Pulse Wave Velocity and in Subacute Stroke Patients Following Rehabilitation

brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity

baPWV is measured noninvasively using an oscillometric method (HBP-8000, Omron, Japan). The participants are required to abstain from caffeine for at least three hours prior to the test. The participant will be asked to rest in a supine position for a minimum of 10 minutes. Following this rest period, oscillometric cuffs were attached at the midway points of both arms and ankles for the simultaneous measurement of volume pulse and blood pressure. The arm-to-ankle distance was determined based on the patient's height. The baPWV was then computed by dividing the arm-ankle distance by the pulse time interval. The blood pressure analysis utilized the instantaneous systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings taken at the time of the baPWV measurement. For analytical purposes, an average of the values from both the left and right sides will be used.

Activities of daily living

Chinese version of the Modified Barthel Index (MBI-C) is used to assess performance in basic ADL. The validity and reliability of MBI-C were good stroke patients according to previous research. the maximum score of 100 represents a patient fully independent in performing basic ADL, whereas the lowest score (0) represents a totally dependent state.

Balance

he Berg balance scale (BBS) is used to assess balance function, providing a measure of a participant's stability while executing routine functional tasks encountered in daily life. The BBS uses a 5-point grading system, with each task scored from 0 to 4. A maximum achievable score of 56 represents an indication of excellent balance. The interrater reliability, intrarater reliability, and test-retest reliability were excellent in stroke patients.

Gait function and ambulation

Gait function and ambulation ability are evaluated by Functional ambulation category (FAC). FAC test identifies six degrees of walking capability, determined by the extent of physical assistance needed. The FAC has six categories ranging from 0 (non-functional ambulation) to 5 (independent). It is straightforward to administer, simple to interpret, and cost-effective. The FAC has excellent reliability and good validity in stroke patients.

Upper limb function

The Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) is widely used in stroke patients to evaluate the severity of stroke and quantify the recovery process, and demonstrates good reliability, validity, and responsiveness. The assessment has 33 items, which are further divided into four subcategories: shoulder/elbow (comprising 18 items), wrist (5 items), hand (7 items), and coordination/speed (3 items). The scoring for each item is on a 3-point ordinal scale and a maximum total score of 66 indicates better sensorimotor function.