Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of Visual Cue Training to Improve Adaptability of Walking after Stroke: Multi-Centre, Single-Blind Randomised Control Pilot Trial.

Objectives: Given the importance of vision in the control of walking and evidence indicating varied practice of walking improves mobility outcomes, this study sought to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of varied walking practice in response to visual cues, for the rehabilitation of walking following stroke.

Design: This 3 arm parallel, multi-centre, assessor blind, randomised control trial was conducted within outpatient neurorehabilitation services.

Participants: Community dwelling stroke survivors with walking speed <0.

Differential Effects of Parietal and Cerebellar Stroke in Response to Object Location Perturbation.

Background: The differential contributions of the cerebellum and parietal lobe to coordination between hand transport and hand shaping to an object have not been clearly identified.

Objective: To contrast impairments in reach-to-grasp coordination, in response to object location perturbation, in patients with right parietal and cerebellar lesions, in order to further elucidate the role of each area in reach-to-grasp coordination.

Method: A two-factor design with one between subject factor (right parietal stroke; cerebellar stroke; controls) and one within subject factor (presence or absence of object location perturbation) examined correction processes used to maintain coordination between transport-to-grasp in the presence of perturbation.

Visual cue training to improve walking and turning after stroke: a study protocol for a multi-centre, single blind randomised pilot trial.

Background: Visual information comprises one of the most salient sources of information used to control walking and the dependence on vision to maintain dynamic stability increases following a stroke. We hypothesize, therefore, that rehabilitation efforts incorporating visual cues may be effective in triggering recovery and adaptability of gait following stroke. This feasibility trial aims to estimate probable recruitment rate, effect size, treatment adherence and response to gait training with visual cues in contrast to conventional overground walking practice following stroke.

Neuroscience findings on coordination of reaching to grasp an object: implications for research.

Background: Knowledge of how damage to brain regions and pathways affects central nervous system control of coordination of reach-to-grasp (RTG) following stroke may not be sufficiently used in existing treatment interventions or in research that assesses their effectiveness.

Objective: To review current knowledge of motor control of coordination of RTG and discuss the extent to which this information is being used in research evaluating treatment interventions.

Method: This review (1) summarizes the current knowledge of motor control of RTG coordination in healthy individuals, including speculative models and structures of the brain identified as being involved; (2) summarizes evidence of RTG coordination deficits in people with stroke; (3) evaluates current interventions directed at retraining coordination of RTG, including a review of the extent to which these interventions are based on putative neurobiological mechanisms and reports on their effectiveness; and (4) recommends directions for research on treatment interventions for coordination of RTG.

Interventions for improving coordination of reach to grasp following stroke: a systematic review.

Background: Stroke is associated with disruption to efficient and accurate reach to grasp function. Information about treatments for upper limb coordination deficits and their effectiveness may contribute to improved recovery of upper limb function after stroke.

Aims: To identify all existing interventions targeted at coordination of arm and hand segments for reach to grasp following stroke.

Interventions for coordination of walking following stroke: systematic review.

Impairments in gait coordination may be a factor in falls and mobility limitations after stroke. Therefore, rehabilitation targeting gait coordination may be an effective way to improve walking post-stroke. This review sought to examine current treatments that target impairments of gait coordination, the theoretical basis on which they are derived and the effects of such interventions.

Interventions for improving coordination of axial segments and lower limbs during walking following stroke: Systematic Review.

Background: Impairments in gait coordination may be a factor in falls and mobility limitations after stroke. Therefore, rehabilitation targeting lower limb coordination may be a mechanistic way to improve walking post-stroke. This review sought to examine what treatments currently exist to target impairments of gait coordination, the theoretical basis on which they are derived and the potential efficacy of such interventions.

Interventions for improving coordination of reach to grasp following stroke: a systematic review.

Background: Stroke is associated with disruption to efficient and accurate reach to grasp function. Information about treatments for upper limb coordination deficits and their effectiveness may contribute to improved recovery of upper limb function after stroke.

Review Objectives: INCLUSION CRITERIA: We included studies with a specific design objective related to coordination of the hand and arm during reach to grasp and involving participants with a clinical diagnosis of stroke.

Hemiparetic stepping to the beat: asymmetric response to metronome phase shift during treadmill gait.

Background: Walking in time with a metronome is associated with improved spatiotemporal parameters in hemiparetic gait; however, the mechanism linking auditory and motor systems is poorly understood.

Objective: Hemiparetic cadence control with metronome synchronization was examined to determine specific influences of metronome timing on treadmill walking.

Methods: A within-participant experiment examined correction processes used to maintain heel strike synchrony with the beat by applying perturbations to the timing of a metronome.

Seated bilateral leg exercise effects on hemiparetic lower extremity function in chronic stroke.

Background: Bilateral arm training with rhythmic auditory cueing (BATRAC) improves hemiparetic upper extremity (UE) function in stroke. It is unknown whether a similar exercise for the hemiparetic lower extremity (LE) is effective.

Objective: The authors sought to test whether the BATRAC strategy would transfer to the legs by improving LE motor function following ten 30-minute sessions of bilateral leg training with rhythmic auditory cueing (BLETRAC).