The reliability, responsiveness and clinical utility of the Proximat: a new tool for measuring hip range of movement in children with cerebral palsy.

Background And Purpose: Monitoring range of movement is a key aspect of managing hip problems in children with cerebral palsy. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical utility, reliability and responsiveness of a new measurement tool, the Proximat, for hip range of movement.

Method: Passive hip abduction, adduction, medial and lateral rotation were measured by using the Proximat on 26 children with cerebral palsy attending three special schools: 16 of whom are boys, mean age = 7 years and 6 months (standard deviation = 4.

Sensory loss in hospital-admitted people with stroke: characteristics, associated factors, and relationship with function.

Objective: To characterize the nature of sensory impairments after stroke, identify associated factors, and assess the relationships between sensory impairment, disability, and recovery.

Methods: Prospective cross-sectional survey of 102 people with hemiparesis following their first stroke. Tactile and proprioceptive sensation in the affected arm and leg were measured using the Rivermead Assessment of Somatosensory Perception 2-4 weeks post-stroke.

The relationship between balance, disability, and recovery after stroke: predictive validity of the Brunel Balance Assessment.

Objective: To examine the influence of balance disability on function and the recovery of function after stroke and consequently to assess the predictive validity of the Brunel Balance Assessment (BBA).

Methods: Cross-sectional study of 102 patients admitted consecutively to 6 National Health Service hospitals with weakness 2 to 4 weeks after their first anterior circulation stroke; 75 of whom completed follow-up assessment at 3 months. The BBA was assessed during admission and compared to the Barthel Index and Rivermead Mobility Index at 3 months.

Distribution of weakness in the upper and lower limbs post-stroke.

Objective: To assess the distribution of weakness in the upper and lower limbs post-stroke and the factors associated with weakness.

Method: The design was a prospective cross-sectional survey. A consecutive sample of 75 patients (37 (49%) men, mean age 71.

A content analysis of physiotherapy for postural control in people with stroke: an observational study.

Purpose: The lack of information about the content of therapy packages is a frequent criticism in stroke rehabilitation research. This study aimed to describe, in detail, the content of one aspect of physiotherapy; the rehabilitation of postural control.

Methods: The design was a cross-sectional survey and the setting was in 11 NHS Trusts.

Balance disability after stroke.

Background And Purpose: Balance disability is common after stroke, but there is little detailed information about it. The aims of this study were to investigate the frequency of balance disability; to characterize different levels of disability; and to identify demographics, stroke pathology factors, and impairments associated with balance disability.

Subjects: The subjects studied were 75 people with a first-time anterior circulation stroke; 37 subjects were men, the mean age was 71.

The development of the Stroke Physiotherapy Intervention Recording Tool (SPIRIT).

Purpose: To develop a recording system that describes physiotherapy interventions for the rehabilitation of postural control post-stroke.

Design: A draft recording tool was developed using the method described by Edwards et al, involving literature searches and collaboration with senior clinicians. It was piloted with stroke physiotherapists using a cross-sectional survey design to assess validity, utility and completeness.