Article

The main objective of this study was to compare the hand
and finger performance of stroke patients in standing and sitting positions.
The study subjects were 11 males and 3 females with history of stroke
(age, 68.6 +/- 6.3 years, mean +/- SD). Inclusion criteria were right-handedness
before stroke, right hemiparesis due to left hemisphere lesion induced by stroke,
at least 4 months between stroke and study enrollment, and ability to stand for
more than 10 minutes. Tests of dexterity (peg board test), attention, unilateral
spatial neglect, and cognition were conducted in comfortable sitting and standing
positions. Seven subjects started in standing position, and the other seven
subjects were tested first in sitting position. Tests in the first position were
performed on one day, and repeated one week later but performed in a different
position. RESULTS: The mean performance time on the peg board test in standing
position was significantly faster than in sitting position (p=0.022). However,
the results of the Trail making test-part A, line cancellation test, line
bisection and Mini Mental State conducted in standing position were similar to
those of sitting position. There were no differences between the first and second trial tests.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that standing position improved the
functional performance of hand and arm on the un-affected side in stroke
patients, but had no effects on consistent attention, unilateral spatial neglect,
or cognition.

Langue : ANGLAIS