Ryerson S, Byl N, Brown D, Wong R, Hidler J
This study aimed to assess whether sense of trunk position is impaired in patients with post stroke hemiparesis. A reduction in trunk muscle strength has previously been discovered in stroke patients. However, it is unclear whether patients have sufficient postural control and proprioception to enable skilled movements of the limbs.
20 chronic stroke patients and 21 non-neurologically impaired patients took part in this study. The main outcome measure was assessment of trunk repositioning error during forward flexion. Other outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Fugl Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Postural Assessment Scale (PAS).
There were significant differences in absolute stroke repositioning error. Subjects with post stroke hemiparesis demonstrate a greater trunk repositioning error than age-matched controls.
Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, 2008, 32(1), 14-20