Effects of peripheral sensory nerve stimulation plus task-oriented training on upper extremity function in patients with subacute stroke: a pilot randomized crossover trial

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of peripheral sensory nerve stimulation combined with task-oriented training in patients with stroke during inpatient rehabilitation. Design: A pilot randomized crossover trial. Setting: Two rehabilitation hospitals. Subjects: Twenty-two patients with subacute stroke. Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned to two groups and underwent two weeks of training in addition to conventional inpatient rehabilitation. The immediate group underwent peripheral sensory nerve stimulation combined with task-oriented training in the first week, followed by another week with task-oriented training alone. The delayed group underwent the same training in reverse order. Main measures: Outcome measures were the level of fatigue and Wolf Motor Function Test. Patients were assessed at baseline, one and two weeks. Results: All participants completed the study with no adverse events. There was no significant difference in level of fatigue between each treatment. From baseline to one week, the immediate group showed larger improvements than the delayed groups in the Wolf Motor Function Test (decrease in mean time (± SD) from 41.9 ± 16.2 seconds to 30.6 ± 11.4 seconds versus from 46.8 ± 19.4 seconds to 42.9 ± 14.7 seconds, respectively) but the difference did not reach significance after Bonferroni correction ( P = 0.041). Within-group comparison showed significant improvements in the Wolf Motor Function Test mean time after the peripheral sensory nerve stimulation combined with task-oriented training periods in each group ( P < 0.01). Conclusion: Peripheral sensory nerve stimulation is feasible in clinical settings and may enhance the effects of task-oriented training in patients with subacute stroke.

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The EXCITE Trial: Attributes of the Wolf Motor Function Test in Patients with Subacute Stroke

Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair ◽

10.1177/1545968305276663 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 19 (3) ◽

pp. 194-205 ◽

Cited By ~ 159

Author(s):

Steven L. Wolf ◽

Paul A. Thompson ◽

David M. Morris ◽

Dorian K. Rose ◽

Carolee J. Winstein ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Motor Function ◽

Subacute Stroke ◽

Function Test ◽

Wolf Motor Function Test

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Rasch Validation of the Streamlined Wolf Motor Function Test in People With Chronic Stroke and Subacute Stroke

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20110175 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 92 (8) ◽

pp. 1017-1026 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Hui-fang Chen ◽

Ching-yi Wu ◽

Keh-chung Lin ◽

Hsieh-ching Chen ◽

Carl P-C. Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Construct Validity ◽

Motor Function ◽

Item Difficulty ◽

Short Form ◽

Chronic Stroke ◽

Test Structure ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Subacute Stroke ◽

Function Test ◽

Wolf Motor Function Test

Background The construct validity and reliability of the short form of the Wolf Motor Function Test (S-WMFT) in people with subacute stroke and chronic stroke (S-WMFT subacute stroke and chronic stroke versions) have not been investigated. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the dimensionality, item difficulty hierarchy, differential item functioning (DIF), and reliability of the S-WMFT subacute stroke and chronic stroke versions in people with mild to moderate upper-extremity (UE) dysfunction. Design This was a secondary study in which data collected from randomized controlled trials were used. Methods Data were collected at baseline from 97 people with chronic stroke (>12 months after stroke) and 75 people with subacute stroke (3–9 months after stroke) at 3 medical centers in Taiwan. Test structure, hierarchical properties, DIF, and reliability were assessed with Rasch analysis. Results The test structure for both versions was unidimensional. No DIF relevant to sex, age, or stroke location (hemispheric laterality) was detected. The tasks of moving a hand to a box and moving a hand to a table in the S-WMFT for subacute stroke showed a significantly high correlation. The reliability coefficients for both versions were approximately .90. Limitations The findings were limited to people with stroke and mild to moderate impairment of UE function. Conclusions The S-WMFT subacute stroke and chronic stroke versions are useful tools for assessing UE function in different subgroups of people with stroke and show evidence of construct validity and reliability. A high correlation between the tasks of moving a hand to a box and moving a hand to a table in the S-WMFT for subacute stroke suggests that the removal of 1 of these 2 items is warranted.

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Psychometric comparison of the shortened Fugl-Meyer Assessment and the streamlined Wolf Motor Function Test in stroke rehabilitation

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/0269215511431474 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 26 (11) ◽

pp. 1043-1047 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Tiffany Szu-Ting Fu ◽

Ching-yi Wu ◽

Keh-chung Lin ◽

Ching-ju Hsieh ◽

Jung-sen Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Motor Function ◽

Predictive Validity ◽

Mini Mental State Examination ◽

Physical Medicine ◽

Subacute Stroke ◽

End Of Treatment ◽

Function Test ◽

Wolf Motor Function Test ◽

First Time ◽

State Examination

Objective: We aimed to compare the responsiveness, concurrent and predictive validity of the shortened Fugl-Meyer Assessment (S-FMA) and the streamlined Wolf Motor Function Test (S-WMFT) in persons with subacute stroke. Design: Test–retest design. Setting: Departments of physical medicine and rehabilitation at three hospitals. Participants: Participants with first-time stroke ( N = 51; 38 men, 13 women; mean age ± SD, 55.1 ± 11.7 years) based on scores of Mini-Mental State Examination and Brunnstrom stage. Interventions: Participants received one of three rehabilitation therapies for three weeks and were evaluated at baseline and end of treatment. Main outcome measures: Responsiveness was examined using the paired t-test and the standardized response mean (SRM). Criterion validity was investigated using the Pearson’s correlation coefficient ( r). Results: Changes from baseline to end of treatment assessed by both tests were significant ( P < 0.001). The value for responsiveness of the S-FMA was significantly higher than that of the S-WMFT (SRM difference, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.23–0.63). There were stronger associations between the comparison scales and the S-FMA ( r = 0.57–0.68) than with the S-WMFT ( r = 0.39–0.58). Conclusions: The S-FMA had better concurrent and predictive validity than the S-WMFT and was more sensitive to changes caused by rehabilitation therapies. The S-FMA is recommended for expedited assessment of arm motor function outcome in stroke patients receiving rehabilitative therapy.

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Safety, Feasibility, and Acceptability of a New Virtual Rehabilitation Platform: A Supervised Pilot Study

Rehabilitation Process and Outcome ◽

10.1177/11795727211033279 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. 117957272110332

Author(s):

Ana María Escalante-Gonzalbo ◽

Yoás Saimon Ramírez-Graullera ◽

Herminia Pasantes ◽

José Jonathan Aguilar-Chalé ◽

Gloria Ixchel Sánchez-Castillo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Motor Function ◽

Upper Limb ◽

Virtual Rehabilitation ◽

Function Test ◽

Wolf Motor Function Test ◽

Significant Impairment ◽

Task Oriented ◽

Movement Sensors ◽

Significant Motor

Purpose: Stroke is the leading cause of disability in adults worldwide, with hemiparesis being the most prevalent consequence. The use of video games and movement sensors could contribute to improving patients’ chances of recovery. We performed a supervised pilot study to validate the safety, feasibility, and acceptability of a new virtual rehabilitation platform in patients with chronic post-stroke upper limb hemiparesis. Methods: The participants (n = 9) participated in 40 rehabilitation sessions, twice a week, for a period of 20 weeks. Their experiences with the platform were documented using a Likert-scale survey. Changes in motor function were evaluated using the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI) and the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). Results and conclusions: All participants expressed that they enjoyed the experience and felt comfortable using the platform. Preliminary results showed significant motor recovery ( P = .0039) according to the WMFT scores. Patients with significant impairment showed no improvement in upper limb task-oriented motor function after therapy. The new platform is safe and well-accepted by patients. The improvement in motor function observed in some of the participants should be attributed to the therapy since spontaneous functional recovery is not expected in chronic stroke patients.

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Wolf Motor Function Test – Für Klienten nach einem Schlaganfall geeignet

ergopraxis ◽

10.1055/s-0030-1255435 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 3 (06) ◽

pp. 12-13

Keyword(s):

Motor Function ◽

Function Test ◽

Wolf Motor Function Test

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Efeitos da terapia por contensão induzida nas lesões encefálicas adquiridas

Fisioterapia Brasil ◽

10.33233/fb.v17i1.19 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 30

Author(s):

Gabriela Da Silva Matuti ◽

Rafaela Do Nascimento Borges Marques ◽

Amanda Conte Magesto ◽

Rafael Eras Garcia ◽

Clarissa Barros De Oliveira

Keyword(s):

Motor Activity ◽

Motor Function ◽

Function Test ◽

Wolf Motor Function Test

Introdução: A Terapia por Contensão Induzida (TCI) é uma técnica de reabilitação que tem como objetivo melhora da função do membro superior.acometido. Objetivos: Determinar se o protocolo da TCI é adequado para a reabilitação do membro superior em adultos com Lesões Encefálicas Adquiridas (LEA), analisar a manutenção dos resultados e identificar possíveis preditores de eficácia da técnica. Método: Estudo retrospectivo, 40 pacientes. As escalas utilizadas foram Motor Activity Log (MAL), Quantidade (QT) e Qualidade (QL) de movimento do membro superior acometido e Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). Resultados e discussão: As médias de QT e QL do membro superior acometido no pré e pós-tratamento tiveram um aumento significativo (p < 0,001), enquanto as do WMFT apresentaram uma redução significativa do tempo (p < 0,001), o que representa uma melhora na habilidade motora e maior uso fora do ambiente terapêutico. Os ganhos foram mantidos após 12 meses do término do protocolo, e não foi evidenciado nenhum preditor de evolução. Conclusão: A TCI demonstrou eficácia na melhora da habilidade motora e reversão do não uso aprendido do membro superior acometido, estes resultados foram mantidos após um ano da intervenção. Não foi evidenciado no estudo nenhum fator preditor de eficácia da técnica.Palavras-chave: lesões encefálicas adquiridas, hemiplegia, terapia por contensão induzida, reabilitação.

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Translation, cultural adaptation and reliability of the brazilian version of the Graded Wolf Motor Function Test in adults with severe hemiparesis

Fisioterapia em Movimento ◽

10.1590/0103-5150.028.004.ao03 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 28 (4) ◽

pp. 667-676 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Natalia Duarte Pereira ◽

Luciane Vieira ◽

Fernanda Priscila Pompeu ◽

Isabella De Souza Menezes ◽

Sarah Monteiro Dos Anjos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Motor Function ◽

Cultural Adaptation ◽

Motor Impairment ◽

Correlation Coefficients ◽

Rater Reliability ◽

Brazilian Version ◽

Function Test ◽

Wolf Motor Function Test ◽

Quality Of Movement ◽

Upper Extremity Motor Impairment

Abstract Introduction : The Graded Wolf Motor Function Test (GWMFT) was developed as a modification of the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), designed to address moderate-to-severe upper-extremity motor impairment, consequent to a stroke or brain injury, by combining time and quality of movement measures in both isolated movements and functional tasks. Objectives : To translate and adapt the GWMFT form and instructions manual to Brazilian Portuguese and evaluate the inter-rater reliability. Materials and methods : Ten individuals, mean age 53.2 ± 11.39 (range: 28-72) years and a mean time since stroke onset of 82.5 ± 85.83 (16-288) months participated in the study. After translation and cultural adaptation, two independent evaluators, based on the instructions manual information, administered GWMFT. Video observations were used to rate the time and the compensatory movements in the Functional Ability Scale (FAS). Intra-class Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman plots were calculated to examine the inter-rater reliability for performance time and FAS. Results : The translated and adapted version obtained a total ICC inter-rater time 0.99 (0.95-1.00), showing less reliability in the task of lifting a pen, with ICC = 0.71 (- 0.15-0.93). The ICC of the total FAS was 0.98 (0.92-0.99) and the task of elbow extension has shown the lowest ICC rate = 0.83 (0.31-0.96). Conclusion : The GWMFT scale reliability proved to be appropriate to evaluate the paretic upper limb in individuals with chronic hemiparesis post severe stroke.

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