In a nutshell This study investigated the effect of segmental muscle vibration (SMV) in the treatment of patients with stroke and arm weakness. Researchers suggested that SMV improves muscle strength in these patients. Some background Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Around 40% patients with stroke have arm disability. Less...
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Robot-assisted reach training for improving arm function after stroke
In a nutshell The aim of the study was to asses whether robot-assisted reach training (RART) with an active assistant can improve arm function after a stroke. The main finding was that RART showed significant improvements in arm function after 6 weeks. Some background More than two thirds of patients have problems with arm function after having a...
Read MoreMirror therapy in the treatment of patients with stroke with motor impairment
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of mirror therapy (MT) in the treatment of stroke. Researchers suggested that MT improves the movement of the affected member. Some background Patients with stroke often experience impaired movement, especially in the arm. These patients usually undergo rehabilitation therapy within the first 6...
Read MoreCan nerve stimulation improve muscle stiffness in patients with stroke?
In a nutshell This study investigated the effect of transcutaneous (through the skin) electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in muscle stiffness after a stroke. Researchers suggested that TENS reduces leg stiffness in these patients. Some background Muscle stiffness after stroke affects the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. Up to 43% of...
Read MoreElectrical nerve stimulation in the rehabilitation of arm weakness after stroke
In a nutshell The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of electrical nerve stimulation (ESS) in the recovery of arm function early after stroke. The main finding was that ESS had the same results as arm training alone. Some background Up to a third of patients have arm weakness after stroke. Rehabilitation is a central part of stroke...
Read MoreHappy Heart Health Day!
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched–they must be felt by the heart.” ~Helen Keller “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” ~Confucius Today celebrates the heart. Today also celebrates heart donors. “In Living On Through Organ Donation,” we shared the story of an amazing...
Read MoreCan a self-ankle mobilization training program improve motor functions in patients with stroke?
In a nutshell This study compared the effectiveness of a 4-week self-ankle mobilization with movement (SAMM) training program with SAMM and an inclined board in patients with stroke. Researchers suggested that SAMM with an inclined board was superior to SAMM alone in the rehabilitation of these patients. Some background The most common complication...
Read MoreIntense exercise may improve quality of life in patients after stroke
In a nutshell This study investigated if an intense aerobic exercise of the legs while doing repetitive tasks with the arms could improve the quality of life of patients after a stroke. The study found that this exercise may improve the quality of life of these patients. Some background The aim of rehabilitation after stroke is to improve...
Read MoreIncobotulinumtoxin A in the treatment of arm spasticity in patients who had a stroke
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of Incobotulinumtoxin A (Xeomin; IBT A) for the treatment of arm muscle spasms after a stroke. Researchers suggested that injections of IBT A improved arm muscles and movement in these patients. Some background Botulinum neurotoxin (BOTOX) injections are the standard first-line treatment for arm...
Read MoreRobotic hip-assistive device helps patients walk after stroke
In a nutshell This study aimed to see if using a hip-assistive robotic device after stroke can improve patients’ ability to walk and strengthen the legs. The main finding of the study was that gait training with the hip-assistive robotic exoskeleton improved walking speed in patients after a stroke. Some background Improving walking ability is a...
Read MoreCan the DASH diet decrease the risk of stroke?
In a nutshell This study aimed to see if the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) could reduce the risk of stroke. The main finding of the study was that adherence to the DASH decreased the risk of stroke. Some background The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet was developed in 1997. It consists of 8 components: high...
Read MoreRhythmic auditory stimulation improves impaired gait in patients with stroke
In a nutshell This study investigated the effect of gait (walking ability) training with auditory stimulation (AS; training the movements through hearing sounds such as music) in patients with stroke. Researchers suggested that AS helps improving gait in these patients. Some background Stroke is an acute disorder caused by insufficient oxygen being...
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