on visual biofeedback of the upper limb function in hemiplegic subjects. In their previous article, VBT group showed more significant improvement than the control group in the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA).…”