No abstract

Predicting functional outcome following stroke is considered to be of key importance in an attempt to optimize overall stroke care. Although clinical prognostic tools have been widely implemented, optimal blood biomarkers might be able to yield additional information regarding each stroke survivor’s propensity for recovery. Copeptin seems to have interesting prognostic potential poststroke. The present review aims to explore the prognostic significance of copeptin in stroke patients. Literature research of two databases (MEDLINE and Scopus) was conducted to trace all relevant studies published between 16 February 2012 and 16 February 2022 that focused on the utility of copeptin as a prognostic marker in acute stroke setting. 25 studies have been identified and included in the present review. The predictive ability of copeptin regarding both functional outcome and mortality appears to be in the range of established clinical variables, thus highlighting the added value of copeptin evaluation in stroke management. Apart from acute ischemic stroke, the discriminatory accuracy of the biomarker was also demonstrated among patients with transient ischemic attack, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Overall, copeptin represents a powerful prognostic tool, the clinical implementation of which is expected to significantly facilitate the individualized management of stroke patients.

Introduction. Mobilization and Stimulation of Neuromuscular Tissue (MaSoNT) is a newly-invented technique that aims to trigger functional recovery in stroke patients. This is the first study that applies an intervention with MaSoNT in a patient's hemiplegic hand. The purpose was to investigate the effects of a MaSoNT intervention and to prove the safety of the technique. Methods. A case study is provided. The patient was a male stroke survivor, aged 71, who underwent a cerebrovascular accident a week before the intervention. He presented zero voluntary movement in the hemiplegic arm and some sensory impairment. The patient had had neither pain nor spasticity before the intervention. The intervention was standard upper limb therapy performed twice per week and MaSoNT application for 15 minutes, 5 times per week. The total duration of the intervention was 3 weeks. The following measurement tools were used: Modified Ashworth Scale, Motricity index Arm Score, Motor Assessment Scale items 6, 7, and 8, Thumb Localization Test, Nottingham Sensory Assessment. Results. The patient demonstrated both motor and sensory improvements by the end of the experiment. Pain and spasticity remained absent. Conclusions. The study possibly proves that MaSoNT is a safe technique to apply in a hemiplegic hand. Moreover, it could lead to functional recovery, although further research is mandated.

<p>The last few years, the main purpose of the treatment of the hemiplegic patient, is to regain his ability to execute functional activities of daily living independently. According to the latest studies, the effectiveness as well as the importance of task-oriented approach (TOA), is apparent and determining to reacquire the patient’s lost independency, through the practice of the specified functional activities. The aim of this study is to investigate a program of TOA on gait of hemiplegic patients. A sample of 5 post stroke patients was selected from according to the inclusion criteria. A TOA intervention was executed through the practice of 10 functional activities, related to gait, from Monday to Friday for 4 weeks. At the end of each week, gait and balance assessments were performed through the 10-meter walk test (10 MWT), the Berg balance scale (BBS), and the timed up and go test (TUG). The analysis indicates that TOA is extremely effective for stroke patients with mediocre and minor gait and balance deficits, as the difference was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). The statistically significant difference was from the first assessment T1 to the final assessment T5 and was proven through BBS, TUG and 10 MWT. In conclusion, TOA is a quite beneficial and a cost-effective intervention for the rehabilitation of gait and balance for stroke patients, while consequently improving the quality of their everyday life, independently from their original functional status.</p>

Mobilization and Stimulation of Neuromuscular Tissue (MASONT) is a newly invented somatosensory intervention used for the recovery of function in stroke patients. This paper aims to offer a more spherical view on the new technique. To that end, a basic manual of MASONT's application is provided, along with its rational of use. Moreover, clinical observations on the application of the technique and its effects on neurological patients are presented, as well as, a report on its safety.