[Visual dependence after recent stroke].
BACKGROUND
After chronic stroke, inability to use pertinent somatosensory or vestibular information have been described. The aim of the study was to determine whether visual dependence occurred early after stroke before rehabilitation.


METHODS
Thirty patients with recent hemiplegia (16 right and 14 left hemispheric stroke) performed the rod and frame test (RFT). Patients were asked to adjust the rod to the vertical position under 3 conditions: basically, with a frame tilted 18 degrees to the right and then with the frame tilted to the left. Bias in each condition (mean, SD) was recorded and compared to adjustments of the rod by 23 controls. Motor control, sensibility, functional level (functional independence measure), age, neglect, and then balance by the postural assessment scale for stroke were assessed.


RESULTS
Fifty-six per cent (17/30) of patients but only 26% of controls were influenced by the tilt of the frame on the 2 sides (visual dependence). No correlation was found between visual dependence and the characteristics of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Many patients with recent hemiplegia seem to rely on visual input. The mechanisms of such visual dependence are discussed. Rehabilitation programs should take into account the possible impairment of sensory organisation and should include exercises to be performed under visual disturbances.
Service de Médecine Physique et de Réadaptation, Groupe Hospitalier Lariboisière-Fernand-Widal, APHP Université Paris-VII, 200, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Denis, 75010 Paris, France. isabelle.bonan@lrb.ap-hop-paris.fr
I
I
Bonan
F
F
Derighetti
M-C
MC
Gellez-Leman
N
N
Bradaï
A
A
Yelnik
D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance; D011187:Posture; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013997:Time Factors; D014787:Vision Tests; D014785:Vision, Ocular