Objective To explore the effects of the neotype hand-arm sling on shoulder subluxation and transferring movement in hemiplegic stroke patients.Methods Thirty hemiplegic stroke survivors with shoulder subluxation and poor elbow flexor muscle tone (＜2 on the Modified Ashworth Scale).were selected and randomly divided into three groups.Group 1 was trained in static upright standing,plus 10 min of sit-to-stand training and 20 min of walking training with no support for the hemiplegic,subluxed shoulder.Group 2 did the same training using a bagtype shoulder sling,and group 3 used the neotype hand-arm sling.Index finger palpation was used to evaluate the degree of shoulder subluxation,and the Five Times Sit-to-Stand (FTSST) and Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) times for the three groups were compared.Results In the static standing training,both the bag-type sling and the neotype hand-arm sling could effectively reduce shoulder subluxation.However,after 10 min of sit-to-stand training the neotype hand-arm sling was found to be significantly superior to the bag-type shoulder sling in improving shoulder subluxation,with the latter having no effect on shoulder subluxation.In the 20 rin of walking training,the neotype hand-arm sling provided significantly more effective support than the bag-type shoulder sling,although both could support the shoulders.Those using the neotype sling had shorter FTSST times,though there were no significant differences in the average TUG times.Conclusions The neotype slings can more effectively counter shoulder subluxation in upright stance,especially during sit-to-stand maneuvers and walking.It might have positive effects on transferring ability.

Objective To observe the effects of ICB orthopedic sole combined with rehabilitation training on balance and walking function in stroke survivors.Methods Thirty hemiplegic stroke patients were recruited and divided into a study group (n =15) and a control group (n =15) by using a random number table.Both groups took exercises based on the principles of a motor relearning program and conducted core stability control training,and the study group additionally undertook hemiplegic lower extremity weight-bearing exercises and walking with ICB orthopedic sole used in daily living.The program was administered 20 min twice per day for 4 weeks.All patients were evaluated with Rest Calcaneus Standing Position (RCSP),Malleolar Position (MP),Forefoot Position (FP),Berg Balance Scale (BBS),l0 m Maximum Walking Speed (MWS) and walking section of Motor Assessment Scale (MAS)before and after the program.Results After 4 weeks of intervention,all the measurements except the FP in both groups improved significantly,and significant differences were observed between the two groups.After 4 weeks of training,the average RCSP (1.78 ± 0.32) ° and MP (13.33 ± 2.51)° were improved significantly compared to those of the control group [(2.58 ± 0.59) ° and (12.45 ± 3.31) °,respectively].Moreover,the average BBS,MAS and MWS improved significantly compared to the control group.Conclusions ICB orthopedic sole combined with rehabilitation training can improve the weight-bearing,balance and ambulation abilities of stroke survivors.

Objective To observe the effect of a walking correcting tape on the kinematics and temporal-spatial indicators of gait after a stroke. Methods Thirty hemiplegic stroke survivors were randomly divided into a control group ( n=15) and a correcting tape group ( n=15) . In addition to their routine rehabilitation program, the control group received 30 minutes of walking training five times a week for 3 weeks with any necessary oral guidance and posture correction. The correcting tape group performed the same walking training assisted by a self-made walking correcting tape. Before and after the treatment, the kinematics and temporal-spatial indicators of both groups were quantified using three-dimensional gait analysis. Results After the treatment, the peak angles of hip and knee flex-ion were significantly higher in the taped group than in the control group and in the taped group before the treatment ( P≤0.05) . After the treatment, the walking speeds, stride frequencies and stride lengths of both groups were signifi-cantly better than before the treatment, but those of the former group were all significantly better than the latter ( P≤0.05 for both) . Conclusions Correcting tape can improve the peak angles of hip and knee flexion of hemiplegic legs and improve the walking capacity of stroke patients.