Backward walking training is as effective as or better than forward walking training for improving walking speed after stroke: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Objective: In people who have had stroke, are the effects of backward walking comparable with forward walking for improving walking (i.e. speed, cadence, and stride length)? Does the addition of backward walking to forward walking help improve the benefits of forward walking? Are any benefits maintained beyond intervention?

Methods: A systematic review of randomized trials, with adults following stroke, was developed.

Determinants of access to rehabilitation professionals by individuals with stroke in the first six months after hospital discharge in Brazil: a study based on the Andersen model.

Background: determinants of access to rehabilitation professionals after stroke in middle-income countries, where the burden of this disease is higher, are little known.

Objectives: To identify the determinants of access to rehabilitation professionals by individuals with stroke at one, three, and six months after hospital discharge in Brazil and compare referral and access rates after discharge.

Methods: Longitudinal and prospective study, with individuals with primary stroke, without previous disabilities.

Relative contributions of positive, negative, and adaptive features to limitations in upper-limb function three months after stroke.

Purpose: To investigate the contributions of motor impairments to limitations in upper-limb function three months after stroke.

Design: Cross-sectional, exploratory study.

Methods: Dependent variable was upper-limb function, measured by the Motor Assessment Scale (MAS), which scores range from 0 to 18.

Deficits in dynamic balance were the motor impairments that best explained limitations in community ambulation after stroke.

Background: Improving walking capacity, in order to achieve community ambulation, is an important goal for both patients and rehabilitation professionals. However, only about 7 to 27% of the stroke survivors will be able to walk in the community.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine which measures of motor impairments would impair community ambulation in 90 individuals with chronic stroke.

Test-retest reliability and measurement error of the modified gait efficacy scale in individuals with stroke.

Purpose: To investigate the test-retest reliability and measurement error of the Brazilian version of the modified Gait Efficacy scale (mGES-Brazil) in individuals who have had stroke.

Methods: The mGES-Brazil was applied on two occasions, five to seven days apart, in a research laboratory setting. Test-retest reliability and measurement error, which included the standard error of measurement (SEM), smallest detectable change (SDC), and analysis of the limits of agreement by the Bland-Altman plots, were examined.

Deficits in motor coordination of the paretic lower limb best explained activity limitations after stroke.

: To explore the relationships between selected measures of motor impairments and activities involving the lower-limbs in ambulatory people with chronic stroke. : Motor impairment measures included maximal isometric strength and motor coordination. Activity measures included walking speed, stair ascent/descent cadences, and the time to perform the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.

Efficacy of Interventions to Improve Respiratory Function After Stroke.

Background: The aim of this study was to systematically review all current interventions that have been utilized to improve respiratory function and activity after stroke.

Methods: Specific searches were conducted. The experimental intervention had to be planned, structured, repetitive, purposive, and delivered with the aim of improving respiratory function.

Lower-limb motor coordination is significantly impaired in ambulatory people with chronic stroke: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To establish the deficits of motor coordination of the lower limbs after stroke, in comparison with healthy controls, and to investigate whether the magnitude of the deficits would be influenced by the levels of motor recovery.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Subjects: Chronic stroke patients and healthy subjects.

Previous lower limb dominance does not affect measures of impairment and activity after stroke.

Background: Similar to the findings with the upper limbs, previous dominance of the lower limbs could also interfere with measures of impairment and activity of individuals with stroke. If this occurs, rehabilitation interventions should be planned, considering previous lower limb dominance.

Aim: To investigate the impact of having the dominant versus the non-dominant lower limb affected by the stroke on measures of impairment and activity.

Respiratory muscle training increases respiratory muscle strength and reduces respiratory complications after stroke: a systematic review.

Question: After stroke, does respiratory muscle training increase respiratory muscle strength and/or endurance? Are any benefits carried over to activity and/or participation? Does it reduce respiratory complications?

Design: Systematic review of randomised or quasi-randomised trials.

Participants: Adults with respiratory muscle weakness following stroke.

Intervention: Respiratory muscle training aimed at increasing inspiratory and/or expiratory muscle strength.

Potential predictors of lower extremity impairments in motor coordination of stroke survivors.

Background: It is well recognized that the negative motor impairments following upper motor neuron damage, e.g., loss of strength and dexterity (motor coordination), mostly contribute to disability.

Measurement properties of the lower extremity motor coordination test in individuals with stroke.

Objectives: To evaluate the construct validity, inter- and intra-rater reliabilities, best scoring method and testing methods (direct vs video observations), and to determine the smallest real difference (SRD) and standard error of the measurement (SEM) of the lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT).

Design: Methodological study.

Subjects: Thirty-six stroke subjects.