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

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.