Effects of trunk rotation and limb activation in the management of unilateral spatial neglect in adult stroke survivors

Abstract

Unilateral Spatial Neglect (USN) is a disabling feature and a frequent behavioral l syndrome in stroke survivors. This study was designed to determine the effects of trunk rotation and limb activation in the management of USN in adult stroke survivors. Method: Participants were 19 stroke survivors with USN. They were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n= 10) and a control group (n=9). All participants took part in conventional physiotherapy protocol thrice a week for four weeks. During the same period, participants in the intervention group also received trunk rotation and limb activation treatment. Cognition, Functional Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and severity of USN were assessed using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Barthel Index (BI) and Behavioral Inattention Test (BIT) respectively. Results: In the Intervention group, the mean BIT scores increased from 111.20±44.8 7 to 209.60±13.48, mean BI scores increased from 42.50±29.74 to 74.00±18.07, while MMSE scores increased from 26.60=4=1.71 to 28.50=4= 1.51. The changes were significant (p< 0.05) scores, but not in MMSE score. Conclusion: It was concluded that conventional physiotherapy, trunk rotation and limb activation were efficacious in the management of USN in stroke survivors