%0 Journal Article
%T Turning Ability in Stroke Survivors: A Review of Literature
%A Haidzir Manaf
%A Maria Justine
%A Mazlifah Omar
%A Khairil Anuar Md Isa
%A Zoolfaiz Salleh
%J ISRN Rehabilitation
%D 2012
%R 10.5402/2012/284924
%X The aim of this paper is to explore the research literature on the turning ability among stroke survivors. Stroke is one of the top five leading causes of death and disability in Malaysia. Stroke survivors reported a higher rate of fall incidences with turning while walking has been the major contributor in most of the incidences. The attentional task requires stroke survivors to have higher cognitive and attention function, and sound muscle coordination in order to perform multitask activities such as driving, walking and turning while talking, carrying an object (holding a plastic bag), navigating corners and overcoming obstacles within the base of support. Most of the previous studies have focused on the kinematic and gait parameters measurement of turning ability among stroke survivors. However, studies conducted on muscle activity using electromyography to evaluate the time pattern of muscle contraction during turning event is lacking. With regards to dual-task ability among stroke survivors, there is insufficient information or research into dual task (motor and cognitive) ability during turning. Further studies are needed to understand the effects of dual-task activity on muscle activity and gait parameters and how this impairment affects the turning ability. This needs to be addressed in order to prevent falls among stroke survivors. 1. Introduction Stroke or cerebrovascular accident is the second most common cause of death and disability worldwide [1]. In Malaysia, epidemiological data in 2002 showed that stroke was one of the top five leading causes of death with a mortality rate of 11.9 per 100,000 population [2]. In addition, the National Stroke Association of Malaysia highlighted that around 40,000 Malaysian are disabled due to stroke every year [3]. This indicates that the high number of stroke incidences may increase demand of health services as well as increases burden to caregivers. Stroke is defined as the ˇ°rapidly developing signs of focal (or global) disturbance of cerebral function, which is lasting more than 24 hours (unless interrupted by surgery or death), with no apparent nonvascular causeˇ± [4]. In other words, stroke is a disease caused by the disruption of blood vessels in the brain, such as ischemic and hemorrhagic [5]. Consequently, those who survived are presented with significant impairment that may affect sensorimotor, swallowing, perception, vision, emotion, cognitive, and communication which in turn may predispose them to various complications and long-term disability [6]. Fall seems to be the most common reported
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn.rehabilitation/2012/284924/