Feasibility of Measuring Vertical Perception in Acute Stroke

The goal of this observational study is to establish if it is feasible to identify vertical perception deficits in people with acute stroke. The primary purpose to the study is: • To establish the feasibility of completing the Catherine Bergego Scale, Scale for Contraversive Pushing (SCP) and bucket test in a clinical environment with acute stroke patients to assist with identification of vertical perception loss. Participants will be asked to complete the assessments with a therapist 48 hours after admission. If they are not completed for any reason attempts will be made to complete them at one, two and four weeks after admission. Some participants will have them completed again on discharge. The Catherine Bergego Scale and SCP are observational and will involve a therapist watching the participant undertake daily activities. The bucket test involves a therapist placing a bucket in front of the face of the participant and asking them to identify when a line on the bottom of the bucket is vertical. Acceptabiliy and feasibility will be further investigated using a survey of participants who complete the assessments and through focus groups with the rehabilitation professionals admininstering the assessments. If it is feasible and acceptable to complete these assessments then further research can use them as an acceptable measure of vertical alignment in the clinical setting.