Influence of Hemispatial Neglect on Trunk Control in Stroke Patients

Lim, Kil Byung; Kim, Dug Young; Lee, Kyung Tae

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the influence of hemispatial neglect on trunk balance control and functional ability in stroke patients. METHOD: Fourty eight inpatients exhibiting (n=25) or not exhibiting (n=23) hemispatial neglect following strokes within 6 months were matched for age and sex. Hemispatial neglect was assessed with a line bisection test (LBT) and a baking tray task test (BTT). Static and dynamic trunk balance control was assessed using a Balance Master System. Static balance control was measured with a weight bearing test and a Modified Clinical Sensory Interaction Balance Test (mCSIBT). Dynamic balance control was measured using a Limit of Stability (LOS) test and a rhythmic weight shift (RWS) test. A Functional Independence Measure (FIM) for functional ability and the Brunnstrom stage assessment for motor recovery were also recorded.
RESULTS
There was no statistical difference in the achievement of static trunk balance control between neglect and non-neglect patients. Where dynamic balance control was concerned, both LOS and RWS tests showed a deterioration in neglect patients compared to non-neglect patients (P <0.05). The Brunnstrom stage correlated significantly with dynamic balance control only in non-neglect patients (p<0.05) and the FIM score of neglect patients was significantly lower than that of non-neglect patients (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Stroke patients with hemispatial neglect displayed pronounced dynamic trunk instability and functional dependency compared to patients without it. However, the recovery of dynamic balance control may not relate to the degree of motor recovery in stroke patients with hemispatial neglect.