Effects of dynamic supported standing training in a patient with pusher behavior: a case report

ABSTRACT

Background

The effects of task-specific and voluntary exercise in upright positions for pusher behavior remain unclear. In this report, we aimed to describe the effects of dynamic supported standing training using a modified standing frame to correct the alignment in a patient with severe pusher behavior.

Case Description

A 76-year-old man with cardioembolic ischemic stroke demonstrated pusher behavior. The patient underwent 3 days of dynamic supported standing training using a modified standing frame. The Scale for Contraversive Pushing, the Burke Lateropulsion Scale, and the Trunk Control Test were used to assess changes.

Outcomes

Immediate improvements in sitting balance were observed after the intervention, and the effects persisted to 8 days later.

Conclusion

Dynamic supported standing training using a modified standing frame may improve pusher behavior with short-term training. The collapsed posture of the patient in the present case was corrected using the modified standing frame. This neutral standing position could have a positive effect on motor learning with respect to holding one’s posture.

KEYWORDS:

• Case report
• stroke
• pusher behavior
• balance
• dynamic standing training

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This case report was supported by funding for the Hidaka Project [approval number: 30-D-1-16] at Saitama Medical University International Medical Center.