Unilateral neglect in stroke: A comparative study

Dick Y.W. Chan, Wai Kwong Man

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive visual scanning training program for patients with unilateral neglect after stroke. DESIGN: Before and after trial. SETTINGS: Occupational Therapy Department of Pok Oi Hospital and Tuen Mun Hospital, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong. PARTICIPANTS: Forty patients with stroke and associated unilateral neglect were randomly assigned equally into either an experimental group or a control group. INTERVENTIONS: Patients in the experimental group were treated with a 12-session visual scanning program for 4 weeks, whereas the patients in the control group received standard rehabilitation services only. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjects were assessed before and after the rehabilitation program by The Modified Barthel Index, Mini-Mental State Examination, and 2 neglect-related measures, namely, The Behavioural Inattention Test - Conventional subtests and Catherine Bergego Scale. RESULTS: The experimental group achieved a statistically significant improvement in neglect behavior in daily activities (t = -3.30, df = 38, P = .004), as reflected by the Catherine Bergego Scale scores and when compared with the control group. Participants in the experimental group also showed significant improvement in personal (t = 3.48, df = 38, P = .003) and peripersonal (t = 3.47, df = 38, P = .016) neglect. CONCLUSIONS: A visual scanning training program was found to be a more effective treatment strategy for reducing neglect behavior. Further studies carried out for an extended follow-up period are recommended to better evaluate the long-term effects of the specific training program delivered in our study.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)126-134
Number of pages9
JournalTopics in Geriatric Rehabilitation
Volume29
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2013

Keywords

  • Effectiveness
  • Rehabilitation
  • Stroke
  • Unilateral neglect
  • Visual scanning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

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