Feasibility of Early Functional Rehabilitation in Acute Stroke Survivors using the Balance-Bed–A Technology that Emulates Microgravity

You'll have to send your doctor after this because I have no understanding of what this is.
Feasibility of Early Functional Rehabilitation in Acute Stroke Survivors using the Balance-Bed–A Technology that Emulates Microgravity

Lars I.E. Oddsson

1,2

,3

*,

Marsha Finkelstein

4

,

Sarah Meissner

4

 

1

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Program in Rehabilitation Science, University of

 

Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

 

2

Technological Leadership Institute, College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

 

3

Recanati School for Community Health Professions, Ben-

Gurion University of the Negev, Israel

 

4

Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute,Allina Health,Minneapolis,MN, USA

 

*

Correspondence:Lars

IE

Oddsson

,

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Program in

 

Rehabilitation Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA

.

LODDSSON@umn.edu

 

Keywords:

Acute Stroke

,

Balance Function,

Body Weight Support,

Countermeasure

,

Microgravity

,

Rehabilitation.

 

Abstract

Evidence-based guidelines recommend early functional rehabilitation of stroke patients when risk of patient harm can be managed.

Current tools do not allow balance training under load conditions

sufficiently lowfor acute stroke patients

.

This single-arm pilot study tested feasibility and safety for acute stroke survivors to use “Balance-Bed”, a technology for balance exercises in supine initially developed to emulate microgravity effects on balance.

Nine acute stroke patients (50-79 yrs.) participated in 3-10 sessions over 16-46 days as part of their rehabilitation in a hospital inpatient setting.

Standard inpatient measures of outcome were monitored where lack of progress from admission to discharge might indicate possible harm.

Total FIM scores at admission (median 40, range 22-53) changed

to (74, 50-96),Motor FIM scores from(23,13-32) to (50,32-68) and

Berg Balance scores from(3, 0-6) to (19, 7-43) at discharge.

Changes reached Minimal Clinical Important Difference

for a sufficient proportion (<0.6) of the patients to indicate no harm to the patients.

In addition, therapists reported the technology was safe,provided a positive experience for the patient and fit within the rehabilitation program. They reported the device should be easier to set up and exit.

We conclude acute stroke patients tolerated Balance-Bed exercises

such as standing on one or two legs, squats, stepping in place as well as

balance perturbations provided by the therapist. We believe

this is the first time it has been demonstrated that acute stroke patients

can safely perform whole body balance training including

balance perturbations as part of their rehabilitation program. Future

studies should include a control group and compare outcomes from

best practices to interventions using the Balance-Bed. In addition

, the technology is relevant for countermeasure development for

spaceflight and as a test-bed of balance function under microgravity

like conditions