Neuroplasticity (includes neuroscience)
Stroke
Technology (e.g. robotics, assistive technology, mHealth)
Oral Presentation
.jpg "Jeanelle Louise Dumalag, Master of Science in Physical Therapy photo")
Jeanelle Louise Dumalag, Master of Science in Physical Therapy
Assistant Professor
De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Insitute
Dasmarinas, Cavite
Consuelo Suarez
Chair
Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine
Manila, National Capital Region
Cristine Rose Sanchez-Versales
Faculty
University of Santo Tomas
Metro Manila, National Capital Region
Stroke is considered as a primary cause of disability and results to problems in activities of daily living. Action Observation Training (AOT) is an emerging cost-effective physical therapy intervention (PT) which involves facilitation of mirror neurons through viewing of video clips of a healthy individual performing an activity similar to that of the desired task. Studies of AOT and its effect on lower limb function are comparably lesser and limited than that of studies on its effects on upper extremity function. Thus, this intends to describe the effects of AOT used in conjunction with conventional PT interventions in gait speed of stroke patients.
Objective : Stroke is considered as a primary cause of disability and results to problems in activities of daily living. Action Observation Training (AOT) is an emerging cost-effective physical therapy intervention (PT) which involves facilitation of mirror neurons through viewing of video clips of a healthy individual performing an activity similar to that of the desired task. This intends to describe the effects of AOT used in conjunction with conventional PT interventions in gait speed of stroke patients.
Design : The study utilized a case series design to provide a deeper understanding of action observation training.
Setting : This study was held at the outpatient rehabilitation on St. Paul Hospital Cavite.
Participants (or Animals, Specimens, Cadavers):
There were ten potential subjects but only four was able to participate and complete the study. Three were excluded because of their age, while the seven subjects met the inclusion criteria. Two subjects declined to participate while the other had unstable blood pressure.
Interventions : The patients received conventional physical therapy and action observation training three times a week, for four weeks. Conventional physical therapy included strengthening exercises for lower extremity, sit to stand, weight shifting, stepping exercises and gait retraining. Meanwhile, AOT was done through watching a three-minute video clip showing a healthy individual walking on a 10-meter level surface. These activities were shown with anterior, posterior and lateral views, in normal speed and half the normal speed.
Main Outcome Measure(s):
The outcome measure tool used to determine changes in the gait speed of the subjects is the 10-Meter Walk Test.
Results : A difference of 0.16 m/s in 10-MWT from baseline reveals a clinically significant change in gait speed. Results showed one patient had a clinically significant improvement in fast gait speed with 0.23 m/s difference from baseline. Meanwhile, one patient had a difference of 0.25m/s in preferred walking speed considered as clinically significant. Two patients did not present a clinically significant difference in the pretest and posttest scores of 10-MWT but with a statistically significant difference in their preferred walking speed.
Conclusions:
While the study and results showed better understanding of AOT and its clinically significant improvements in gait speed, the effects cannot be generalized nor be sufficient enough to conclude its effectiveness, but opens direction for future research and possible utilization in healthcare.
