Effectiveness of training to control standing postures at gradually adjusted difficulty levels for acute post-stroke patients with pusher syndrome symptoms

Abstract

[Purpose] The effectiveness of training to control standing postures at gradually adjusted difficulty levels for acute post-stroke hemiplegic patients with Pusher syndrome symptoms was compared. [Subjects and Methods] Ten post-stroke hemiplegic patients with Pusher syndrome symptoms admitted to an acute care ward were studied. Higher brain dysfunction was present in all cases. All patients were provided with training to control standing postures at 10 gradually adjusted difficulty levels. These levels, the contents of support (assistance, verbal instructions + tapping, observation), and 3 options (triangular bandage, ankle foot orthosis, knee immobilizer) were quantified as scores from 0 to 148. [Results] Improvements were observed in all cases from the initial training day. In 6 to 26 days, the patients advanced to Levels 4 to 8. During this period, there was no change in their physical functions, such as motor function. [Conclusion] This method of training to control standing postures may be effective for acute post-stroke hemiplegic patients with Pusher syndrome symptoms.