Ann Rehabil Med.  2016 Jun;40(3):383-391. 10.5535/arm.2016.40.3.383.

Transcranial Motor Evoked Potentials of Lower Limbs Can Prognosticate Ambulation in Hemiplegic Stroke Patients

• Hwang P
• Sohn MK
• Jee S
• Lee H

• KMID: 2327599
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2016.40.3.383

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in lower limbs and ambulatory outcomes of hemiplegic stroke patients.
METHODS
Medical records of hemiplegic patients with the first ever stroke who received inpatient rehabilitation from January 2013 to May 2014 were reviewed. Patient who had diabetes, quadriplegia, bilateral lesion, brainstem lesion, severe musculoskeletal problem, and old age over 80 years were excluded. MEPs in lower limbs were measured when they were transferred to the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. Subjects were categorized into three groups (normal, abnormal, and absent response) according to MEPs findings. Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) at initial and discharge were compared among the three groups by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Correlation was determined using a linear regression model.
RESULTS
Fifty-eight hemiplegic patients were included. BBS and FAC at discharge were significantly (ANOVA, p<0.001) different according to MEPs findings. In linear regression model of BBS and FAC using stepwise selection, patients' age (p<0.01), BBS at admission (p<0.01), and MEPs (p<0.01) remained significant covariates. In regression assumption model of BBS and FAC at admission, MEPs and gender were significant covariates.
CONCLUSION
Initial MEPs of lower limbs can prognosticate the ambulatory outcomes of hemiplegic patients.

Keyword

Stroke; Motor evoked potentials; Prognosis; Gait; Hemiplegia

MeSH Terms

Brain Stem
Evoked Potentials, Motor*
Gait
Hemiplegia
Humans
Inpatients
Linear Models
Lower Extremity*
Medical Records
Prognosis
Quadriplegia
Rehabilitation
Stroke*
Walking*

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