The influence of changing posture on tests for unilateral spatial neglect in patients with ischemic stroke

Abstract

   Background and Purpose The influence of standing position on tests for unilateral spatial neglect (USN )has not been studied. The main objective of this study was to investigate the influence of changing 3 postures on 4 standardized tests for USN in patients with ischemic stroke.
   Methods Nine patients with ischemic stroke (age, 73.4 ± 4.1 years, mean ± SE) were recruited.Inclusion criteria were awakeness, right-handedness before stroke, left hemiparesis due to right hemisphere lesion induced by cerebral infarction, and ability to undergo the tests for USN. 4 tests (Bells Test, Line Bisection, Scene Copy, and Star Cancellation) were conducted in supine, sitting and standing positions.Each subject was tested in 3 positions at random and completed all tests in the same day.
   Results　The mean value of each test in standing position was significantly smaller than in sitting position （p<0.05）. However, the results of 4 tests in standing position were similar to those of supine position.
   Conclusion　The standing position improved rightward deviation relative to sitting position in patients with ischemic stroke. However, there were no differences between supine and standing position. These results might be due to afferences arising from muscle spindle, Golgi tendon organ, and muscle contraction.