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ALfaifi NY, Winokur EJ. Integrating Complementary Therapies in Managing Phantom Limb Pain: A Case Review. Pain Manag Nurs 2024:S1524-9042(24)00221-2. [PMID: 39147681 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2024.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This paper describes phantom limb pain (PLP), its impact on patients, and the various treatment options, including pharmacologic and complementary therapies. It investigates the efficacy of incorporating complementary and alternative therapies, both invasive and noninvasive, for amputees who have not achieved satisfactory results with pharmacologic treatments and suffer from adverse drug events. Furthermore, with the predicted increase in limb amputations, it is crucial for nurses, as frontline providers, to understand PLP, be prepared to manage persistent pain and associated psychological and functional issues and educate patients and families about alternative treatment options. APPROACH The review includes recent studies on pharmacologic interventions for PLP, case reports, and randomized clinical trials on non-pharmacologic complementary therapies, covering both invasive and noninvasive modalities. Studies from 2013 to 2022 were identified using the PubMed search engine with terms such as "Amputation," "phantom limb pain," "invasive therapies," and "non-invasive therapies." RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The pathogenesis of PLP remains unclear, complicating the identification of causes and the selection of targeted therapies for each patient. Uncontrolled PLP can severely impact the quality of life, causing psychological distress and loss of productivity. Traditional pharmacologic therapy often requires supplementation with other options due to PLP's refractory nature. A comprehensive, multimodal treatment plan, including non-pharmacologic therapies, can enhance rehabilitation and reduce complications. Incorporating these therapies can decrease reliance on medications, particularly opioids, and mitigate side effects. Although many potential PLP treatments exist, further clinical studies are needed to determine their effectiveness and establish protocols for optimizing patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Njood Y ALfaifi
- Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing, Rongxiang Xu College of Health and Human Services, California State University, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Elizabeth J Winokur
- Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing, Rongxiang Xu College of Health and Human Services, California State University, Los Angeles, California
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Rierola-Fochs S, Terradas-Monllor M, Varela-Vasquez LA, Ochandorena-Acha M, Minobes-Molina E, Merchán Baeza JA. Feasibility study of a home-based graded motor imagery intervention (GraMI protocol) for amputees with phantom limb pain. Physiother Theory Pract 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38708842 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2024.2349759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Phantom limb pain affects 64% of amputees. Graded Motor Imagery comprises three consecutive application techniques designed to reorganize maladaptive changes that have occurred after the amputation. OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility of a home-based Graded Motor Imagery intervention, the GraMI protocol, for amputee people with phantom limb pain. METHODS Twenty individuals over 18 years of age with upper or lower limb amputation, experiencing phantom limb pain, who were pharmacologically stable, and had been discharged from the hospital were recruited. The experimental group followed the GraMI protocol. Primary outcomes included study processes, such as recruitment time and rate, adherence, compliance, and the acceptability of digital technologies as a treatment tool. Secondary outcomes assessed the impact on phantom limb pain, quality of life, functionality, and depressive symptoms. RESULTS On average, seven participants were recruited monthly over a three-month period. No losses were recorded throughout the nine weeks of intervention. Treatment adherence averaged 89.32%, and all participants demonstrated familiarity with the usability of digital technologies. No significant differences were observed between groups (p = .054). However, within the experimental group, intragroup analysis revealed a significant (p = .005) and clinically relevant reduction (>2 points) with a large effect size (0.89) in phantom limb pain. CONCLUSION Conducting a multicenter study with a home-based intervention using the GraMI protocol is feasible. Future clinical trials are needed to verify its effectiveness in managing phantom limb pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Rierola-Fochs
- Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O), Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Vic, Spain
| | - Marc Terradas-Monllor
- Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O), Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Vic, Spain
- Pain Medicine Section, Anaesthesiology Dept, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luz Adriana Varela-Vasquez
- Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O), Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Vic, Spain
- Tecnocampus Mataró-Maresme, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Mataró, Spain
| | - Mirari Ochandorena-Acha
- Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O), Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Vic, Spain
| | - Eduard Minobes-Molina
- Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O), Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Vic, Spain
- Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Antonio Merchán Baeza
- Research group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O), Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Life Sciences and Health in Central Catalonia (IRIS-CC), Vic, Spain
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Sparling T, Iyer L, Pasquina P, Petrus E. Cortical Reorganization after Limb Loss: Bridging the Gap between Basic Science and Clinical Recovery. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1051232024. [PMID: 38171645 PMCID: PMC10851691 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1051-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the increasing incidence and prevalence of amputation across the globe, individuals with acquired limb loss continue to struggle with functional recovery and chronic pain. A more complete understanding of the motor and sensory remodeling of the peripheral and central nervous system that occurs postamputation may help advance clinical interventions to improve the quality of life for individuals with acquired limb loss. The purpose of this article is to first provide background clinical context on individuals with acquired limb loss and then to provide a comprehensive review of the known motor and sensory neural adaptations from both animal models and human clinical trials. Finally, the article bridges the gap between basic science researchers and clinicians that treat individuals with limb loss by explaining how current clinical treatments may restore function and modulate phantom limb pain using the underlying neural adaptations described above. This review should encourage the further development of novel treatments with known neurological targets to improve the recovery of individuals postamputation.Significance Statement In the United States, 1.6 million people live with limb loss; this number is expected to more than double by 2050. Improved surgical procedures enhance recovery, and new prosthetics and neural interfaces can replace missing limbs with those that communicate bidirectionally with the brain. These advances have been fairly successful, but still most patients experience persistent problems like phantom limb pain, and others discontinue prostheses instead of learning to use them daily. These problematic patient outcomes may be due in part to the lack of consensus among basic and clinical researchers regarding the plasticity mechanisms that occur in the brain after amputation injuries. Here we review results from clinical and animal model studies to bridge this clinical-basic science gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawnee Sparling
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
| | - Laxmi Iyer
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland 20817
| | - Paul Pasquina
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
| | - Emily Petrus
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
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Rask DMG, Adams MH, Liverneaux P, Plucknette BF, Wilson DJ, Alderete JF, Sabbag CM. Targeted muscle reinnervation in upper extremity amputation in military hand surgery: A systematic review. HAND SURGERY & REHABILITATION 2023; 42:392-399. [PMID: 37499798 DOI: 10.1016/j.hansur.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) is a surgical technique utilized to alleviate post-amputation neuroma pain, reduce reliance on narcotic pain medication, and enhance control of prosthetic devices. Motor targets for upper extremity TMR vary depending on injury patterns and amputation levels, with conventional transfer patterns serving as general guides. This study aims to summarize the common patterns of TMR in transradial and transhumeral amputations, focusing on anatomic and surgical considerations. METHODS A comprehensive systematic review of TMR literature was conducted by two independent physician reviewers (M.H.A. and D.M.G.R.) to identify the prevailing motor targets, while considering injury patterns and amputation levels. INCLUSION CRITERIA 1) TMR techniques, outcomes, or advancements; 2) Original research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, or clinical trials; 3) Peer-reviewed journal articles or reputable conference proceedings. EXCLUSION CRITERIA non-English resources, editorials, opinion pieces, and case reports. The databases utilized include MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE (Scopus) and Cochrane CENTRAL, last searched 01APR2023. RESULTS The reviewed literature revealed multiple motor targets described for upper extremity TMR out of our included 51 studies. However, the selection of motor targets is influenced by the availability of viable options based on injury patterns and amputation levels. Conventional transfer patterns provide useful guidance for determining appropriate motor targets in transradial and transhumeral amputations. DISCUSSION TMR has played a significant role in military medicine, particularly in addressing the impact of blast-related injuries. The energy associated with such injuries often results in substantial soft tissue defects, higher amputation levels, and increased post-amputation pain. TMR, in conjunction with advancements in prosthetic technology and ongoing military research, offers improved outcomes to help achieve the goals of active-duty service members. The capabilities and applications of TMR continue to expand rapidly due to its high surgical success rate, technological innovations in prosthetic care, and favorable patient outcomes. As technology evolves to include implantable devices, osseointegration techniques, and bidirectional neuroprosthetic devices, the future of amputation surgery and TMR holds immense promise, offering innovative solutions to optimize patient outcomes. It is important to note, this review was limited to the data available in the included resources which was mostly qualitative; thus, it did not involve primary data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn M G Rask
- Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA
| | - Mason H Adams
- Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA.
| | - Philippe Liverneaux
- ICube, University of Strasbourg, CNRS, 2-4 rue Boussingault, 67000 Strasbourg, France; Department of Hand Surgery, Strasbourg University Hospitals, FMTS, 1 avenue Molière, 67200 Strasbourg, France
| | | | - David J Wilson
- Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA
| | - Joseph F Alderete
- Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA
| | - Casey M Sabbag
- Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA
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Gunterstockman BM, Knight AD, Mahon CE, Childers WL, Cagle T, Hendershot BD, Farrokhi S. Relationship between phantom limb pain, function, and psychosocial health in individuals with lower-limb loss. Prosthet Orthot Int 2023; 47:181-188. [PMID: 36637908 DOI: 10.1097/pxr.0000000000000191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The adverse influence of chronic pain on function and psychological health in the general population is well understood. However, the relationship between phantom limb pain (PLP) after limb loss with function and psychological health is less clear. The study purpose was to assess the influences of PLP presence and intensity on function and psychosocial health in individuals with lower-limb loss (LLL). METHODS One hundred two individuals with major LLL completed a study-specific questionnaire on the presence and intensity of their PLP. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System -29 questionnaire was also administered. RESULTS Of 102 participants, 64% reported PLP, with a mean intensity of 4.8 ± 2.3 out of 10. Individuals with vs. without PLP demonstrated significantly greater sleep disturbances ( p = 0.03), whereas the differences in function, fatigue, pain interference, depressive symptoms, anxiety, or ability to participate in social roles and activities were not statistically different between groups ( p > 0.05). Of note, mean scores for many of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29 short forms among the current sample were similar to the mean of the general population, minimizing the potential clinical impact of PLP on these domains. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate a lack of meaningful associations between PLP presence or intensity with function, and psychosocial health among individuals with LLL. These findings conflict with previous research suggesting an adverse relationship between PLP, function, and psychosocial health after limb loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittney M Gunterstockman
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Lincoln Memorial University, Knoxville, TN, USA
- Currently with Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN, USA
- Research & Surveillance Division, DoD-VA Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Physical & Occupational Therapy, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ashley D Knight
- Research & Surveillance Division, DoD-VA Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Caitlin E Mahon
- Research & Surveillance Division, DoD-VA Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - W Lee Childers
- Research & Surveillance Division, DoD-VA Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Center for the Intrepid, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Tyler Cagle
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Center for the Intrepid, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Brad D Hendershot
- Research & Surveillance Division, DoD-VA Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shawn Farrokhi
- Research & Surveillance Division, DoD-VA Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Physical & Occupational Therapy, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Schone HR, Baker CI, Katz J, Nikolajsen L, Limakatso K, Flor H, Makin TR. Making sense of phantom limb pain. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2022; 93:jnnp-2021-328428. [PMID: 35609964 PMCID: PMC9304093 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2021-328428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Phantom limb pain (PLP) impacts the majority of individuals who undergo limb amputation. The PLP experience is highly heterogenous in its quality, intensity, frequency and severity. This heterogeneity, combined with the low prevalence of amputation in the general population, has made it difficult to accumulate reliable data on PLP. Consequently, we lack consensus on PLP mechanisms, as well as effective treatment options. However, the wealth of new PLP research, over the past decade, provides a unique opportunity to re-evaluate some of the core assumptions underlying what we know about PLP and the rationale behind PLP treatments. The goal of this review is to help generate consensus in the field on how best to research PLP, from phenomenology to treatment. We highlight conceptual and methodological challenges in studying PLP, which have hindered progress on the topic and spawned disagreement in the field, and offer potential solutions to overcome these challenges. Our hope is that a constructive evaluation of the foundational knowledge underlying PLP research practices will enable more informed decisions when testing the efficacy of existing interventions and will guide the development of the next generation of PLP treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter R Schone
- NIMH, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK
| | - Chris I Baker
- NIMH, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Joel Katz
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Transitional Pain Service, Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lone Nikolajsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Katleho Limakatso
- Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Pain Management Unit, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Herta Flor
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health/Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Tamar R Makin
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK
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Wang F, Zhang R, Zhang J, Li D, Wang Y, Yang YH, Wei Q. Effects of mirror therapy on phantom limb sensation and phantom limb pain in amputees: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Rehabil 2021; 35:1710-1721. [PMID: 34308686 DOI: 10.1177/02692155211027332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of mirror therapy on phantom limb sensation and phantom limb pain in amputees. DATA SOURCES Nine electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycInfo, PreQuest, PEDro) were searched from their inception to May 10th, 2021. METHODS Two authors independently selected relevant studies and extracted the data. The effect sizes were calculated under a random-effects model meta-analysis, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. The risk of bias was evaluated by the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and the methodological quality was appraised by the PEDro scale. The GRADE approach was applied to assess the confidence of the effect. RESULTS A total of 11 RCTs involving 491 participants were included in this review and nine RCTs involving 372 participants were included in meta-analysis. The quality of these studies was from poor to good with scores ranging from 2 to 8 points according to PEDro scale. The pooled SMD showed that mirror therapy reduced the pain with a large effect size (-0.81; 95% CI = -1.36 to -0.25; P = 0.005; I2 = 82%; n = 372) compared with other methods (four covered mirror, one phantom exercise, three mental visualization, one sensorimotor exercise, one transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, one tactile stimuli). The quality of evidence for the outcome pain intensity was determined to be fair according to GRADE approach. CONCLUSION There is fair-quality evidence that MT is beneficial for reducing phantom limb pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyi Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Rengang Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Dinggen Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yong-Hong Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Quan Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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