Validation of a laser visual feedback and core stability exercise programme to improve lateropulsion reduction and pushing intensity in stroke patients with pusher syndrome: A Delphi study.

Background: The patient with pusher syndrome (PS) is characterized by showing postural control alterations due to a lack of perception of his own body in the space. It appears when the patient actively pushes with his unaffected limbs towards the injured side, reacting with resistance to passive straightening towards the midline. Between 10% and 50% of strokes present PS. Nowadays, there is no clearly defined treatment for PS.

Objective: To design and validate an exercise program using visual feedback and specific core stability exercises (FeViCoS) for the treatment of patients with PS.

Methods: Validation was conducted by expert consensus using the Delphi method. Thirteen neurorehabilitation experts participated in the process. An online questionnaire with 18 Likert-type questions was used to evaluate the designed program. Consensus was considered reached if there was convergence between the quartile 1 and 3 values (RIQ = Q1-Q3) or if the relative interquartile range (RIR) was less than 20%. The degree of agreement between experts was measured by calculating the Fleiss' kappa coefficient.

Results: A total of 2 rounds were required to achieve 97.44% consensus with 100% participation. The RIR was less than or equal to 20% for all questions. The Fleiss' kappa index (0.831) showed that the degree of agreement between experts was excellent.

Conclusion: Neurorehabilitation experts considered FeViCoS valid for the therapeutic approach to patients with PS. Expert consensus suggests a novel strategy in physical therapy clinical practice to improve balance and postural orientation in patients with subacute stroke and PS.