Results of clinicians using a therapeutic robotic system in an inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit.

Background: Physical rehabilitation is an area where robotics could contribute significantly to improved motor return for individuals following a stroke. This paper presents the results of a preliminary randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a robot system used in the rehabilitation of the paretic arm following a stroke.

Methods: The study's objectives were to explore the efficacy of this new type of robotic therapy as compared to standard physiotherapy treatment in treating the post-stroke arm; to evaluate client satisfaction with the proposed robotic system; and to provide data for sample size calculations for a proposed larger multicenter RCT.

Documentation of daily sit-to-stands performed by community-dwelling adults.

No information exists about how many sit-to-stands (STSs) are performed daily by community-dwelling adults. We, therefore, examined the feasibility of using a tally counter to document daily STSs, documented the number of daily STSs performed, and determined if the number of STSs was influenced by demographic or health variables. Ninety-eight community-dwelling adults (19-84 years) agreed to participate.

Experiences of nurses working in a stroke rehabilitation unit.

Aim: This paper is a report of a study to explore the perceptions, beliefs and feelings of a group of nurses who provided care to individuals admitted to a stroke rehabilitation unit.

Background: Following a stroke, survivors should ideally be referred to multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation programmes, which attain better outcomes compared to the care provided on general medical wards. However, to achieve these outcomes, team members must work closely together.

Functional mobility training for individuals admitted to acute care following a stroke: a prospective study.

Purpose: This study describes current stroke care within hospital acute care settings.

Method: Twenty-two acute care hospital sites in Central South Ontario were mailed a survey exploring the prevalence of stroke admissions, use of protocols and policies, staff resources, stroke-specific training, and available equipment. Corresponding site data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information were also analyzed.

Comparing 2 versions of the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory with the Action Research Arm Test.

Background And Purpose: The Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI) is a new, validated upper-limb measure that uses a 7-point quantitative scale in order to assess functional recovery of the arm and hand after a stroke. The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine whether the longitudinal validity of scores on 2 versions of a new upper-limb measure, the CAHAI (CAHAI-9 and CAHAI-13), was greater than that of scores on the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and (2) to determine whether the cross-sectional and longitudinal validity of the CAHAI-13 scores was greater than that of the CAHAI-9 scores.

Subjects: One hundred five people with upper-limb dysfunction following a stroke were stratified into 2 impairment groups (mild to moderate and severe), which were expected to change by different amounts.

Test-retest reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the Chedoke arm and hand activity inventory: a new measure of upper-limb function for survivors of stroke.

Objectives: To estimate the test-retest reliability and validity of the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI) and to test whether the CAHAI was more sensitive to change in upper-limb function than the Impairment Inventory of the Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment (CMSA) and the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT).

Design: Construct validation process.

Setting: Inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation facilities.

Development of the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory: theoretical constructs, item generation, and selection.

The Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI) was developed to address the need for a valid, clinically relevant, responsive functional assessment of the recovering paretic upper limb. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of the measure including its theoretical constructs, item generation, and item selection. From the literature, survivors of stroke, and their caregivers, 751 items were generated.

Treatment interventions for the paretic upper limb of stroke survivors: a critical review.

Despite a threefold increase in treatment interventions studies during the past 10 years, "best practice" for the rehabilitation of the paretic upper limb is still unclear. This review aims to lessen uncertainty in the management of the poststroke upper limb. Two separate searches of the scientific literature from 1966-2001 yielded 333 articles.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of two clinical training procedures to elicit yes/no responses from patients with a severe acquired brain injury: a randomized single-subject design.

Primary Objective: Thirteen (10 males) participants with severe acquired brain injuries (ABI) were randomly assigned to two treatments, A or B (ABAB, BABA) in a crossover study to determine which treatment approach elicited more consistent and reliable yes/no responses.

Research Design: Treatment A consisted of an enriched stimulus environment, collaborative multidisciplinary interventions and additional yes/no response training, while Treatment B consisted of the standard hospital environment and interventions.

Main Outcomes: An ANOVA showed no order effect (AB vs BA; p=0.