Balance Eyesight and Muscle Tension in the Cervical Spine in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Condition: Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
MeSH terms: Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy; Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, Familial; Amyloidosis
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA) is one form of disease of the small vessels of the brain
      and can cause frequent cerebral hemorrhages as well as other types of stroke. The aim of the
      research was to examine the balance of the body in patients after a stroke and to determine
      how the tension of selected muscles of the cervical spine changes under the conditions of
      statics and dynamics, depending on the visual control or its absence.
    

Detailed description: 
      This is an observational study. The tests were performed with the use of tools and devices
      such as the Unterberger test, Biodex SD balance platform, and Luna EMG. The static
      equilibrium was assessed on a balance platform (stability test). The dynamic equilibrium was
      tested in the Unterberger test and on the balance platform (the fall risk test). All
      examinations were performed twice with eyes open and then closed. Additionally, during the
      tests, the tension of selected muscles of the cervical spine was recorded (the
      sternocleidomastoid muscle and the long neck muscle) (independent variables). It was examined
      how the intervention, static position, and dynamic displacement of the center of body mass,
      as well as the control and lack of eye control, influence the tension of selected muscles,
      and how the eyesight influences the body's balance in statics and dynamics (dependent
      variables). A group of healthy people was examined to assess whether neurological deficits in
      people after stroke could affect the results of static and dynamic balance and changes in
      muscle tone and whether the organ of vision plays a large role in controlling the center of
      body mass.
    

Intervention name(s): balance with open and closed eyes
Intervention type(s): Procedure
Intervention description(s): The UNTERBERGER TEST. The subjects performed the test once with their eyes open and then with their eyes closed. The participant's task was to assume a standing position with legs apart at hip-width and then walk in place (50 steps).
Static and dynamic balance testing on the Biodex SD balance platform. Moreover, both during the Unterberger functional test and the tests on the Biodex SD balance platform, the muscle tone was assessed in the subjects using the Luna EMG device. Before starting the tests, surface electrodes were glued to the patient's body (according to the SENIAM procedure). Five surface electrodes were used, consisting of three channels. They were placed on the abdomen of the right sternocleidomastoid muscle, two more were placed on the left longus colli muscle, and one reference electrode on the right shoulder process of the scapula. After each completed test, an ongoing test report was generated.
Observational model: Case-Control
Time perspective: Prospective
Sampling method: Non-Probability Sample
Study population: 
        The study involved 8 patients after stroke in the course of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
        (CAA) and 8 healthy subjects.
      
Keywords: stroke,; CAA,; upper limb,; trunk exercises,; stabilization