Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2025
Quantitative Static and Dynamic Assessment of Balance Control in Stroke Patients
Published on: May 17, 2020
White Matter Hyperintensities on Post-Stroke Balance and Gait Recovery: A Prospective Cohort Study Protocol
Hanhan Lei1,2, Huayao Huang3, Qilin Yuan1,2
1Stroke Research Center, Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
Introduction:
White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are commonly associated with balance and gait disturbances. Little is known whether WMH may affect post-stroke balance and gait recovery. We aim to investigate the association of post-stroke balance and gait recovery with imaging marker of WMH on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Methods:
This prospective cohort study will enroll consecutive patients with first-ever ischemic hemisphere stroke, between September 2023 and December 2024. Clinical data will be collected on day 30 ± 3 and at 3 months after stroke onset. WMH on FLAIR are graded according to the modified Fazekas scale. Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) will be acquired to evaluate functional and structural connectivity. The primary endpoint is balance recovery, defined as a Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke score of 32 or higher at 3 months. The secondary endpoint is gait recovery, assessed using the modified Fugl-Meyer Gait Assessment at 3 months. We will investigate the association of post-stroke balance and gait recovery with WMH severity as well as WMH-related functional and structural connectivity.
Conclusion:
The study may contribute to clarify the effect of WMH on post-stroke balance and gait disorder recovery.
