Studying turn performance, trunk control, and mobility in acute stroke subjects: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Stroke frequently results in motor deficits, including impaired trunk control and reduced mobility.
• Turning, a fundamental movement for daily activities, is often underestimated in stroke rehabilitation.
• Impaired turning post-stroke is linked to motor deficits, restricted mobility, and compromised trunk movement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between turn performance, trunk control, and mobility in patients following a first-time supratentorial stroke.
• To identify factors influencing turning ability in stroke survivors.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-three first-time supratentorial stroke patients were assessed for turn performance (duration, steps), trunk impairment (Trunk Impairment Scale - TIS), and mobility (Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement - STREAM).
• Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U tests, Spearman's rank correlation, and regression analysis.
• Patients were categorized into turning difficulty (TD) and non-turning difficulty (NTD) groups.

Main Results:

• Thirty patients (48%) exhibited turning difficulty.
• Significant negative correlations were found between turn performance (duration, steps) and both TIS and STREAM scores (p < 0.001).
• Age showed a significant positive correlation with turn duration and steps (p < 0.001), indicating poorer performance with increasing age. A significant association was found between turn performance and age and trunk control, but not mobility.

Conclusions:

• Turning ability in stroke patients is complex and significantly influenced by trunk control and age.
• Advancing age exacerbates turning difficulties in stroke survivors.
• Rehabilitation strategies should consider age-related changes and focus on improving trunk control to enhance turning performance.