Study to determine efficacy of stroke rehabilitation at home

If this can be spun in any way to make it look successful we will have no more in-hospital therapy. So either have a really small stroke or die. This wouldn't be so bad if we had a decent panapoly of drugs stopping the neuronal cascade of death. That would turn most strokes into small ones.
http://www.financialexpress.com/news/study-to-determine-efficacy-of-stroke-rehabilitation-at-home/1227461

A new study is set to enroll 1000 patients with mild to moderate disability across India to determine whether stroke recovery at home given by a trained family member is an effective, affordable strategy for those with disabling stroke in India when compared to usual care.
While Christian Medical College, Ludhiana will be the clinical coordination center for the study, Public Health Foundation of India will perform monitoring and policy dissemination and George Institute for Global Health, India will be responsible for data management and overall project management and other collaborators from UK.
ATTEND is a multicentre, randomised, blinded outcome assessor, controlled trial funded by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australia.The study has been initiated at two esteemed centers i.e., All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and Christian Medical College, Ludhiana. All the local ethics committee and regulatory requirement are in place for attend study and shall start enrolling the patients before the end of the year.
Globally, 87 percent of stroke occurs in low- and middle-income countries with many people in these countries, such as India, having no access to stroke rehabilitation. Western models of stroke rehabilitation are currently unaffordable, and are likely to remain so for some decades, but evidence from the Stroke Unit and Early Supported Discharge Rehabilitation Trials suggest that components of these interventions could be introduced in a low-cost model.
Health in India is in transition with decreasing poverty-related infection and nutritional deficiency diseases and increasing chronic disease. Annual estimated stroke incidence is 135 to 145 per 100,000, with early case fatality rates ranging from 27 percent to 41 percent. This equates to ~1.5 million people having a stroke each year, leading to a further 500,000 people, each year, living with stroke-related disability.

Are there any proven Alzheimer's prevention strategies?

If you look at their reference you get this totally unconvincing statement:
My god the stupidity, I just did a whole presentation on all the research that points to things that might help. Waiting for perfect knowledge is going to leave a lot of people screwed.

Currently, no evidence of even moderate scientific quality exists to support the association of any modifiable factor (such as nutritional supplements, herbal preparations, dietary factors, prescription or nonprescription drugs, social or economic factors, medical conditions, toxins, or environmental exposures) with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/alzheimers-prevention/FAQ-20058140/?
According to a statement from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a number of factors could play a role in whether you develop Alzheimer's disease. However, more research is needed before modification of any of these factors can be proved to prevent Alzheimer's disease.
The NIH report was developed by an independent panel of health professionals and public representatives who reviewed the most current research on Alzheimer's prevention. The panel found that studies to date have varied too much in size, scope, criteria and definitions to compare results and draw reliable conclusions.
Although more research is needed to definitively prove which Alzheimer's prevention strategies are effective, some possible strategies that promote good overall health include:

• Avoiding smoking
• Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and lean protein, particularly protein sources containing omega-3 fatty acids
• Being physically and socially active
• Taking care of your mental health
• Using thinking (cognitive) skills, such as memory skills

Researchers Develop Sticky Nanoparticles to Fight Heart Disease

And whom is going to research this for stroke?
 ANYONE?
http://www.biosciencetechnology.com/videos/2014/02/researchers-develop-sticky-nanoparticles-fight-heart-disease?#.UwUTBBC38zs
Clemson University researchers have developed nanoparticles that can deliver drugs targeting damaged arteries, a non-invasive method to fight heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One of the standard ways to treat clogged and damaged arteries currently is to implant vascular stents, which hold the vessels open and release such drugs as paclitaxel. The researchers, led by Clemson bioengineering professor Naren Vyavahare, hope their advanced nanoparticles could be used alongside stents or in lieu of them.

Video and more at link

Andrew Marr reveals 'he always thought of Uma Thurman and Kill Bill' during stroke recovery

Damn sure your hospital is going to have a copy of Kill Bill to watch for your therapy. I actually liked that movie for its over the top blood spraying.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/andrew-marr-stroke-reveals-kill-3143298
The BBC presenter explains: “In Kill Bill: Vol.1 there’s a moment where Uma has had a rather rough time and she’s waking up in hospital and there’s one toe which she’s trying to make move and if she can make the toe move then all the recovery will follow.”
Marr continues: “It was a bit like that with me. I’d spend hours and hours trying to make a finger move, or a toe move – not hours, not weeks, months, and then eventually you get a little bit of movement. I always thought of that film at the beginning.”

Margaret Heffernan: Dare to disagree

And boy do I disagree with everything in the stroke medical world. I still need to find the good cop that can polish off my obnoxious know-it-all edges.
http://www.ted.com/talks/margaret_heffernan_dare_to_disagree.html

Derek Sivers: How to start a movement

The most important person is not actually the leader. It is the first follower.
http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_how_to_start_a_movement.html

Cognitive-motor interference during functional mobility after stroke: State of the science and implications for future research

If I think hard about something, any motor performance drops to nil. I think a lot of this is because I blew out my pre-motor cortex so my executive control  needs to be in control and since multitasking does not exist I lose one or the other. But don't listen to my blatherings. But for some reason I can walk and talk now at the same time. At first that was impossible.
http://search.naric.com/research/rehab/redesign_record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J67620&phrase=no&rec=123389
NARIC Accession Number: J67620.  What's this?
ISSN: 0003-9993.
Author(s): Plummer, Prudence; Eskes, Gail; Wallace, Sarah; Giuffrida, Clare; Fraas, Michael; Campbell, Grace; Clifton, KerryLee; Skidmore, Elizabeth R..
Publication Year: 2013.
Number of Pages: 10.
Abstract: This review examines the specific patterns of cognitive-motor interference (CMI) found in published studies comparing single-task and dual-task performance of cognitive and motor tasks during gait and balance activities after stroke. CMI is evident when simultaneous performance of a cognitive task and a motor task results in deterioration in performance in one or both of the tasks, relative to performance of each task separately. The literature was examined for associations between patterns of CMI and a history of falls, as well as evidence for the effects of rehabilitation on CMI after stroke. Overall, the evidence suggests that during gait activities with an added cognitive task, people with stroke are likely to demonstrate significant decrements in motor performance only (cognitive-related motor interference), or decrements in both motor and cognitive performance (mutual interference). In contrast, patterns of CMI were variable among studies examining balance activities. Comparing people poststroke with and without a history of falls, patterns and magnitude of CMI were similar for fallers and nonfallers. Longitudinal studies suggest that conventional rehabilitation has minimal effects on CMI during gait or balance activities. However, early-phase pilot studies suggest that dual-task interventions may reduce CMI during gait performance in community-dwelling stroke survivors.

Interlimb coordination during the stance phase of gait in subjects with stroke

No clue what this means. So challenge your therapist to put this in terms you can understand.
http://search.naric.com/research/rehab/redesign_record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J67614&phrase=no&rec=123383
NARIC Accession Number: J67614.  What's this?
ISSN: 0003-9993.
Author(s): Sousa, Andreia S. P.; Silva, Augusta; Santos, Rubim; Sousa, Filipa; Tavares, Joao M. R. S..
Publication Year: 2013.
Number of Pages: 8.
Abstract: Study analyzed the relationship between contralesional and ipsilesional limbs in subjects with stroke during step-to-step transition of walking. Sixteen subjects with poststroke hemiparesis and the ability to walk independently and 22 healthy controls participated in the study. Bilateral lower-limb electromyographic activity of the soleus (SOL), gastrocnemius medialis, tibialis anterior, biceps femoris, rectus femoris, and vastus medialis (VM) muscles and the ground reaction force were analyzed during double-support and terminal stance phases of gait. The propulsive impulse of the contralesional trailing limb was negatively correlated with the braking impulse of the leading limb during double support. A moderate functional relation was observed between thigh muscles, and a strong and moderate dysfunctional relation was found between the plantar flexors of the ipsilesional limb and the vastus medialis of the contralesional limb, respectively. Also, a functional moderate negative correlation was found between the SOL and rectus femoris muscles of the ipsilesional limb during terminal stance and between the SOL and VM muscles of the contralesional limb during loading response, respectively. The trailing limb relative impulse contribution of the contralesional limb was lower than the ipsilesional limb of subjects with stroke and lower than the relative impulse contribution of the healthy limb during double support. The findings suggest that the lower performance of the contralesional limb in forward propulsion during gait is related not only to contralateral supraspinal damage but also to a dysfunctional influence of the ipsilesional limb.

Remote vibrotactile noise improves light touch sensation in stroke survivors' fingertips via stochastic resonance

You'll have to have your therapist get the details. I will continue to do the direct vibration stimulation of fingertips with 7-speed Secret Love Finger Fun Vibrator Vibration Massage.

Should I be dangling my hand in front of my speakers while playing low bass notes? And why doesn't your fuckingly incompetent doctor know anything SPECIFIC about getting you recovered?

Remote vibrotactile noise improves light touch sensation in stroke survivors' fingertips via stochastic resonance

NARIC Accession Number: J67548.  What's this?
ISSN: 1743-0003.
Author(s): Enders, Leah R.; Hur, Pilwon; Johnson, Michelle J.; Seo, Na J..
Project Number: H133F110005.
Publication Year: 2013.
Number of Pages: 8.
Abstract: Study investigated whether the remote (away from the fingertips) application of subthreshold (imperceptible) vibrotactile noise improves fingertip tactile sensation with potential to enhance dexterity for stroke survivors. Index finger and thumb pad sensation was measured for ten stroke survivors with fingertip sensory deficit using the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament and Two-Point Discrimination Tests. Sensation scores were measured with noise applied at one of three intensities to one of four locations (dorsal hand proximal to the index finger knuckle, dorsal hand proximal to the thumb knuckle, dorsal wrist, volar wrist) in a random order, as well as without noise at beginning and end of the testing session. Results indicated that vibrotactile noise of all intensities and locations instantaneously and significantly improved Monofilament scores of the index fingertip and thumb tip. No significant effect of the noise was seen for the Two-Point Discrimination Test scores. Vibrotactile noise at the wrist and dorsal hand may have enhanced the fingertips’ light touch sensation via stochastic resonance and interneuronal connections. The findings suggest that a wearable device applying vibrotactile noise at the wrist could enhance sensation and grip ability without interfering with object manipulation in everyday tasks.

Impairment in task-specific modulation of muscle coordination correlates with the severity of hand impairment following stroke

Not sure how this could possibly help me. I have no individual finger control. I think I somehow need to stop the damnable finger spasticity first.
http://search.naric.com/research/rehab/redesign_record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J67539&phrase=no&rec=123308
NARIC Accession Number: J67539.  What's this?
Author(s): Lee, Sang W.; Triandafilou, Kristen; Lock, Blair A.; Kamper, Derek G..
Project Number: H133F090018.
Publication Year: 2013.
Number of Pages: 18.
Abstract: Study examined post-stroke impairment in the ability to modulate muscle coordination patterns across tasks and its correlation with hand impairment. Fourteen stroke survivors, divided into a group of 8 subjects with severe hand impairment and a group of 6 subjects with moderate hand impairment according to their clinical functionality score, participated in the experiment. Another four neurologically intact subjects participated in the experiment to serve as a point of comparison. Activation patterns of nine hand and wrist muscles were recorded using surface electromyography while the subjects performed six isometric tasks. Patterns of covariation in muscle activations across tasks, i.e., muscle modules, were extracted from the muscle activation data. Results showed that the degree of reduction in the inter-task separation of the multi-muscle activation patterns was indicative of the clinical functionality score of the subjects (mean value = 26.2 for severely impaired subjects, 38.1 for moderately impaired subjects). The number of muscle modules extracted from the muscle activation patterns of a subject across six tasks, which represents the degree of motor complexity, was found to be correlated with the clinical functionality score. Greater impairment was also associated with a change in the muscle module patterns themselves, with greater muscle coactivation. A substantial reduction in the degrees-of-freedom of the multi-muscle coordination poststroke was apparent, and the extent of the reduction, assessed by the stated metrics, was strongly associated with the level of clinical impairment.

Alterations in upper limb muscle synergy structure in chronic stroke survivors

I wish they would know how to break muscle synergy. Recovery could occur much faster if there was a specified way to defeat those synergies.
http://search.naric.com/research/rehab/redesign_record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J67535&phrase=no&rec=123301
NARIC Accession Number: J67535.  What's this?
ISSN: 0022-3077.
Author(s): Roh, Jinsook; Rymer, William Z.; Perreault, Eric J.; Yoo, Seng B.; Beer, Randall F..
Project Number: H133G060169.
Publication Year: 2013.
Number of Pages: 14.
Abstract: Study examined the structure and recruitment of muscle synergies underlying isometric force generation in severely impaired stroke survivors. Previous studies have shown that motor coordination can be described by task-dependent combinations of a few muscle synergies, defined as a fixed pattern of activation across a set of muscles. Arm function in severely impaired stroke survivors is characterized by stereotypical postural and movement patterns involving the shoulder and elbow. Accordingly, it was hypothesized that muscle synergy composition is altered in severely impaired stroke survivors. Using an isometric force matching protocol, the spatial activation patterns of elbow and shoulder muscles were examined in the affected arm of 10 stroke survivors and in both arms of 6 age-matched controls. Underlying muscle synergies were identified using non-negative matrix factorization. In both groups, muscle activation patterns could be reconstructed by combinations of a few muscle synergies (typically 4). Abnormal coupling of shoulder and elbow muscles was not found within individual muscle synergies. In stroke survivors, as in controls, two of the synergies were comprised of isolated activation of the elbow flexors and extensors. However, muscle synergies involving proximal muscles exhibited consistent alterations following stroke. Unlike controls, the anterior deltoid was coactivated with medial and posterior deltoids within the shoulder abductor/extensor synergy and the shoulder adductor/flexor synergy in stroke was dominated by activation of pectoralis major, with limited anterior deltoid activation. Recruitment of the altered shoulder muscle synergies was strongly associated with abnormal task performance. Overall, the results suggest that an impaired control of the individual deltoid heads may contribute to poststroke deficits in arm function.

Motor recovery of the ipsilesional upper limb in subacute stroke

I don't understand. Ipsilesional : the symptoms occur on the same side of the body as the lesion.Are they trying to say the good side has recovery problems? I don't remember doing any rehab on the 'good' arm. Amy?
http://search.naric.com/research/rehab/redesign_record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J67512&phrase=no&rec=123278
NARIC Accession Number: J67512.  What's this?
ISSN: 0003-9993.
Author(s): Metrot, Julien; Froger, Jerome; Hauret, Isabelle; Mottet, Denis; van Dokkum, Liesjet; Laffont, Isabelle.
Publication Year: 2013.
Number of Pages: 8.
Abstract: Study investigated the time-related changes in motor performance of the ipsilesional upper limb in subacute poststroke patients by using clinical and kinematic assessments. Nineteen stroke patients were included in the study less than 30 days after a first unilateral ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke. The control group was composed of age-matched, healthy volunteers. Clinical and kinematic assessments were conducted once a week during 6 weeks and 3 months after inclusion. Clinical measures consisted of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, the Box and Block Test (BBT), the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), and the Barthel Index. A 3-dimensional motion recording system was used during a reach-to-grasp task to analyze movement smoothness, movement time, and peak velocity of the hand. Healthy controls performed both clinical (BBT and 9HPT) and kinematic evaluations within a single session. Results indicated that recovery of ipsilesional upper arm capacities increased over time and leveled off after a 6-week period of rehabilitation, corresponding to 9 weeks poststroke. At study discharge, patients demonstrated similar ipsilesional clinical scores to controls but exhibited less smooth reaching movements. No effect was found of the hemispheric side of the lesion on ipsilesional motor deficits. The findings provide evidence that ipsilesional motor capacities remain impaired at least 3 months after stroke, even if clinical tests fail to detect the impairment.

Effect of balance support on the energy cost of walking after stroke

No idea on what this knowledge is useful for. I still have to expend vast amounts of mental energy on walking and staying upright. Then there is thinking about making sure I dorsiflex, bend my knee, heel strike, and try to look forward rather than at the ground.
http://search.naric.com/research/rehab/redesign_record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J67508&phrase=no&rec=123274
NARIC Accession Number: J67508.  What's this?
ISSN: 0003-9993.
Author(s): IJmker, Trienke; Houdijk, Han; Lamoth, Claudine J.; Jarbandhan, Ameerani V.; Rijntjes, Danielle; Beek, Peter J.; van der Woude, Lucas H..
Publication Year: 2013.
Number of Pages: 7.
Abstract: Study examined the influence of balance support on the energy cost of treadmill and overground walking in ambulatory patients with stroke. Of the 24 subjects, 12 subjects used a walking aid in daily life (dependent ambulators), and the other 12 did not (independent ambulators); all able to walk for at least 5 minutes. Energy cost and temporal gait parameters (walking speed, mean and coefficient of variation of stride time, and symmetry index) were obtained during 4 walking trials at preferred walking speed: overground with and without a cane and on a treadmill with and without handrail support. On the treadmill, handrail support resulted in a significant decrease in energy cost of 16 percent, independent of the group. Although dependent ambulators had on average a larger reduction in energy cost than independent ambulators (19 versus 14 percent), this interaction did not reach statistical significance. Interestingly, overground walking with support resulted in an 8 percent reduction in energy cost for dependent ambulators, but a 6 percent increase for independent ambulators. The reduction in energy cost with support was accompanied by changes in temporal gait parameters, most notably an increase in stride time and symmetry and a decrease in stride time variability. Balance support can result in a significant reduction in the energy cost of walking, the magnitude of which depends on walking ability and the walking task.

Effects of integrated motor imagery practice on gait of individuals with chronic stroke: A half-crossover randomized study

I don't know, your doctor and therapist will need to put this into their therapy toolbox. I'm sure they can figure out how to contact them to get the intervention details.
http://search.naric.com/research/rehab/redesign_record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J67489&phrase=no&rec=123255
NARIC Accession Number: J67489.  What's this?
ISSN: 0003-9993.
Author(s): Dickstein, Ruth; Deutsch, Judith E.; Yoeli, Yonat; Kafri, Michal; Falash, Faten; Dunsky, Ayelet; Eshet, Adi; Alexander, Neil.
Publication Year: 2013.
Number of Pages: 7.
Abstract: Study evaluated the effects of a new motor imagery practice approach in which motor and motivational contents were integrated in order to improve gait in 23 subjects with chronic poststroke hemiparesis. This was a half-crossover study with 2 phases. In phase 1, subjects were randomly assigned to receive either the experimental or the control treatment. In phase 2, the subjects who had initially received the control treatment “crossed over” to receive the experimental intervention. The experimental and the control intervention were delivered in the subjects’ homes; assessments were performed in a hospital laboratory. The experimental intervention, called integrated motor imagery practice, consisted of imagery scripts aimed at improving home and community walking as well as fall-related self-efficacy. The control treatment consisted of physical therapy to improve the function of the affected upper extremity. In-home walking, indoor and outdoor community ambulation, and fall-related self-efficacy were assessed before and after the intervention as well as at a 2-week follow-up. In-home walking was significantly improved after application of the experimental intervention, but not after the control treatment. However, fall-related self-efficacy and community ambulation were not significantly improved. Results of this study showed that home delivery of integrated motor imagery practice was feasible and had a positive effect on walking in the home. However, it was ineffective for improving gait in public domains.

Sensory impairments of the lower limb after stroke: A pooled analysis of individual patient data

So once again better sensation leads to better motor recovery. What is your doctor doing about that?
Read the damn Margaret Yekutiel  book, 'Sensory Re-Education of the Hand After Stroke'.
http://search.naric.com/research/rehab/redesign_record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J67362&phrase=no&rec=123164
NARIC Accession Number: J67362.  What's this?
ISSN: 1074-9357.
Author(s): Tyson, Sarah F.; Crow, J. Lesley ; Connell, Louise; Winward, Charlotte; Hillier, Susan L..
Publication Year: 2013.
Number of Pages: 9.
Abstract: A pooled analysis of individual data for 459 stroke survivors was conducted to describe the frequency of sensory impairments of the lower limb after stroke, investigate factors that influence sensory impairments, and explore the influence of sensory impairments on functional activity. Descriptive statistics described frequency of sensory impairments, kappa coefficients investigated relationships between sensory modalities, binary logistic regression explored the factors influencing sensory impairments, and linear regression assessed the impact of sensory impairments on activity limitations. Most patients’ sensation was intact (55 percent), and individual sensory modalities were highly associated (kappa = 0.60). Weakness and neglect influenced sensory impairment, but demographics, stroke pathology, and spasticity did not. Sensation influenced independence in activities of daily living, mobility, and balance but less strongly than weakness. Results of this study showed that sensation of the lower limb is preserved in most stroke survivors but, when impairment is present, it affects function. Sensory modalities are highly interrelated; interventions that treat the motor system during functional tasks may be as effective at treating the sensory system as sensory retraining alone.

Sexuality after stroke: Patient counseling preferences

I didn't have to worry about this, there was going to be none.
http://search.naric.com/research/rehab/redesign_record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J67335&phrase=no&rec=123151
NARIC Accession Number: J67335.  What's this?
ISSN: 0963-8288.
Author(s): Stein, Joel; Hillinger, Marni; Clancy, Cait; Bishop, Lauri.
Publication Year: 2013.
Number of Pages: 6.
Abstract: Study examined patient preferences for counseling related to sexuality after stroke. Two hundred sixty-eight patients from a stroke registry were provided an anonymous paper or online survey. Thirty-eight patients completed the survey, which collected demographic information and assessed respondents’ sexual dysfunction, fatigue, depression, and functional independence. In addition, subjects were queried about stroke-related sexual dysfunction and their preferences for counseling and education materials. Most respondents (71 percent) identified sexuality as a moderately to very important issue in their post-stroke rehabilitation. Sexual dysfunction was common, with 47 percent of respondents indicating that their sexual function had declined since the stroke. Eighty-one percent reported receiving insufficient information about sexuality post-stroke, and the majority (60 percent) expressed a preference for receiving counseling regarding sexuality from a physician. A substantial portion (26.5 percent) of patients wanted to receive counseling prior to discharge from a hospital or rehabilitation center, with 71 percent wishing to receive counseling within 1 year post-stroke.

The figure-of-eight walk test: Reliability and associations with stroke-specific impairments

More damned testing rather than working on specific protocols that bring back function. The exact same crap as testing in schools rather than teaching.
Instructions here:
http://web.missouri.edu/~proste/tool/f8wt/

 

http://search.naric.com/research/rehab/redesign_record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J67338&phrase=no&rec=123177
NARIC Accession Number: J67338.  What's this?
ISSN: 0963-8288.
Author(s): Wong, Sue S. T.; Yam, Man-Sze; Ng, Shamay, S. M..
Publication Year: 2013.
Number of Pages: 7.
Abstract: Study investigated the intra-rater, inter-rater, and test-retest reliabilities of the Figure-of-Eight Walk (F8W) test; its correlation with other stroke-specific impairments; and the cut-off scores best discriminating patients with stroke from healthy older adults. Thirty-five subjects with chronic stroke and 29 healthy elderly subjects participated in the study. Outcome measures included: F8W test times, Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment for the lower extremities (FMA-LE), hand-held dynamometer measurements of bilateral hip abductor and knee extensor isometric muscle strength, Five times Sit to Stand Test (FTSTST) times, 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) times, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) scores. Excellent intra-rater, inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities (intra-class correlation coefficients = 0.944 to 0.999) of F8W test times were found. The F8W test times were also found to be significantly associated with FMA-LE, BBS, FTSTST, TUG scores and 10MWT. No significant correlation was found between F8W test times and either leg strength or ABC results. A F8W test time of 8.2 seconds was found to be the most representative for discriminating between healthy elderly and stroke subjects, with a sensitivity of 100 percent and a specificity of 89.7 percent. Results suggest that the F8W test time is a reliable measurement tool for assessing the advanced walking performance of subjects with chronic stroke. The F8W was able to differentiate between patients with stroke and healthy elderly subjects and correlated well with stroke-specific impairments and walking tests.

Minimal depression: How does it relate to upper-extremity impairment and function in stroke?

No idea on what this means. That's what your doctor is for. I bet you wouldn't have to worry as much about depression if you had less damage because you stopped the neuronal cascade of death. I'm sounding like a broken record on that.
http://search.naric.com/research/rehab/redesign_record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J67368&phrase=no&rec=123170
NARIC Accession Number: J67368.  What's this?
ISSN: 0272-9490.
Author(s): Weaver, Lindy L.; Page, Stephen J.; Sheffler, Lynne; Chae, John.
Publication Year: 2013.
Number of Pages: 6.
Abstract: Study examined the association between minimal depression, upper-extremity (UE) impairment, and UE motor function in a cohort of participants with subacute stroke. Correlational analyses were performed using the following outcome measures: the UE section of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FM), the functional ability section of the Arm Motor Ability Test (AMAT), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Results showed a negative correlation between BDI-II and both the FM (−.120) and the AMAT (−.110); however, this correlation was not statistically significant. Women exhibited higher depression scores (8.75) than men (6.29). Results suggest that low levels of depression are not associated with UE motor impairment and function in people with minimal to moderate UE disability levels. Post-stroke depression occurs more frequently in women, warranting additional research on sex-specific differences. Given the proliferation of UE therapies targeting this group, this information is important for effective therapy planning and implementation.

Standardizing the approach to evidence-based upper limb rehabilitation after stroke

How did these researchers get past the meme, 'All strokes are different, all stroke recoveries are different'? to create some standards? They need to be shot as heretics. Its only 9 pages long, maybe your doctor can get it instituted in the next 10 years.
http://search.naric.com/research/rehab/redesign_record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J67361&phrase=no&rec=123163
NARIC Accession Number: J67361.  What's this?
ISSN: 1074-9357.
Author(s): McDonnell, Michelle N.; Hillier, Susan L.; Esterman, Adrian J..
Publication Year: 2013.
Number of Pages: 9.
Abstract: Study describes the development of a clinical algorithm to enable standardized intervention prescription and progression for hemiparetic upper-limb rehabilitation following stroke. The standardized clinical algorithm involved assessment of 18 critical impairments of upper-limb function and application of task-specific exercises appropriate to the individual’s level of impairment. These tasks were consistent with recent evidence-based guidelines. Feasibility was tested with 20 participants recently discharged from inpatient rehabilitation following stroke who received outpatient therapy according to the clinical algorithm. Participants’ abilities were regularly re-evaluated and task difficulty progressed. Outcomes were assessed at the level of impairment (Action Research Arm Test, Fugl-Meyer Assessment) and activity (Motor Activity Log). All participants attended the 9 sessions of training over the 3-week intervention period. No adverse events were reported. There were significant improvements in all outcome measures. This evidence-based, upper-limb clinical algorithm provides a framework for standardizing task-specific training following stroke based on the assessment of functioning of the individual following stroke in day-to-day life. This approach is appropriate for patients with different functional levels and may be used to standardize individual or group self-directed practice sessions or to standardize the intervention and progressions in experimental studies.

What predicts a poor outcome in older stroke survivors? A systematic review of the literature.

Well shit, if we had a decent strategy and plan for stroke we wouldn't pay for  this kind of research. We'd go directly to solving and preventing dead and damaged neurons during the neuronal cascade of death. 
http://search.naric.com/research/rehab/redesign_record.cfm?search=2&type=all&criteria=J67331&phrase=no&rec=123147
NARIC Accession Number: J67331.  What's this?
ISSN: 0963-8288.
Author(s): van Almenkerk, Suzanne; Smalbrugge, Martin; Depla, Marja F. I. A.; Eefsting, Jan A.; Hertogh, Cees M. P. M..
Publication Year: 2013.
Number of Pages: 9.
Abstract: This review identified factors in the early post-stroke period that have a predictive value for a poor outcome, defined as institutionalization or severe disability. MEDLINE, PSYCINFO, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were systematically searched for observational cohort studies in which adult and/or elderly stroke patients were assessed within 1 month post-stroke and poor outcome was determined after a follow-up of at least 3 months. Thirty-three articles were selected from 4063 records, describing 27 independent cohort studies. There are rather consistent findings that greater age, a more severe stroke (measured through a clinical evaluation scale), the presence of urinary incontinence (with impaired awareness), and a larger stroke volume (measured through brain imaging techniques) predict poor stroke outcome. In contrast to clinical expectations, the prognostic value of dependency in activities of daily living and impaired cognition remains unclear, and factors in the domains of emotional and communicative functioning rarely feature. Studies using a selected group of stroke patients tended to identify different predictors. The current evidence is insufficient for the development of a clinical prediction tool that is better than physicians’ informal predictions. Future research should focus on the selection of optimal screening instruments in multiple domains of functioning, including the timing of assessment. The authors suggest developing prediction tools stratified by more homogeneous, clinically distinguished stroke subtypes.
Descriptor Terms: CLIENT CHARACTERISTICS, INSTITUTIONALIZATION, LITERATURE REVIEWS, MEDICAL ASPECTS, OLDER ADULTS, OUTCOMES, PREDICTION, SEVERE DISABILITIES, STROKE.