@article{UlmWohlrappMeinzeretal.2013,
  author    = {Ulm, Lena and Wohlrapp, Dorota and Meinzer, Marcus and Steinicke, Robert and Schatz, Alexej and Denzler, Petra and Klehmet, Juliane and Dohle, Christian and Niedeggen, Michael and Meisel, Andreas and Winter, York},
  title     = {A circle-monitor for computerised assessment of visual neglect in peripersonal space},
  series = {PLoS one},
  volume    = {8},
  journal   = {PLoS one},
  number    = {12},
  publisher = {PLoS},
  address   = {San Fransisco},
  issn      = {1932-6203},
  doi       = {10.1371/journal.pone.0082892},
  pages     = {10},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {Current assessment of visual neglect involves paper-and-pencil tests or computer-based tasks. Both have been criticised because of their lack of ecological validity as target stimuli can only be presented in a restricted visual range. This study examined the user-friendliness and diagnostic strength of a new "Circle-Monitor" (CM), which enlarges the range of the peripersonal space, in comparison to a standard paper-and-pencil test (Neglect-Test, NET). Methods: Ten stroke patients with neglect and ten age-matched healthy controls were examined by the NET and the CM test comprising of four subtests (Star Cancellation, Line Bisection, Dice Task, and Puzzle Test). Results: The acceptance of the CM in elderly controls and neglect patients was high. Participants rated the examination by CM as clear, safe and more enjoyable than NET. Healthy controls performed at ceiling on all subtests, without any systematic differences between the visual fields. Both NET and CM revealed significant differences between controls and patients in Line Bisection, Star Cancellation and visuo-constructive tasks (NET: Figure Copying, CM: Puzzle Test). Discriminant analyses revealed cross-validated assignment of patients and controls to groups was more precise when based on the CM (hit rate 90\%) as compared to the NET (hit rate 70\%). Conclusion: The CM proved to be a sensitive novel tool to diagnose visual neglect symptoms quickly and accurately with superior diagnostic validity compared to a standard neglect test while being well accepted by patients. Due to its upgradable functions the system may also be a valuable tool not only to test for non-visual neglect symptoms, but also to provide treatment and assess its outcome.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{FloeelWernerGrittneretal.2014,
  author    = {Fl{\"o}el, Agnes and Werner, Cordula and Grittner, Ulrike and Hesse, Stefan and J{\"o}bges, Michael and Knauss, Janet and Seifert, Michael and Steinhagen-Thiessen, Elisabeth and Goevercin, Mehmet and Dohle, Christian and Fischer, Wolfgang and Schlieder, Regina and Nave, Alexander Heinrich and Meisel, Andreas and Ebinger, Martin and Wellwood, Ian},
  title     = {Physical fitness training in Subacute Stroke (PHYS-STROKE) - study protocol for a randomised controlled trial},
  series = {Trials},
  volume    = {15},
  journal   = {Trials},
  publisher = {BioMed Central},
  address   = {London},
  issn      = {1745-6215},
  doi       = {10.1186/1745-6215-15-45},
  pages     = {12},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background: Given the rising number of strokes worldwide, and the large number of individuals left with disabilities after stroke, novel strategies to reduce disability, increase functions in the motor and the cognitive domains, and improve quality of life are of major importance. Physical activity is a promising intervention to address these challenges but, as yet, there is no study demonstrating definite outcomes. Our objective is to assess whether additional treatment in the form of physical fitness-based training for patients early after stroke will provide benefits in terms of functional outcomes, in particular gait speed and the Barthel Index (co-primary outcome measures) reflecting activities of daily living (ADL). We will gather secondary functional outcomes as well as mechanistic parameters in an exploratory approach. Methods/Design: Our phase III randomised controlled trial will recruit 215 adults with moderate to severe limitations of walking and ADL 5 to 45 days after stroke onset. Participants will be stratified for the prognostic variables of "centre", "age", and "stroke severity", and randomly assigned to one of two groups. The interventional group receives physical fitness training delivered as supported or unsupported treadmill training (cardiovascular active aerobic training; five times per week, over 4 weeks; each session 50 minutes; total of 20 additional physical fitness training sessions) in addition to standard rehabilitation treatment. The control intervention consists of relaxation sessions (non-cardiovascular active; five times per week week, over 4 weeks; each session 50 minutes) in addition to standard rehabilitation treatment. Co-primary efficacy endpoints will be gait speed (in m/s, 10 m walk) and the Barthel Index (100 points total) at 3 months post-stroke, compared to baseline measurements. Secondary outcomes include standard measures of quality of life, sleep and mood, cognition, arm function, maximal oxygen uptake, and cardiovascular risk factors including blood pressure, pulse, waist-to-hip ratio, markers of inflammation, immunity and the insulin-glucose pathway, lipid profile, and others. Discussion: The goal of this endpoint-blinded, phase III randomised controlled trial is to provide evidence to guide post-stroke physical fitness-based rehabilitation programmes, and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this intervention.},
  language  = {en}
}