A randomized comparative study of manually assisted versus robotic-assisted body weight supported treadmill training in persons with a traumatic brain injury

OBJECTIVES

(1) To compare the effects of robotic-assisted treadmill training (RATT) and manually assisted treadmill training (MATT) in participants with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and (2) to determine the potential impact on the symmetry of temporal walking parameters, 6-minute walk test, and the mobility domain of the Stroke Impact Scale, version 3.0 (SIS).

DESIGN

Randomized prospective study.

SUBJECTS

A total of 16 participants with TBI and a baseline over ground walking self-selected velocity (SSV) of ≥0.2 m/s to 0.6 m/s randomly assigned to either the RATT or MATT group.

INTERVENTION

Gait training for 45 minutes, 3 times a week with either RATT or MATT for a total of 18 training sessions.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary: Overground walking SSV, maximal velocity. Secondary: Spatiotemporal symmetry, 6-minute walk test, and SIS.

RESULTS

Between-group differences were not statistically significant for any measure. However, from pretraining to post-training, the average SSV increased by 49.8% for the RATT group (P = .01) and by 31% for MATT group (P = .06). The average maximal velocity increased by 14.9% for the RATT group (P = .06) and by 30.8% for the MATT group (P = .01). Less staffing and effort was needed for RATT in this study. Step-length asymmetry ratio improved during SSV by 33.1% for the RATT group (P = .01) and by 9.1% for the MATT group (P = .73). The distance walked increased by 11.7% for the robotic group (P = .21) and by 19.3% for manual group (P = .03). A statistically significant improvement in the mobility domain of the SIS was found for both groups (P ≤ .03).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrate greater improvement in symmetry of gait (step length) for RATT and no significant differences between RATT and MATT with regard to improvement in gait velocity, endurance, and SIS. Our study provides evidence that participants with a chronic TBI can experience improvements in gait parameters with gait training with either MATT or RATT.

Safety and tolerance of the ReWalk™ exoskeleton suit for ambulation by people with complete spinal cord injury: a pilot study

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and tolerance of use of the ReWalk™ exoskeleton ambulation system in people with spinal cord injury. Measures of functional ambulation were also assessed and correlated to neurological spinal cord level, age, and duration since injury.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series observational study.

SETTING

A national spinal cord injury centre.

METHODS

Six volunteer participants were recruited from the follow-up outpatient clinic. Safety was assessed with regard to falls, status of the skin, status of the spine and joints, blood pressure, pulse, and electrocardiography (ECG). Pain and fatigue were graded by the participants using a visual analogue scale pre- and post-training. Participants completed a 10-statement questionnaire regarding safety, comfort, and secondary medical effects. After being able to walk 100 m, timed up and go, distance walked in 6 minutes and 10-m timed walk were measured.

RESULTS

There were no adverse safety events. Use of the system was generally well tolerated, with no increase in pain and a moderate level of fatigue after use. Individuals with lower level of spinal cord injury performed walking more efficiently.

CONCLUSION

Volunteer participants were able to ambulate with the ReWalk™ for a distance of 100 m, with no adverse effects during the course of an average of 13-14 training sessions. The participants were generally positive regarding the use of the system.

International consensus statement for the use of botulinum toxin treatment in adults and children with neurological impairments--introduction

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is most commonly used to reduce focal over-activity in skeletal muscle, although newer indications such as management of drooling, pain and tremor are emerging. Treatment of spasticity incorporating BoNT is usually part of an integrated multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme. Prior to initiating this therapy, specific functional limitations, goals and expected outcomes of treatment should be discussed with the patient/carers. Muscle selection and the order/priority of treatment should be agreed. Treatment goals may involve increasing active or passive function or the avoidance of secondary complications or impairment progression. This paper describes the basic science mechanisms of the action of BoNT and subsequent nerve recovery and introduces a supplement comprising the best available evidence and expert opinion from international panels on questions of assessment, indications, BoNT regimen, adjunctive therapy, expected outcomes and recommended monitoring. Speciality areas reviewed include Paediatric Lower Limb Hypertonicity, Paediatric Upper Limb Hypertonicity, Adult Lower Limb Hypertonicity, Adult Upper Limb Hypertonicity, Cervical Dystonia, Drooling and Pain and Niche Indications. There is good quality scientific evidence to support the efficacy of BoNT to reduce muscle over-activity in the limbs secondary to central nervous system disorders in adults and children, to address primary or secondary cervical dystonia, to reduce saliva flow and to treat some pain syndromes. There is emergent evidence for the efficacy of BoNT to reduce focal tremor, to treat other types of pain including neuropathic pain and also to improve function following treatment of focal muscle over-activity.

Multiple traumatic limb loss: a comparison of Vietnam veterans to OIF/OEF servicemembers

Multiple-limb loss due to war-theater injuries results in a unique group of servicemembers requiring intensive rehabilitation and diverse prosthetic devices. This article compares the Vietnam and the Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) groups with war-theater-associated multiple-limb loss to document significant changes in health status, prosthetic-device use, and long-term prognosis. During 2007 and 2008, a national survey queried 73 Vietnam veterans and 61 OIF/OEF servicemembers sustaining multiple-limb loss. Average years since limb loss are 39 for Vietnam veterans and 3 for OIF/OEF servicemembers. Self-rated health status was excellent or very good in 38.9% of the Vietnam group and 60.7% of the OIF/OEF group (p = 0.01). More of the OIF/OEF group than the Vietnam group reported performing high-impact aerobic activities, 18% versus 3% (p = 0.005). The OIF/OEF group currently uses more diverse prosthetic-device types than the Vietnam group. Based on Vietnam veterans' 39-year experience, the long-term prognosis for OIF/OEF servicemembers with multiple-limb loss is an active, fulfilling life. The healthcare team caring for these patients should carefully address proper prosthesis fit and maintenance of good health and function.

The effect of an ankle-foot orthosis on temporal spatial parameters and asymmetry of gait in hemiparetic patients

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) on certain walking parameters in patients with hemiplegia.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Gait and Motion Analysis Laboratory at MossRehab.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 1150 records of patients with stroke who were referred to the Gait and Motion Analysis Laboratory between 2000 and 2008 for an evaluation of their walking. Of this group, 217 patients wore braces at the time of the gait evaluation and were selected for a more in-depth review. Among these patients, 42 records were selected because of the existence of available data from temporal spatial analysis meeting 2 conditions: walking with bare feet and walking with an AFO during the same visit. METHODS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Under both conditions, temporal spatial parameters of gait, including self-selected velocity, cadence, stance time, swing time, double support time, step length, and width of the base of support, were assessed by the use of an electronic gait mat (Gait Mat II, EQ Inc.) originally designed in the Moss Rehabilitation Engineering Center.

RESULTS

Walking velocity, cadence, percent stance, double support, and step length significantly increased, whereas affected side percent swing and width of the base of support decreased when patients used an AFO. Symmetries of stance time (P = .0001) and step length (P = .002) improved as well when patients used an AFO compared with walking barefoot.

CONCLUSION

In this sample of patients with stroke, the use of an AFO improved the symmetry of several of the temporal spatial parameters of gait, and consequently, the gait pattern of these hemiparetic patients was enhanced.

Amputation rehabilitation and prosthetic restoration. From surgery to community reintegration

PURPOSE

The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature related to the advances that have taken place in the management and rehabilitation care of limb amputation.

RESULTS

Prostheses for the lower and upper limb amputee have changed greatly over the past several years, with advances in components, socket fabrication and fitting techniques, suspension systems and sources of power and electronic controls. Higher levels of limb amputation can now be fitted with functional prostheses, which allow more patients to achieve independent life styles. This is of particular importance for the multi-limb amputee. The rehabilitation of more traditional lower limb levels of amputation have also greatly benefited from the technological advances including energy storing feet, electronic control hydraulic knees, ankle rotators and shock absorbers to mention a few. For the upper limb amputee, myoelectric and proportional controlled terminal devices and elbow joints are now used routinely in some rehabilitation facilities. Experimental prosthetic fitting techniques and devices such as the use of osseo-implantation for suspension of the prosthesis, tension control hands or electromagnetic fluids for knee movement control will also be briefly discussed in this paper.

CONCLUSION

It is possible to conclude from this review that many advances have occurred that have greatly impacted the functional outcomes of patients with limb amputation.

Developing Core Sets for persons following amputation based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as a way to specify functioning

Amputation is a common late stage sequel of peripheral vascular disease and diabetes or a sequel of accidental trauma, civil unrest and landmines. The functional impairments affect many facets of life including but not limited to: Mobility; activities of daily living; body image and sexuality. Classification, measurement and comparison of the consequences of amputations has been impeded by the limited availability of internationally, multiculturally standardized instruments in the amputee setting. The introduction of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) by the World Health Assembly in May 2001 provides a globally accepted framework and classification system to describe, assess and compare function and disability. In order to facilitate the use of the ICF in everyday clinical practice and research, ICF core sets have been developed that focus on specific aspects of function typically associated with a particular disability. The objective of this paper is to outline the development process for the ICF core sets for persons following amputation. The ICF core sets are designed to translate the benefits of the ICF into clinical routine. The ICF core sets will be defined at a Consensus conference which will integrate evidence from preparatory studies, namely: (a) a systematic literature review regarding the outcome measures of clinical trails and observational studies, (b) semi-structured patient interviews, (c) international experts participating in an internet-based survey, and (d) cross-sectional, multi-center studies for clinical applicability. To validate the ICF core sets field-testing will follow. Invitation for participation: The development of ICF Core Sets is an inclusive and open process. Anyone who wishes to actively participate in this process is invited to do so.

Improvements in healthcare and cost benefits associated with botulinum toxin treatment of spasticity and muscle overactivity

Spasticity is a widespread, disabling form of muscle overactivity affecting patients with central nervous system damage resulting in upper motor neurone syndrome. There is a range of effective therapies for the treatment of spasticity (e.g. physical, anaesthetic, chemodenervation and neurolytic injections, systemic medication and surgery), but all therapies must be based on an individualized, multidisciplinary programme targeted to achieve patient goals. Appropriate therapy should be based on the extent and severity of spasticity, but spasticity and its consequences, regardless of presentation or cause, are commonly treated with systemic agents. This may be ill-advised as systemic treatment is associated with many undesirable effects. In particular, elderly patients with post-stroke spasticity are at risk from the central adverse effects of systemic medication (e.g. sedation and gait disturbance), which make them more susceptible to falling, with an associated increased risk of fracture. The rising costs of fracture care and its sequelae are fast becoming an international problem contributing to high healthcare expenditure. Botulinum toxin type-A (BoNT-A) treatment is highly effective for some of the more common forms of spasticity and muscle overactivity, and has a favourable profile when compared with systemic agents and other focal treatments. Therefore, the clinical benefits of BoNT-A treatment outweigh the apparent high costs of this intervention, showing it to be a cost-effective treatment.

Effects of Botulinum Toxin-A on Gait Velocity, Step Length, and Base of Support of Patients with Dynamic Equinovarus Foot

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify if botulinum toxin type A is a drug able to modify walking velocity, step length, and width of the base of support of adult patients with dynamic equinovarus foot deformity resulting from upper motor neuron syndrome.

DESIGN

This retrospective study analyzed data from 20 patients' files selected from 448 consecutive charts. The main inclusion criteria were the presence of dynamic equinovarus foot deformity due to upper motor neuron syndrome, age between 20 and 80 yrs, evaluation of temporospatial parameters of gait by the Gait Mat II before and 4 wks after botulinum toxin type A injection to the calf muscles, and the ability to walk barefoot, unassisted, and without braces. For data analysis, based on walking velocity, we divided the patients into two groups, slow walking velocity (0.18-0.49 m/sec) and medium walking velocity (0.50-0.99 m/sec).

RESULTS

Width of the base of support was significantly reduced after botulinum toxin type A treatment, both for the affected (P < 0.005) and the unaffected limbs (P < 0.002), in the group of subjects walking at medium velocity. Walking velocity or step length of either group of patients was not significantly modified by botulinum toxin type A treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this study, a significant effect of botulinum toxin type A on width of the base of support is evident and seems to be the result of a better position of the affected foot during the stance phase of locomotion leading to increased body stability and consequent reduction of width of the base of support of the unaffected limb. No change was evident in step length or walking velocity for this patient population.

Musculoskeletal pain in polio survivors and strength-matched controls

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether a significant difference exists between musculoskeletal symptoms of polio survivors and those of older adults with no history of polio, and to determine if activity level and strength predict pain in either group.

DESIGN

Matched research design.

SETTING

A research laboratory in a rehabilitation setting.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty-four polio survivors and 54 adults with no history of polio were matched for gender, race, and bilateral knee extensor strength and selected from a cohort of 316 subjects who participated in a study on the relation between activity level and health status.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Location and severity of musculoskeletal pain, activity frequency and intensity level, maximum voluntary isometric strength, and physical performance measures.

RESULTS

Polio survivors reported significantly more symptoms than the matched controls ( P <.05). Symptom status among the polio survivors was strongly associated with performance strain, perceived exertion, and activity intensity. Although the polio survivors had activity frequencies and habitual walking speeds that were similar to those from the matched controls, there was evidence that they performed activities at higher intensity levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Activity level is a factor in the development of musculoskeletal symptoms in polio survivors. Polio survivors who perform at higher intensity levels are more likely to have moderate to severe pain and more mobility difficulties.

Evidence-Based Review of Patient-Reported Outcomes With Botulinum Toxin Type A

This review systematically examines the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) on patient-reported outcomes across disorders using evidence-based criteria. The evidence provided by these studies ranged from randomized, controlled trials to case series. The effects of BTX-A on quality of life or global treatment outcomes were assessed in 48 studies across 16 different conditions. All but 7 of these reported benefits of BTX-A over baseline or the comparator condition (placebo or other treatment). The effects of BTX-A on impairment, activities, or participation were assessed in 46 studies across 17 different conditions. All but 4 reported benefits of BTX-A over baseline or the comparison group. The effects of BTX-A on satisfaction or preference were assessed in 14 studies across 11 different conditions, all of which reported high rates of satisfaction with BTX-A or preference over the comparator. These studies provide evidence that BTX-A exerts meaningful benefits on the quality of life of patients treated with this biologic agent.