Retrospective assessment of the implementation of critical pathway in stroke patients in a single university hospital.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of the implementation of critical pathway (CP) in stroke patients treated at a single university hospital.

Methods: A retrospective medical review collected data from 497 patients who had suffered acute stroke in the rehabilitation center. Stroke outcomes were compared between before and after the implementation of CP based on factors including demographic factors, stroke characteristics, pre-existing medical conditions, medical complications, functional states, and length of stay (LOS).

The effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on lower limb spasticity in subacute stroke patients.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on lower limb spasticity in subacute stroke patients.

Methods: We studied thirty hemiplegic subacute stroke patients with ankle plantar flexor spasticity. ESWT was applied for 1 session/week, with a total of 3 sessions at the musculotendinous junction of medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles.

Reliability of the pinch strength with digitalized pinch dynamometer.

Objective: To examine the intra-rater, inter-rater, and inter-instrumental reliability of the digitalized pinch muscle strength dynamometer.

Method: Thirty normal subjects were examined for pinch strength, using both the Preston pinch gauge and the digitalized pinch dynamometer. The participants performed all pinch strength tests in the seated position as recommended by the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT).