Tracking Balance and Walking Recovery After Stroke

During this longitudinal observational study, patients following a supratentorial stroke will be included as soon as possible after admission, provided they meet the inclusion criteria. Assessments will take place at fixed time points relative to stroke onset: baseline (as soon as possible after admission) and at 5, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-stroke (or until discharge). The study aims to investigate recovery patterns in balance and walking (gait initiation) abilities, contributing to the validation of predictive models that support personalized rehabilitation strategies.

At each time point, participants will perform standardized assessments targeting sitting balance, standing balance, and gait initiation. These assessments combine clinical scales (e.g., Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the lower limb, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Ambulation Categories) and biomechanical measurements collected using electromyography (EMG) sensors, inertial measurement units (IMUs), force plates, and a Kinect camera. EMG will provide detailed insights into muscle activation patterns, while IMUs (positioned on the sternum, pelvis, and non-paretic wrist) will measure acceleration and gyroscopic data to evaluate trunk movement and postural control. Force plates will provide data on weight distribution and stability, whereas the Kinect camera will capture posture and reaching accuracy data. An interactive assessment game will be used to evaluate task performance under various conditions, including anticipatory tasks (where the target location is known) and reactive tasks (requiring quick adjustments to unpredictable targets). Data from these assessments will provide detailed insights into recovery processes.

In addition to in-lab assessments, the study will also evaluate the relationship between laboratory-based measures and real-world functional activity. Participants will wear an activity monitor for three days following the longitudinal assessment sessions to measure real-world activity, including time spent sitting, standing, and walking. This approach allows the investigators to explore how improvements observed in the lab translate into functional recovery in daily life.

By combining clinical, biomechanical, and real-world data, the study seeks to address gaps in stroke recovery research, particularly the factors influencing recovery trajectories and how rehabilitation can be optimized. The findings are expected to enhance understanding of recovery patterns, inform individualized rehabilitation plans, and ultimately improve quality of life for stroke survivors.

• Reaction time [Срок оценки: Baseline, 5, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-stroke (or until discharge)]
• Movement time [Срок оценки: Baseline, 5, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-stroke (or until discharge)]
• Reaching or stepping accuracy [Срок оценки: Baseline, 5, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-stroke (or until discharge)]
• Upper limb dynamics [Срок оценки: Baseline, 5, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-stroke (or until discharge)]
• Daily activity monitoring [Срок оценки: Baseline, 5, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-stroke (or until discharge)]
• Lower limb motor impairment [Срок оценки: Baseline, 5, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-stroke (or until discharge)]
• Lower limb strength [Срок оценки: Baseline, 5, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-stroke (or until discharge)]
• Dynamic sitting balance [Срок оценки: Baseline, 5, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-stroke (or until discharge)]
• Dynamic standing balance [Срок оценки: Baseline, 5, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-stroke (or until discharge)]
• Walking independence [Срок оценки: Baseline, 5, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-stroke (or until discharge)]
• Walking performance [Срок оценки: Baseline, 5, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-stroke (or until discharge)]
• Global disability [Срок оценки: Baseline, 5, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-stroke (or until discharge)]