Use of the novel optokinetic chart stimulation based OKCSIB protocol for upper limb recovery in dense acute strokes: Insights for future research from a case control series
Background Globally: stroke is one of the most devastating of all neurological diseases often leads to death, physical impairment and disability (Mukherjee & Patil, 2011) Upper limb rehabilitation: remains a huge problem in people with dense stroke ( Hayward & Brauer, 2014) Arm recovery: correlated to daily life autonomy in strokes (Smania et al., 2009; Likhi et al., 2013)
The extensor system and the UL Loss of extensor strength in the affected UL is correlated to poor UL activity and function (Turk, Burridge & Simpson, 2012). A third of stroke patients go on to develop spasticity of the affected UL (Kanovsky, & Fernandez, 2011) IMPORTANT to find rehabilitation interventions that improve UL recovery and THUS reduce spasticity of the UL in dense strokes
Aim To explore if use of the optokinetic chart based OKCSIB protocol had led to better and long lasting UL recovery when compared to conventional neurophysiotherapy using a retrospective case control series
Methodology Design: retrospective case control series in the community Ethics: favourable opinion from Kent Research Ethics Committee Optokinetic chart was moved for 3 minutes each of lateral, vertical and forwards. Chart placed 20 cm in front of participant
Sampling Procedure Sampling
Results 8 participants consented to be followed up 3 years after their stroke. Equal number of participants who had been treated by OKCSIB protocol and conventional neuro- physiotherapy (n=4 respectively)
Variable OKCSIB Protocol Value (SD) Conventional Value (SD) p UL STREAM 18.8 (1.5) 9.8 (6.9) 0.04 MAS 0 (100%) 0 (25%) (75%)
OKCSIB protocol: statistically significant improvement in UL recovery Striking finding: absence of affected hand spasticity in the OKCSIB group
Key is in the rehabilitation of the anti-gravity extensor system which supports muscle tone. Normal muscle tone is a prerequisite for normal movement Research to start with completely hemiplegic parietal centred stroke as any method that can cause recovery of such strokes can reduce intensity as well as length of recovery in hemiparesis Research on hemiparesis can then focus on speed of recovery.