Relationship of Proprioception, Reaction Time and the Gait and Balance Parameters After Stroke

Assessment of the Relationship Between the Deficit of Proprioception, Reaction Time and the Parameters of Gait and Balance in Stroke Patients

The aim of this observational study is to analyze how impaired proprioception affects the gait, reaction time, balance and functioning of stroke patients.

Research questions:

• Are there correlations between the deficit of proprioception and reaction time and the parameters of gait and balance as well as the functional state of stroke patients?
• Are there relationships between factors such as proprioception, reaction time, balance, functional status and gait, and time since stroke, the hemisphere where the stroke occurred, and gender?
• Are there differences in proprioception deficits and reaction times between the lower limbs in stroke survivors?

Participants will be assessed once using standard functional clinical tests and the rehabilitation devices.

Researchers will compare stroke patients and healthy volunteers to see, if there are differences in proprioception deficits, reaction time and balance.

For this prospective observational study, ischemic - stroke survivors (study group) and healthy volunteers matched for age and gender (control group) will be recruited. Study procedures will be performed in the morning including one-time functional assessment of proprioception, gait, balance and reaction time using standard clinical tests (Timed Up and Go Test, sit to stand test, 10m walk test, Wisconsin scale, Berg scale, Ashworth scale, Brunstrom scale, Barthel Scale, Rankin scale and FAC) and rehabilitation devices (Luna EMG - proprioception assessment, Pablo - gait parameters assessment, Omego Plus - proprioception assessment, ALFA stabilometric platform - balance and reaction time assessment).

Inclusion Criteria:

• informed and voluntary consent of the patient,
• first-time stroke,
• hemiparesis,
• time from stroke to 3 months,
• age 30-75,
• grade 3-5 in the Functional Ambulation Category,
• walking without orthopedic support.

Exclusion Criteria:

• lack of informed and voluntary consent of the patient,
• second or subsequent stroke,
• stroke of the brainstem and cerebellum,
• epilepsy,
• disorders of higher mental functions,
• coexisting neurological, rheumatological, orthopedic diseases,
• use of orthopedic supplies during locomotion.