Trunk balance in stroke: The effects of right and left cerebral lesions on the sensory and motor components of response to tilt.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate motor and sensory components of trunk control in individuals with unilateral cerebral stroke and to identify differences in response between right and left sided lesions. Eighteen subjects, who were unstable in standing or unable to stand were tested. There were 9 subjects with right hemiplegia and 9 subjects with left hemiplegia for the motor testing and 8 subjects in each group for the sensory testing. Subjects were tested on a motorized seat that could be tilted approximately 15$\sp\circ$ to either side at a controlled velocity. The motor response was tested by tilting the seat to each side and recording the response to maintain the upright position. Both the trunk movement relative to the starting position and the end position of the trunk relative to the vertical were calculated. The sensory response was tested by tilting the seat to the side and asking the subject to indicate when the seat felt level as it returned slowly to the horizontal. Clinical data was collected on motor function and sensation of the leg, lateral trunk strength, lateral pelvic alignment, neglect, spatial deficits and apraxia. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)