scholarly journals Post-Stroke Working Memory Dysfunction: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selma Lugtmeijer ◽  
Nikki A. Lammers ◽  
Edward H. F. de Haan ◽  
Frank-Erik de Leeuw ◽  
Roy P. C. Kessels
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Memory Deficits ◽  
High Load ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Separate Analysis ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Chronic Stage ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Low Load

AbstractThis review investigates the severity and nature of post-stroke working memory deficits with reference to the multi-component model of working memory. We conducted a systematic search in PubMed up to March 2019 with search terms for stroke and memory. Studies on adult stroke patients, that included a control group, and assessed working memory function, were selected. Effect sizes (Hedges’ g) were extracted from 50 studies (in total 3,084 stroke patients) based on the sample size, mean and standard deviation of patients and controls. Performance of stroke patients was compared to healthy controls on low-load (i.e. capacity) and high-load (executively demanding) working memory tasks, grouped by modality (verbal, non-verbal). A separate analysis compared patients in the sub-acute and the chronic stage. Longitudinal studies and effects of lesion location were systematically reviewed. Stroke patients demonstrated significant deficits in working memory with a moderate effect size for both low-load (Hedges’ g = -.58 [-.82 to -.43]) and high-load (Hedges’ g = -.59 [-.73 to -.45]) tasks. The effect sizes were comparable for verbal and non-verbal material. Systematically reviewing the literature showed that working memory deficits remain prominent in the chronic stage of stroke. Lesions in a widespread fronto-parietal network are associated with working memory deficits. Stroke patients show decrements of moderate magnitude in all subsystems of working memory. This review clearly demonstrates the global nature of the impairment in working memory post-stroke.

scholarly journals A cognitively demanding working-memory intervention enhances extinction

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lycia de Voogd ◽  
Elizabeth A. Phelps
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Load ◽  
Conditioned Response ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
High Load ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Extinction Learning ◽  
Lower Accuracy ◽  
Low Load ◽  
Memory Intervention

Improving extinction learning has the potential to optimize psychotherapy for persistent anxiety-related disorders. Recent findings show that extinction learning can be improved with a cognitively demanding eye-movement intervention. It is, however, unclear whether [1] any cognitively-demanding task can enhance extinction, or whether it is limited to eye movements, and [2] the effectiveness of such an intervention can be enhanced by increasing cognitive load. Participants (n=102) completed a Pavlovian threat conditioning paradigm across two days. One group underwent standard extinction (Control), a second group underwent extinction paired with a 1-back working memory task (Low-Load), and a third group underwent extinction paired with a 2-back working memory task (High-Load). We found that the conditioned response during extinction was reduced for both the Low-Load and the High-Load groups compared to the Control group. This reduction persisted during recovery the following day when no working memory task was executed. Finally, we found that within the High-Load group, participants with lower accuracy scores on the 2-back task (i.e., for who the task was more difficult) had a stronger reduction in the conditioned response. This suggests that cognitive load induced by a working memory intervention embedded during extinction reduces persistent threat responses.

scholarly journals Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients in Acute, Subacute and Chronic Stage: A Construct Validity Study

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 365
Author(s):  
Cecilia Estrada-Barranco ◽  
Roberto Cano-de-la-Cuerda ◽  
Vanesa Abuín-Porras ◽  
Francisco Molina-Rueda
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Functional Independence Measure ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Assessment Scale ◽  
Validity Study ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Chronic Stage ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Valid Instrument ◽  
Postural Assessment

(1) Background: Observational scales are the most common methodology used to assess postural control and balance in people with stroke. The aim of this paper was to analyse the construct validity of the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) scale in post-stroke patients in the acute, subacute, and chronic stroke phases. (2) Methods: Sixty-one post-stroke participants were enrolled. To analyze the construct validity of the PASS, the following scales were used: the Functional Ambulatory Category (FAC), the Wisconsin Gait Scale (WGS), the Barthel Index (BI) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). (3) Results: The construct validity of the PASS scale in patients with stroke at acute phase was moderate with the FAC (r = −0.791), WGS (r = −0.646) and FIM (r = −0.678) and excellent with the BI (r = 0.801). At subacute stage, the construct validity of the PASS scale was excellent with the FAC (r = 0.897), WGS (r = −0.847), FIM (r = −0.810) and BI (r = −0.888). At 6 and 12 months, the construct validity of the PASS with the FAC, WGS, FIM and BI was also excellent. (4) Conclusions: The PASS scale is a valid instrument to assess balance in post-stroke individuals especially, in the subacute and chronic phases (at 6 and 12 months).

scholarly journals Feasibility of a specific task-oriented training versus its combination with manual therapy on balance and mobility in people post stroke at the chronic stage: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Traxler ◽  
Franz Schinabeck ◽  
Eva Baum ◽  
Edith Klotz ◽  
Barbara Seebacher
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Manual Therapy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chronic Stage ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Task Oriented

Abstract Background Large studies have shown that stroke is among the most relevant causes of acquired adult disability. Walking and balance impairment in stroke survivors often contribute to a restriction in daily activities and social participation. Task-oriented training (TOT) is an effective treatment strategy and manual therapy (MT) is used successfully to enhance ankle joint flexibility in this population. No study, however, has compared TOT against its combination with MT in a randomised controlled trial. Aims of this pilot study are therefore to explore the feasibility of a full-scale RCT using predefined feasibility criteria. Secondary aims are to explore the preliminary effects of specific TOT with a combined specific TOT-MT versus a control group in people post stroke. Methods This is a protocol of a 4-week prospective randomised controlled parallel pilot trial in people post stroke at the chronic stage with limited upper ankle joint mobility and an impairment in balance and mobility. At a German outpatient therapy centre using 1:1:1 allocation, 36 patients will be randomised into one of three groups: 15-min talocrural joint MT plus 30-min specific TOT (group A), 45-min specific TOT (group B), and controls (group C). Training will be goal-oriented including tasks that are based on daily activities and increased in difficulty utilising predefined progression criteria based on patients’ skill levels. Interventions will be provided face-to-face 2 times per week, for 4 weeks, in addition to 20-min concurrent x4 weekly home-based training sessions. Data will be collected by blinded assessors at baseline, post-intervention and 4-week follow-up. The primary outcome will be feasibility assessed by recruitment, retention and adherence rates, compliance, adverse events, falls and the acceptability of the intervention. Secondary outcomes will be walking speed, single and dual tasking functional mobility, ankle range of motion, disability and health-related quality of life. Discussion Feasibility provided, results from this study will be used to calculate the sample size of a larger randomised controlled trial to investigate the effects of specific TOT and specific TOT-MT compared to a post stroke control group. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00023068. Registered on 21.09.2020, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00023068.

Combined cognitive and motor training improves the outcome in the early phase after stroke and prevents a decline of executive functions: A pilot study

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Mareike Eschweiler ◽  
Lara Bohr ◽  
Josef Kessler ◽  
Gereon R. Fink ◽  
Elke Kalbe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Motor Training ◽  
Set Shifting ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Motor Functioning

BACKGROUND: The negative impact of cognitive dysfunction on motor rehabilitation as a relearning-process is well known in stroke patients. However, evidence for combined cognitive and motor training (CMT) is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of combined CMT in early stroke rehabilitation. METHODS: In a controlled pilot study, 29 moderately affected stroke patients with low-level motor performance and cognitive impairment received motor therapy plus either cognitive (experimental group, EG) or low-frequency ergometer training (control group, CG) for eight days. RESULTS: Both groups improved their motor functioning significantly. After training, between-group comparison revealed significant differences for cognitive flexibility and trends for set-shifting, working memory, and reaction control in favor of the EG. Within-group effects showed improvement across all cognitive domains in the EG, which correlated with gains in bed-mobility, while the CG showed no significant improvement in cognition. Rather, a trend towards reaction control decline was observed, which correlated with less functional progression and recovery. Furthermore, a decline in cognitive flexibility, set-shifting, and working memory was descriptively observed. CONCLUSIONS: Combined CMT may enhance cognition and motor relearning early after stroke and is superior to single motor training. Further studies are needed to replicate these results and investigate long-term benefits.

scholarly journals Effects of a specific task-oriented training versus its combination with manual therapy on balance and mobility in people post stroke at the chronic stage: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Traxler ◽  
Franz Schinabeck ◽  
Eva Baum ◽  
Edith Klotz ◽  
Barbara Seebacher
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Ankle Joint ◽  
Manual Therapy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chronic Stage ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Task Oriented

Abstract Background: Large studies have shown that stroke is among the most relevant causes of acquired adult disability. Walking and balance impairment in stroke survivors often contribute to a restriction in daily activities and social participation. Task-oriented training (TOT) is an effective treatment strategy and manual therapy (MT) is used successfully to enhance ankle joint flexibility in this population. No study, however, has compared TOT against its combination with MT in a randomised controlled trial. Aims of this pilot study are therefore to explore the feasibility of a full-scale RCT and the preliminary effects of specific TOT with a combined specific TOT-MT versus a control group in people post stroke.Methods: This is a protocol of a 4-week prospective randomised controlled parallel pilot trial in people post stroke at the chronic stage with limited upper ankle joint mobility and an impairment in balance and mobility. At a German outpatient therapy centre using 1:1:1 allocation, 36 patients will be randomised into one of three groups: 15-minute talocrural joint MT plus 30-minute specific TOT (Group A); 45-minute specific TOT (Group B); controls (Group C). Training will be goal-oriented including tasks that are based on daily activities and increased in difficulty ulilising predefined progression criteria. Interventions will be provided face-to-face 2 times per week, for 4 weeks, in addition to 20-minute concurrent x4 weekly homebased training sessions. Data will be collected by blinded assessors at baseline, post-intervention and 4-week follow-up. The primary outcome will be feasibility assessed by recruitment, retention and adherence rates, compliance, adverse events, falls and the acceptability of the intervention. Secondary outcomes will be walking speed, single and dual tasking functional mobility, ankle range of motion, disability and health-related quality of life.Discussion: Results from this study will inform a larger randomised controlled trial to investigate the effects of specific TOT and specific TOT-MT compared to a post stroke control group. We hope that the study findings help to enhance stroke rehabilitation.Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00023068. Registered on 21.09.2020, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00023068.

Abstract TP224: Interleukin-37 Level is Elevated in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saif Bushnaq ◽  
Atif Zafar ◽  
Kempuraj Duraisamy ◽  
Nudrat Tasneem ◽  
Mohammad M Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Delayed Presentation ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Urine And Serum ◽  
Serum And Urine

Background: Interleukin-37 (IL-37) is a new member of IL-1 cytokine family with a defined role as a negative feedback inhibitor of pro-inflammatory responses. IL-37 has yet to be evaluated in non-immune neurological diseases like ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. This study aimed to measure the urine and serum IL-37 levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Method: Twelve patients consented for the study. Two sets of serum and urine samples were obtained and analyzed; one upon admission to the hospital, and the second the next morning after overnight fasting. The trends in serum level of IL-37 in 5 stroke patients, while trends in urine level of 6 patients were available, measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Prior studies with healthy volunteers as control group have consistently showed IL-37 plasma level around or less than 65 pg/ml with maximum normal levels on ELISA approximated at 130 pg/ml. Results: IL-37 level in urine in stroke patients ranged from 297 - 4467. IL-37 levels were in the range of 300s to 1000s in patients with ischemic stroke compared with reported healthy controls in literature where the level was always less than 90. Three of these 10 patients presented within 3 hours of stroke onset with IL-37 serum levels being 2655 pg/ml, 3517 pg/ml and 5235 pg/ml. In all others, it ranged much less than that, with the trend of delayed presentation giving less IL-37 levels, both in urine and serum. There were no clear differences found in patients with or without tPA, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and high blood pressure in our small study. Conclusion: The study shows a rather stable elevation of IL-37 levels post-ischemic stroke, which if compared to available data from other studies, is 3-10 times elevated after acute ischemic stroke with an uptrend in the first few days. IL-37 plays some role in mediating post-stroke inflammation with significant rise in serum and urine IL-37 levels suggesting a key role of this novel cytokine in post-stroke pathology. This is the first ever reported study measuring and trending IL-37 levels in human plasma after an acute ischemic stroke.

scholarly journals Gothenburg Very Early Supported Discharge study (GOTVED): a randomised controlled trial investigating anxiety and overall disability in the first year after stroke

BMC Neurology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena Rafsten ◽  
Anna Danielsson ◽  
Asa Nordin ◽  
Ann Björkdahl ◽  
Asa Lundgren-Nilsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multidisciplinary Team ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Outpatient Rehabilitation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Early Supported Discharge ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background and purpose Early supported discharge (ESD) has been shown to be efficient and safe as part of the stroke care pathway. The best results have been seen with a multidisciplinary team and after mild to moderate stroke. However, how very early supported discharge (VESD) works has not been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate whether VESD for stroke patients in need of ongoing individualized rehabilitation affects the level of anxiety and overall disability for the patient compared with ordinary discharge routine. Methods A randomized controlled trial was performed with intention to treat analyses comparing VESD and ordinary discharge from hospital. All patients admitted at the stroke care unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital of Gothenburg between August 2011 and April 2016 were screened. Inclusion occurred on day 4 using a block randomization of 20 and with a blinded assessor. Assessments were made 5 days post-stroke and 3 and 12 months post-stroke. Patients in the VESD group underwent continued rehabilitation in their homes with a multidisciplinary team from the stroke care unit for a maximum of 1 month. The patients in the control group had support as usual after discharge when needed such as home care service and outpatient rehabilitation. The primary outcome was anxiety as assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale (HADS-A). The secondary outcome was the patients’ degree of overall disability, measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results No significant differences were found between the groups regarding anxiety at three or 12 months post-stroke (p = 0.811). The overall disability was significantly lower in the VESD group 3 months post-stroke (p = 0.004), compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference between the groups 1 year post-stroke. Conclusions The VESD does not affects the level of anxiety compared to ordinary rehabilitation. The VESD leads to a faster improvement of overall disability compared to ordinary rehabilitation. We suggest considering coordinated VESD for patients with mild to moderate stroke in addition to ordinary rehabilitation as part of the service from a stroke unit. Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov: NCT01622205. Registered 19 June 2012 (retrospectively registered).

Effects of recasts and form-focused instruction on the acquisition of novel vocabulary

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 603-624
Author(s):  
Yingli Yang ◽  
Lawrence Jun Zhang ◽  
Ling Chen
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
University Students ◽  
Vocabulary Development ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Reading Span ◽  
Group A

AbstractThe present study explores the effects of recast plus form-focused instruction and form-focused instruction on vocabulary development and the mediating effect of working memory. Sixty-six university students were assigned to a recast plus form-focused instruction (FFI) group, a FFI group, and a control group. The instructor provided recasts on non-target vocabulary items in the recast plus FFI group, whereas the FFI group completed two form-focused vocabulary tasks only. Pretests, posttests, and delayed posttests were administered to examine learners’ development of target vocabulary items. A reading span test was employed to examine learners’ complex working memory capacities. Results show that the recast plus FFI group exhibited superior performance over the control group on both posttests and delayed posttests with large effect sizes. Working memory did not significantly correlate with vocabulary development in either treatment group.

A Positive Relationship between Cognitive Reserve and Cognitive Function after Stroke: Dynamic Proxies Correlate Better than Static Proxies

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (09) ◽  
pp. 910-921 ◽  
Author(s):  
Macarena Gil-Pagés ◽  
Rocío Sánchez-Carrión ◽  
Jose M. Tormos ◽  
Antonia Enseñat-Cantallops ◽  
Alberto García-Molina
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Brain Damage ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Chronic Stage ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Mean Differences

AbstractObjectives: How brain damage after stroke is related to specific clinical manifestation and recovery is incompletely understood. We studied cognitive reserve (CR) in stroke patients by two types of measurements: (i) objectively verifiable static proxies (i.e., education, occupational attainment), and (ii) subjective, dynamic proxies based on patient testimony in response to a questionnaire. We hypothesized that one or both of these types of CR measurements might correlate positively with patient cognitive performance during the post-acute and chronic phases of recovery. Method: Thirty-four stroke patients underwent neuropsychological assessment at 2, 6 and 24 months after stroke onset. In chronic stage at 24+ months, self-rating assessments of cognitive performance in daily life and social integration were obtained. CR before and after stroke was estimated using static proxies and dynamic proxies were obtained using the Cognitive Reserve Scale (CRS-Pre-stroke, CRS-Post-stroke). Results: CRS-Pre-stroke and CRS-Post-stroke showed significant mean differences. Dynamic proxies showed positive correlation with self-assessment of attention, metacognition, and functional ability in chronic stage. In contrast, significant correlations between static proxies and cognitive recovery were not found. Conclusions: Dynamic proxies of CR were positively correlated with patients’ perception of their functional abilities in daily life. To best guide cognitive prognosis and treatment, we propose that dynamic proxies of CR should be included in neuropsychological assessments of patients with brain damage.

scholarly journals Study of the Impact of Brain Vascular Accidents on Memorization in Man

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 88-91
Author(s):  
Bakou Niangoran Francois ◽  
Atayi Eugene ◽  
BA Abdoulaye
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Spatial Memory ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Spatial Arrangement ◽  
Memory Deficits ◽  
Memory Disorders ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Group I ◽  
Vascular Accidents ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: The search for disruption of memory in patients with stroke has been performed, in order to better understand the behavior of these patients and optimize their neuropsychological accompaniment. AIM: To evaluate memory disturbances following stroke in patients; in order to better understand the attitudes of these patients.MATERIALS AND METHOD: Fifty-five (55) patients with stroke participated in a spatial memory test. This test consists in studying the arrangement, the designation and the evocation of images during learning a spatial arrangement. RESULTS: Of the 55 patients, 54.54% of patients passed the test but with later learning. And 45.45% failed at different events, they present real memory problems.CONCLUSION: Our study, confirms that stroke patients face difficulties which often include cognitive impairments, such as memory deficits. Our results indicate that these memory disorders manifest themselves to varying degrees. Indeed, the working memory disorders would be more marked in group II patients than in group I patients or they can be considered transient

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