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Brangaccio JA, Phipps AM, Gemoets DE, Sniffen JM, Thompson AK. Variability of corticospinal and spinal reflex excitability for the ankle dorsiflexor tibialis anterior across repeated measurements in people with and without incomplete spinal cord injury. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:727-743. [PMID: 38267736 PMCID: PMC10894771 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06777-z] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
To adequately evaluate the corticospinal and spinal plasticity in health and disease, it is essential to understand whether and to what extent the corticospinal and spinal responses fluctuate systematically across multiple measurements. Thus, in this study, we examined the session-to-session variability of corticospinal excitability for the ankle dorsiflexor tibialis anterior (TA) in people with and without incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). In neurologically normal participants, the following measures were obtained across 4 days at the same time of day (N = 13) or 4 sessions over a 12-h period (N = 9, at 8:00, 12:00, 16:00, and 20:00): maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), maximum M-wave and H-reflex (Mmax and Hmax), motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude, and silent period (SP) after MEP. In participants with chronic incomplete SCI (N = 17), the same measures were obtained across 4 days. We found no clear diurnal variation in the spinal and corticospinal excitability of the TA in individuals with no known neurological conditions, and no systematic changes in any experimental measures of spinal and corticospinal excitability across four measurement days in individuals with or without SCI. Overall, mean deviations across four sessions remained in a range of 5-13% for all measures in participants with or without SCI. The study shows the limited extent of non-systematic session-to-session variability in the TA corticospinal excitability in individuals with and without chronic incomplete SCI, supporting the utility of corticospinal and spinal excitability measures in mechanistic investigation of neuromodulation interventions. The information provided through this study may serve as the reference in evaluating corticospinal plasticity across multiple experimental sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Brangaccio
- National Center for Adaptive Neurotechnologies and Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA
| | - A M Phipps
- Department of Health Sciences and Research, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, 77 President Street, MSC 700, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - D E Gemoets
- National Center for Adaptive Neurotechnologies and Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA
| | - J M Sniffen
- State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Aiko K Thompson
- Department of Health Sciences and Research, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, 77 President Street, MSC 700, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
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McCane LM, Wolpaw JR, Thompson AK. Effects of active and sham tDCS on the soleus H-reflex during standing. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:1611-1622. [PMID: 37145136 PMCID: PMC10224818 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06624-7] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Weak transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is known to affect corticospinal excitability and enhance motor skill acquisition, whereas its effects on spinal reflexes in actively contracting muscles are yet to be established. Thus, in this study, we examined the acute effects of Active and Sham tDCS on the soleus H-reflex during standing. In fourteen adults without known neurological conditions, the soleus H-reflex was repeatedly elicited at just above M-wave threshold throughout 30 min of Active (N = 7) or Sham (N = 7) 2-mA tDCS over the primary motor cortex in standing. The maximum H-reflex (Hmax) and M-wave (Mmax) were also measured before and immediately after 30 min of tDCS. The soleus H-reflex amplitudes became significantly larger (by 6%) ≈1 min into Active or Sham tDCS and gradually returned toward the pre-tDCS values, on average, within 15 min. With Active tDCS, the amplitude reduction from the initial increase appeared to occur more swiftly than with Sham tDCS. An acute temporary increase in the soleus H-reflex amplitude within the first minute of Active and Sham tDCS found in this study indicates a previously unreported effect of tDCS on the H-reflex excitability. The present study suggests that neurophysiological characterization of Sham tDCS effects is just as important as investigating Active tDCS effects in understanding and defining acute effects of tDCS on the excitability of spinal reflex pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn M McCane
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
- National Center for Adaptive Neurotechnologies, Stratton VAMC, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Jonathan R Wolpaw
- National Center for Adaptive Neurotechnologies, Stratton VAMC, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Aiko K Thompson
- Department of Health Sciences and Research, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, 77 President Street, MSC 700, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
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Effects of trunk neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the motor circuits of able-bodied individuals. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:979-990. [PMID: 36918420 PMCID: PMC10082097 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06585-x] [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: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Upper- and lower-limb neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is known to modulate the excitability of the neural motor circuits. However, it remains unclear whether short-duration trunk muscle NMES could achieve similar neuromodulation effects. We assessed motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited through transcranial magnetic stimulation of the primary motor cortex representation of the trunk extensor muscles to evaluate corticospinal excitability. Moreover, cervicomedullary motor evoked potentials (CMEPs) were assessed through cervicomedullary junction magnetic stimulation to evaluate subcortical excitability. Twelve able-bodied individuals participated in the MEP study, and another twelve in the CMEP study. During the interventions, NMES was applied bilaterally to activate the erector spinae muscle and produce intermittent contractions (20 s ON/20 s OFF) for a total of 20 min while participants remained seated. Assessments were performed: (i) before; (ii) during (in brief periods when NMES was OFF); and (iii) immediately after the interventions to compare MEP or CMEP excitability. Our results showed that MEP responses were not affected by trunk NMES, while CMEP responses were facilitated for approximately 8 min during the intervention, and returned to baseline before the end of the 20 min stimulating period. Our findings therefore suggest that short-duration NMES of the trunk extensor muscles likely does not affect the corticospinal excitability, but it has a potential to facilitate subcortical neural circuits immediately after starting the intervention. These findings indicate that short-duration application of NEMS may be helpful in rehabilitation to enhance neuromodulation of the trunk subcortical neural motor circuits.
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He X, Lei L, Yu G, Lin X, Sun Q, Chen S. Asymmetric cortical activation in healthy and hemiplegic individuals during walking: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy neuroimaging study. Front Neurol 2023; 13:1044982. [PMID: 36761919 PMCID: PMC9905619 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1044982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study investigated the cortical activation mechanism underlying locomotor control during healthy and hemiplegic walking. Methods A total of eight healthy individuals with right leg dominance (male patients, 75%; mean age, 40.06 ± 4.53 years) and six post-stroke patients with right hemiplegia (male patients, 86%; mean age, 44.41 ± 7.23 years; disease course, 5.21 ± 2.63 months) completed a walking task at a treadmill speed of 2 km/h and a functional electrical stimulation (FES)-assisted walking task, respectively. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to detect hemodynamic changes in neuronal activity in the bilateral sensorimotor cortex (SMC), supplementary motor area (SMA), and premotor cortex (PMC). Results fNIRS cortical mapping showed more SMC-PMC-SMA locomotor network activation during hemiplegic walking than during healthy gait. Furthermore, more SMA and PMC activation in the affected hemisphere was observed during the FES-assisted hemiplegic walking task than during the non-FES-assisted task. The laterality index indicated asymmetric cortical activation during hemiplegic gait, with relatively greater activation in the unaffected (right) hemisphere during hemiplegic gait than during healthy walking. During hemiplegic walking, the SMC and SMA were predominantly activated in the unaffected hemisphere, whereas the PMC was predominantly activated in the affected hemisphere. No significant differences in the laterality index were noted between the other groups and regions (p > 0.05). Conclusion An important feature of asymmetric cortical activation was found in patients with post-stroke during the walking process, which was the recruitment of more SMC-SMA-PMC activation than in healthy individuals. Interestingly, there was no significant lateralized activation during hemiplegic walking with FES assistance, which would seem to indicate that FES may help hemiplegic walking recover the balance in cortical activation. These results, which are worth verifying through additional research, suggest that FES used as a potential therapeutic strategy may play an important role in motor recovery after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokuo He
- Department of Rehabilitative Medicine, Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiamen, China
| | - Lei Lei
- Department of Rehabilitative Medicine, Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiamen, China
| | - Guo Yu
- Department of Rehabilitative Medicine, Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiamen, China
| | - Xin Lin
- Department of Rehabilitative Medicine, Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiamen, China
| | - Qianqian Sun
- Department of Rehabilitative Medicine, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Xiangyang, Hubei, China,Qianqian Sun ✉
| | - Shanjia Chen
- Department of Rehabilitative Medicine, Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiamen, China,Department of Rehabilitative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China,*Correspondence: Shanjia Chen ✉
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Yamaguchi A, Sasaki A, Popovic MR, Milosevic M, Nakazawa K. Low-level voluntary input enhances corticospinal excitability during ankle dorsiflexion neuromuscular electrical stimulation in healthy young adults. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282671. [PMID: 36888637 PMCID: PMC10045604 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous evidence indicated that interventions with combined neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and voluntary muscle contractions could have superior effects on corticospinal excitability when the produced total force is larger than each single intervention. However, it is unclear whether the superior effects exist when the produced force is matched between the interventions. Ten able-bodied individuals performed three intervention sessions on separate days: (i) NMES-tibialis anterior (TA) stimulation; (ii) NMES+VOL-TA stimulation combined with voluntary ankle dorsiflexion; (iii) VOL-voluntary ankle dorsiflexion. Each intervention was exerted at the same total output of 20% of maximal force and applied intermittently (5 s ON / 19 s OFF) for 16 min. Motor evoked potentials (MEP) of the right TA and soleus muscles and maximum motor response (Mmax) of the common peroneal nerve were assessed: before, during, and for 30 min after each intervention. Additionally, the ankle dorsiflexion force-matching task was evaluated before and after each intervention. Consequently, the TA MEP/Mmax during NMES+VOL and VOL sessions were significantly facilitated immediately after the interventions started until the interventions were over. Compared to NMES, larger facilitation was observed during NMES+VOL and VOL sessions, but no difference was found between them. Motor control was not affected by any interventions. Although superior combined effects were not shown compared to voluntary contractions alone, low-level voluntary contractions combined with NMES resulted in facilitated corticospinal excitability compared to NMES alone. This suggests that the voluntary drive could improve the effects of NMES even during low-level contractions, even if motor control is not affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Yamaguchi
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Meguroku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine I, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sasaki
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Meguroku, Tokyo, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Chiyodaku, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Milos R. Popovic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute—University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- CRANIA, University Health Network & University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matija Milosevic
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kimitaka Nakazawa
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Meguroku, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Ni L, Yao Z, Zhao Y, Zhang T, Wang J, Li S, Chen Z. Electrical stimulation therapy for peripheral nerve injury. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1081458. [PMID: 36908597 PMCID: PMC9998520 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1081458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury is common and frequently occurs in extremity trauma patients. The motor and sensory impairment caused by the injury will affect patients' daily life and social work. Surgical therapeutic approaches don't assure functional recovery, which may lead to neuronal atrophy and hinder accelerated regeneration. Rehabilitation is a necessary stage for patients to recover better. A meaningful role in non-pharmacological intervention is played by rehabilitation, through individualized electrical stimulation therapy. Clinical studies have shown that electrical stimulation enhances axon growth during nerve repair and accelerates sensorimotor recovery. According to different effects and parameters, electrical stimulation can be divided into neuromuscular, transcutaneous, and functional electrical stimulation. The therapeutic mechanism of electrical stimulation may be to reduce muscle atrophy and promote muscle reinnervation by increasing the expression of structural protective proteins and neurotrophic factors. Meanwhile, it can modulate sensory feedback and reduce neuralgia by inhibiting the descending pathway. However, there are not many summary clinical application parameters of electrical stimulation, and the long-term effectiveness and safety also need to be further explored. This article aims to explore application methodologies for effective electrical stimulation in the rehabilitation of peripheral nerve injury, with simultaneous consideration for fundamental principles of electrical stimulation and the latest technology. The highlight of this paper is to identify the most appropriate stimulation parameters (frequency, intensity, duration) to achieve efficacious electrical stimulation in the rehabilitation of peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingmei Ni
- Infection Prevention and Control Department, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhao Yao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tianfang Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Siyue Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zuobing Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Kaneko N, Sasaki A, Yokoyama H, Masugi Y, Nakazawa K. Changes in corticospinal and spinal reflex excitability through functional electrical stimulation with and without observation and imagination of walking. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:994138. [PMID: 36237950 PMCID: PMC9552297 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.994138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional electrical stimulation (FES), a method for inducing muscle contraction, has been successfully used in gait rehabilitation for patients with deficits after neurological disorders and several clinical studies have found that it can improve gait function after stroke and spinal cord injury. However, FES gait training is not suitable for patients with walking difficulty, such as those with severe motor paralysis of the lower limbs. We have previously shown that action observation combined with motor imagery (AO + MI) of walking induces walking-related cortical activity. Therefore, we combined FES, which alternately generates dorsiflexion and plantar flexion, with AO + MI as an alternative to gait training. The present study investigates the transient effects of 20-min of FES simultaneously with and without AO + MI of walking on corticospinal and spinal reflex excitability in able-bodied participants. We measured motor evoked potentials and Hoffmann-reflexes to assess corticospinal and spinal reflex excitability at rest before and after the 20-min FES with and without the AO + MI. Our results show that FES without AO + MI did not change excitability (p > 0.05), while FES with AO + MI facilitated corticospinal excitability (p < 0.05). This facilitation likely occurred due to the synchronization of sensory inputs from FES and cortical activity during AO + MI. Facilitation was observed only in the dorsiflexor but not the plantar flexor muscle (p < 0.05), suggesting muscle specificity of the facilitation. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of combining FES with AO + MI and pave the way for novel neurorehabilitation strategies for patients with neurological gait deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naotsugu Kaneko
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sasaki
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Mechanical Science and Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hikaru Yokoyama
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yohei Masugi
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- School of Health Sciences, Tokyo International University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kimitaka Nakazawa
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Kimitaka Nakazawa,
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Hayami N, Williams HE, Shibagaki K, Vette AH, Suzuki Y, Nakazawa K, Nomura T, Milosevic M. Development and Validation of a Closed-Loop Functional Electrical Stimulation-Based Controller for Gait Rehabilitation Using a Finite State Machine Model. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2022; 30:1642-1651. [PMID: 35709114 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2022.3183571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) can be used to initiate lower limb muscle contractions and has been widely applied in gait rehabilitation. Establishing the correct timing of FES activation during each phase of the gait (walking) cycle remains challenging as most FES systems rely on open-loop control, whereby the controller receives no feedback about joint kinematics and instead relies on predetermined/timed muscle stimulation. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a closed-loop FES-based control solution for gait rehabilitation using a finite state machine (FSM) model. A two-phased study approach was taken: (1) Experimentally-Informed Study: A neuromuscular-derived FSM model was developed to drive closed-loop FES-based control for gait rehabilitation. The finite states were determined using electromyography and joint kinematics data of 12 non-disabled adults, collected during treadmill walking. The gait cycles were divided into four states, namely: swing-to-stance, push off, pre-swing, and toe up. (2) Simulation Study: A closed-loop FES-based control solution that employed the resulting FSM model, was validated through comparisons of neuro-musculo-skeletal computer simulations of impaired versus healthy gait. This closed-loop controller yielded steadier simulated impaired gait, in comparison to an open-loop alternative. The simulation results confirmed that accurate timing of FES activation during the gait cycle, as informed by kinematics data, is important to natural gait retraining. The closed-loop FES-based solution, introduced in this study, contributes to the repository of gait rehabilitation control options and offers the advantage of being simplistic to implement. Furthermore, this control solution is expected to integrate well with powered exoskeleton technologies.
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Therapeutic effect of gait training with two types of ankle-foot orthoses on the gait of the stroke patients in the recovery phase. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil 2022; 68:175-183. [PMID: 35989954 PMCID: PMC9366476 DOI: 10.5606/tftrd.2022.7866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to demonstrate the therapeutic effect of gait training using ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) on the gait of stroke patients when not wearing AFOs with two different types of AFO, an AFO with an oil damper (AFO-OD) that resists plantarflexion and an AFO with a plantarflexion stop (AFO-PS), and to display the possible differences between the AFO types.
Patients and methods
Forty-two patients (38 males, 4 males, mean age: 59.7±10.9; range, 38 to 81 years) with subacute stroke were randomized to either an AFO-PS or an AFO-OD group. Participants were given gait training in a two-week period by physiotherapists wearing their allocated AFO. Nineteen patients were assigned to the AFO-PS group and 20 to the AFO-OD group. Patients' gait without an AFO before gait training and then after two weeks of training wearing allocated AFOs was recorded through a three-dimensional movement capture system.
Results
A therapeutic effect through two weeks of continuous use of AFOs and gait training was found in both AFO groups (main effect of time) in the spatiotemporal factors, ankle joint moments, ankle power generation, shank-to-vertical angle, and center of gravity velocity throughout the stance phase, pre-swing knee angular velocity, and hip flexion moment in pre-swing. The results did not show a large interaction between two AFOs group.
Conclusion
These findings reveal that both AFOs had significant therapeutic effects on stroke gait. There was no significant difference between the two AFO groups. Further studies with a control group representing the effects of gait training without wearing an AFO are needed.
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Smart Protocols for Physical Therapy of Foot Drop Based on Functional Electrical Stimulation: A Case Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9050502. [PMID: 33925814 PMCID: PMC8146368 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9050502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is used for treating foot drop by delivering electrical pulses to the anterior tibialis muscle during the swing phase of gait. This treatment requires that a patient can walk, which is mostly possible in the later phases of rehabilitation. In the early phase of recovery, the therapy conventionally consists of stretching exercises, and less commonly of FES delivered cyclically. Nevertheless, both approaches minimize patient engagement, which is inconsistent with recent findings that the full rehabilitation potential could be achieved by an active psycho-physical engagement of the patient during physical therapy. Following this notion, we proposed smart protocols whereby the patient sits and ankle movements are FES-induced by self-control. In six smart protocols, movements of the paretic ankle were governed by the non-paretic ankle with different control strategies, while in the seventh voluntary movements of the paretic ankle were used for stimulation triggering. One stroke survivor in the acute phase of recovery participated in the study. During the therapy, the patient’s voluntary ankle range of motion increased and reached the value of normal gait after 15 sessions. Statistical analysis did not reveal the differences between the protocols in FES-induced movements.
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Alder G, Signal N, Vandal AC, Olsen S, Jochumsen M, Niazi IK, Taylor D. Investigating the Intervention Parameters of Endogenous Paired Associative Stimulation (ePAS). Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11020224. [PMID: 33673171 PMCID: PMC7918620 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11020224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in our understanding of neural plasticity have prompted the emergence of neuromodulatory interventions, which modulate corticomotor excitability (CME) and hold potential for accelerating stroke recovery. Endogenous paired associative stimulation (ePAS) involves the repeated pairing of a single pulse of peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) with endogenous movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs), which are derived from electroencephalography. However, little is known about the optimal parameters for its delivery. A factorial design with repeated measures delivered four different versions of ePAS, in which PES intensities and movement type were manipulated. Linear mixed models were employed to assess interaction effects between PES intensity (suprathreshold (Hi) and motor threshold (Lo)) and movement type (Voluntary and Imagined) on CME. ePAS interventions significantly increased CME compared to control interventions, except in the case of Lo-Voluntary ePAS. There was an overall main effect for the Hi-Voluntary ePAS intervention immediately post-intervention (p = 0.002), with a sub-additive interaction effect at 30 min’ post-intervention (p = 0.042). Hi-Imagined and Lo-Imagined ePAS significantly increased CME for 30 min post-intervention (p = 0.038 and p = 0.043 respectively). The effects of the two PES intensities were not significantly different. CME was significantly greater after performing imagined movements, compared to voluntary movements, with motor threshold PES (Lo) 15 min post-intervention (p = 0.012). This study supports previous research investigating Lo-Imagined ePAS and extends those findings by illustrating that ePAS interventions that deliver suprathreshold intensities during voluntary or imagined movements (Hi-Voluntary and Hi-Imagined) also increase CME. Importantly, our findings indicate that stimulation intensity and movement type interact in ePAS interventions. Factorial designs are an efficient way to explore the effects of manipulating the parameters of neuromodulatory interventions. Further research is required to ensure that these parameters are appropriately refined to maximise intervention efficacy for people with stroke and to support translation into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Alder
- Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0627, New Zealand; (N.S.); (S.O.); (I.K.N.); (D.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nada Signal
- Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0627, New Zealand; (N.S.); (S.O.); (I.K.N.); (D.T.)
| | - Alain C. Vandal
- Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand;
- Ko Awatea, Counties Manukau Health, Auckland 2025, New Zealand
| | - Sharon Olsen
- Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0627, New Zealand; (N.S.); (S.O.); (I.K.N.); (D.T.)
| | - Mads Jochumsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark;
| | - Imran Khan Niazi
- Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0627, New Zealand; (N.S.); (S.O.); (I.K.N.); (D.T.)
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark;
- Centre for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, Auckland 1060, New Zealand
| | - Denise Taylor
- Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0627, New Zealand; (N.S.); (S.O.); (I.K.N.); (D.T.)
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Fok KL, Kaneko N, Sasaki A, Nakagawa K, Nakazawa K, Masani K. Motor Point Stimulation in Spinal Paired Associative Stimulation can Facilitate Spinal Cord Excitability. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:593806. [PMID: 33328940 PMCID: PMC7729006 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.593806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Paired associative stimulation at the spinal cord (spinal PAS) has been shown to increase muscle force and dexterity by strengthening the corticomuscular connection, through spike timing dependent plasticity. Typically, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcutaneous peripheral nerve electrical stimulation (PNS) are often used in spinal PAS. PNS targets superficial nerve branches, by which the number of applicable muscles is limited. Alternatively, a muscle can be activated by positioning the stimulation electrode on the “motor point” (MPS), which is the most sensitive location of a muscle to electrical stimulation. Although this can increase the number of applicable muscles for spinal PAS, nobody has tested whether MPS can be used for the spinal PAS to date. Here we investigated the feasibility of using MPS instead of PNS for spinal PAS. Ten healthy male individuals (26.0 ± 3.5 yrs) received spinal PAS on two separate days with different stimulation timings expected to induce (1) facilitation of corticospinal excitability (REAL) or (2) no effect (CONTROL) on the soleus. The motor evoked potentials (MEP) response curve in the soleus was measured prior to the spinal PAS, immediately after (0 min) and at 10, 20, 30 min post-intervention as a measure of corticospinal excitability. The post-intervention MEP response curve areas were larger in the REAL condition than the CONTROL conditions. Further, the post-intervention MEP response curve areas were significantly larger than pre-intervention in the REAL condition but not in the CONTROL condition. We conclude that MPS can facilitate corticospinal excitability through spinal PAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Lon Fok
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Kite Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Naotsugu Kaneko
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Kite Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sasaki
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kento Nakagawa
- Kite Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan.,Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kimitaka Nakazawa
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei Masani
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Kite Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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13
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Milosevic M, Marquez-Chin C, Masani K, Hirata M, Nomura T, Popovic MR, Nakazawa K. Why brain-controlled neuroprosthetics matter: mechanisms underlying electrical stimulation of muscles and nerves in rehabilitation. Biomed Eng Online 2020; 19:81. [PMID: 33148270 PMCID: PMC7641791 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-020-00824-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Delivering short trains of electric pulses to the muscles and nerves can elicit action potentials resulting in muscle contractions. When the stimulations are sequenced to generate functional movements, such as grasping or walking, the application is referred to as functional electrical stimulation (FES). Implications of the motor and sensory recruitment of muscles using FES go beyond simple contraction of muscles. Evidence suggests that FES can induce short- and long-term neurophysiological changes in the central nervous system by varying the stimulation parameters and delivery methods. By taking advantage of this, FES has been used to restore voluntary movement in individuals with neurological injuries with a technique called FES therapy (FEST). However, long-lasting cortical re-organization (neuroplasticity) depends on the ability to synchronize the descending (voluntary) commands and the successful execution of the intended task using a FES. Brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies offer a way to synchronize cortical commands and movements generated by FES, which can be advantageous for inducing neuroplasticity. Therefore, the aim of this review paper is to discuss the neurophysiological mechanisms of electrical stimulation of muscles and nerves and how BCI-controlled FES can be used in rehabilitation to improve motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matija Milosevic
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Department of Mechanical Science and Bioengineering, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8531, Japan.
| | - Cesar Marquez-Chin
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, 520 Sutherland Drive, Toronto, ON, M4G 3V9, Canada
- CRANIA, University Health Network & University of Toronto, 550 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 2A2, Canada
| | - Kei Masani
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, 520 Sutherland Drive, Toronto, ON, M4G 3V9, Canada
- CRANIA, University Health Network & University of Toronto, 550 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 2A2, Canada
| | - Masayuki Hirata
- Department of Neurological Diagnosis and Restoration, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Taishin Nomura
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Department of Mechanical Science and Bioengineering, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8531, Japan
| | - Milos R Popovic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, 520 Sutherland Drive, Toronto, ON, M4G 3V9, Canada
- CRANIA, University Health Network & University of Toronto, 550 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 2A2, Canada
| | - Kimitaka Nakazawa
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
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14
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Thompson AK, Sinkjær T. Can Operant Conditioning of EMG-Evoked Responses Help to Target Corticospinal Plasticity for Improving Motor Function in People With Multiple Sclerosis? Front Neurol 2020; 11:552. [PMID: 32765389 PMCID: PMC7381136 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticospinal pathway and its function are essential in motor control and motor rehabilitation. Multiple sclerosis (MS) causes damage to the brain and descending connections, and often diminishes corticospinal function. In people with MS, neural plasticity is available, although it does not necessarily remain stable over the course of disease progress. Thus, inducing plasticity to the corticospinal pathway so as to improve its function may lead to motor control improvements, which impact one's mobility, health, and wellness. In order to harness plasticity in people with MS, over the past two decades, non-invasive brain stimulation techniques have been examined for addressing common symptoms, such as cognitive deficits, fatigue, and spasticity. While these methods appear promising, when it comes to motor rehabilitation, just inducing plasticity or having a capacity for it does not guarantee generation of better motor functions. Targeting plasticity to a key pathway, such as the corticospinal pathway, could change what limits one's motor control and improve function. One of such neural training methods is operant conditioning of the motor-evoked potential that aims to train the behavior of the corticospinal-motoneuron pathway. Through up-conditioning training, the person learns to produce the rewarded neuronal behavior/state of increased corticospinal excitability, and through iterative training, the rewarded behavior/state becomes one's habitual, daily motor behavior. This minireview introduces operant conditioning approach for people with MS. Guiding beneficial CNS plasticity on top of continuous disease progress may help to prolong the duration of maintained motor function and quality of life in people living with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiko K Thompson
- Department of Health Sciences and Research, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Thomas Sinkjær
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.,Lundbeck Foundation, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Yamaguchi A, Sasaki A, Masugi Y, Milosevic M, Nakazawa K. Changes in corticospinal excitability during bilateral and unilateral lower-limb force control tasks. Exp Brain Res 2020; 238:1977-1987. [PMID: 32591958 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-020-05857-0] [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: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Ankle dorsiflexion force control is essential for performing daily living activities. However, the involvement of the corticospinal pathway during different ankle dorsiflexion tasks is not well understood. The objective of this study was to compare the corticospinal excitability during: (1) unilateral and bilateral; and (2) ballistic and tonic ankle dorsiflexion force control. Fifteen healthy young adults (age: 25.2 ± 2.8 years) participated in this study. Participants performed unilateral and bilateral isometric ankle dorsiflexion force-control tasks, which required matching a visual target (10% of maximal effort) as quickly and precisely as possible during ballistic and tonic contractions. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied over the primary motor cortex to elicit motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) from the right tibialis anterior during: (i) pre-contraction phase; (ii) ascending contraction phase; (iii) plateau phase (tonic tasks only); and (iv) resting phase (control). Peak-to-peak MEP amplitude was computed to compare the corticospinal excitability during each experimental condition. MEP amplitudes significantly increased during unilateral contraction compared to bilateral contraction in the pre-contraction phase. There were no significant differences in the MEP amplitudes between the ballistic tasks and tonic tasks in any parts of the contraction phase. Although different strategies are required during ballistic and tonic contractions, the extent of corticospinal involvement appears to be similar. This could be because both tasks enhance the preparation for precise force control. Furthermore, our results suggest that unilateral muscle contractions may largely facilitate the central nervous system during movement preparation for unilateral force control compared to bilateral muscle contractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Yamaguchi
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sasaki
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 5-3-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0083, Japan
| | - Yohei Masugi
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan.,Institute of Sports Medicine and Science, Tokyo International University, 2509 Matoba, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama, 350-1198, Japan
| | - Matija Milosevic
- Department of Mechanical Science and Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kimitaka Nakazawa
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan.
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16
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Moran U, Gottlieb U, Gam A, Springer S. Functional electrical stimulation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized controlled pilot study. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2019; 16:89. [PMID: 31299999 PMCID: PMC6626389 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-019-0566-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inadequate quadriceps strength following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) often results in alterations in gait pattern that are usually reported during loading response. Neuro-muscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is frequently used to overcome this quadriceps weakness. Despite the beneficial effects of NMES, persistent deficits in strength and gait are reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of applying quadriceps functional electrical stimulation (FES) during walking in addition to standard rehabilitation, in the initial stage of ACLR rehabilitation. Methods Subjects were randomized to quadriceps FES synchronized with walking group (n = 10) or quadriceps NMES (duty cycle of 10 s on/10 s off) group (n = 13). Both interventions were performed for 10 min three days a week, in addition to a standard rehabilitation program. Assessments were performed up to 2 weeks before the ACLR (pre-ACLR), and 4 weeks postoperatively. Outcomes measured were gait speed, single limb stance gait symmetry, quadriceps isometric peak strength ratio (peak strength at 4 weeks/peak strength pre-ACLR) and peak strength inter-limb symmetry. Gait outcomes were also assessed 1-week post-surgery. Results Subjects in both groups regained pre-ACLR gait speed and symmetry after 4 weeks of rehabilitation, with no difference between groups. However, although pre-ACLR quadriceps peak strength was similar between groups (FES - 205 Nm, NMES − 225 Nm, p = 0.605), subjects in the FES group regained 82% of their pre-quadriceps strength compared to 47% in the NMES group (p = 0.02). In addition, after 4 weeks, the FES group had significantly better inter-limb strength symmetry 0.63 ± 0.15 vs. 0.39 ± 0.18 in the NMES group (p = 0.01). Conclusions Quadriceps FES combined with traditional rehabilitation is a feasible, early intervention treatment option, post-ACLR. Furthermore, at 4 weeks post-surgery, FES was more effective in recovering quadriceps muscle strength than was NMES. While spatiotemporal gait parameters did not differ between groups, kinetic and kinematic studies may be useful to further understand the effects of quadriceps FES post-ACLR. The promising results of this preliminary investigation suggest that such studies are warranted. Trial registration ISRCTN 02817399. First posted June 29, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uria Moran
- Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Ariel, Israel.,Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ariel University, 40700, Ariel, Israel
| | - Uri Gottlieb
- Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Ariel, Israel.,Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ariel University, 40700, Ariel, Israel
| | - Arnon Gam
- Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps, Ariel, Israel
| | - Shmuel Springer
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ariel University, 40700, Ariel, Israel.
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17
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Short-term inhibition of spinal reflexes in multiple lower limb muscles after neuromuscular electrical stimulation of ankle plantar flexors. Exp Brain Res 2018; 237:467-476. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-018-5437-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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18
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Thompson AK, Cote RH, Sniffen JM, Brangaccio JA. Operant conditioning of the tibialis anterior motor evoked potential in people with and without chronic incomplete spinal cord injury. J Neurophysiol 2018; 120:2745-2760. [PMID: 30207863 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00362.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The activity of corticospinal pathways is important in movement control, and its plasticity is essential for motor skill learning and re-learning after central nervous system (CNS) injuries. Therefore, enhancing the corticospinal function may improve motor function recovery after CNS injuries. Operant conditioning of stimulus-induced muscle responses (e.g., reflexes) is known to induce the targeted plasticity in a targeted pathway. Thus, an operant conditioning protocol to target the corticospinal pathways may be able to enhance the corticospinal function. To test this possibility, we investigated whether operant conditioning of the tibialis anterior (TA) motor evoked potential (MEP) to transcranial magnetic stimulation can enhance corticospinal excitability in people with and without chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). The protocol consisted of 6 baseline and 24 up-conditioning/control sessions over 10 wk. In all sessions, TA MEPs were elicited at 10% above active MEP threshold while the sitting participant provided a fixed preset level of TA background electromyographic activity. During baseline sessions, MEPs were simply measured. During conditioning trials of the conditioning sessions, the participant was encouraged to increase MEP and was given immediate feedback indicating whether MEP size was above a criterion. In 5/8 participants without SCI and 9/10 with SCI, over 24 up-conditioning sessions, MEP size increased significantly to ~150% of the baseline value, whereas the silent period (SP) duration decreased by ~20%. In a control group of participants without SCI, neither MEP nor SP changed. These results indicate that MEP up-conditioning can facilitate corticospinal excitation, which is essential for enhancing motor function recovery after SCI. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We investigated whether operant conditioning of the motor evoked potential (MEP) to transcranial magnetic stimulation can systematically increase corticospinal excitability for the ankle dorsiflexor tibialis anterior (TA) in people with and without chronic incomplete spinal cord injury. We found that up-conditioning can increase the TA MEP while reducing the accompanying silent period (SP) duration. These findings suggest that MEP up-conditioning produces the facilitation of corticospinal excitation as targeted, whereas it suppresses inhibitory mechanisms reflected in SP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiko K Thompson
- Department of Health Sciences and Research, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Rachel H Cote
- Department of Health Sciences and Research, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Janice M Sniffen
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Technology and Management, Stony Brook University , Stony Brook, New York
| | - Jodi A Brangaccio
- Helen Hayes Hospital, New York State Department of Health, West Haverstraw, New York
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19
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Operant Up-Conditioning of the Tibialis Anterior Motor-Evoked Potential in Multiple Sclerosis: Feasibility Case Studies. Neural Plast 2018; 2018:4725393. [PMID: 30123249 PMCID: PMC6079394 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4725393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Damage to the corticospinal pathway often results in weak dorsiflexion of the ankle, thereby limiting the mobility of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Thus, strengthening corticospinal connectivity may improve locomotion. Here, we investigated the feasibility of tibialis anterior (TA) motor-evoked potential (MEP) operant conditioning and whether it can enhance corticospinal excitability and alleviate locomotor problems in people with chronic stable MS. The protocol consisted of 6 baseline and 24 up-conditioning sessions over 10 weeks. In all sessions, TA MEPs were elicited at 10% above active threshold while the sitting subject provided 30–35% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) level of TA background EMG. During baseline sessions, MEPs were simply measured. During conditioning trials of the conditioning sessions, the subject was encouraged to increase MEP and was given immediate feedback indicating whether MEP size was above a criterion. In 3/4 subjects, TA MEP increased 32–75%, MVC increased 28–52%, locomotor EMG modulation improved in multiple leg muscles, and foot drop became less severe. In one of them, MEP and MVC increases were maintained throughout 3 years of extensive follow-up sessions. These initial results support a therapeutic possibility of MEP operant conditioning for improving locomotion in people with MS or other CNS disorders, such as spinal cord injury and stroke.
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20
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Lisiński P, Huber J, Samborski W, Witkowska A. Neurophysiological Assessment of the Electrostimulation Procedures Used in Stroke Patients during Rehabilitation. Int J Artif Organs 2018; 31:76-86. [DOI: 10.1177/039139880803100111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the associated electrotherapeutical and kinesiotherapeutical treatment in patients after ischemic stroke (N=24), mainly by means of neurophysiological tests. All patients underwent the same 20 days of neurorehabilitation procedures. Particular attention was paid to three-stage modified electrotherapy procedures such as: oververtebral functional electrical stimulation (FES), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and the alternate neuromuscular functional electrical stimulation (NMFES) of antagonistic muscles of the wrist and the ankle (N=16). Electrotherapy was supplemented with kinesiotherapeutic (mainly PNF) procedures acting as an amplifier. Clinical assessment included muscle tension (Ashworth's scale), muscle force (Lovett's scale) and reflex scoring at wrist and ankle. However, the effectiveness of the procedures was measured by the assessment of results in complex and repetitive, bilaterally performed global electromyography (EMG) and electroneurography (ENG; M-wave studies). The statistical analysis obtained from results in clinical and neurophysiological examinations suggested that the dorsiflexion of wrist and ankle was improved in the majority of patients who took part in this study. EMG and ENG examinations showed that 20 days of therapy improved both activity in muscle motor units on the more paralyzed side (mainly within upper extremities) and to a lesser degree in the transmission of efferent impulses within motor fibers of nerves. The results obtained suggest that patients after ischemic strokes never show an isolated unilateral disability in motor functions. No definite similarities between the results of clinical and neurophysiological studies were found, which may suggest greater accuracy of the neurophysiological evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Lisiński
- Clinic for Physiotherapy, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Wiktor Dega Clinical Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital No 4, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medicine in Poznań - Poland
| | - J. Huber
- Department of Pathophysiology of Locomotor Organs, Wiktor Dega Clinical Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital No 4, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medicine in Poznań - Poland
| | - W. Samborski
- Clinic for Physiotherapy, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Wiktor Dega Clinical Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital No 4, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medicine in Poznań - Poland
| | - A. Witkowska
- Department of Pathophysiology of Locomotor Organs, Wiktor Dega Clinical Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Hospital No 4, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medicine in Poznań - Poland
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21
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Merkel C, Hausmann J, Hopf JM, Heinze HJ, Buentjen L, Schoenfeld MA. Active prosthesis dependent functional cortical reorganization following stroke. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8680. [PMID: 28819123 PMCID: PMC5561114 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09325-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the neural correlates associated with gait improvements triggered by an active prosthesis in patients with drop-foot following stroke during the chronic stage. Eleven patients took part in the study. MEG recordings in conjunction with somatosensory stimulation of the left and right hand as well as gait analyses were performed shortly before or after prosthesis implantation surgery and 3–4 months later. Plastic changes of the sensorimotor cortex of the ipsi- and contralesional hemisphere were revealed. Gait analysis indicated that all patients improved their gait with the active prosthesis. Patients with larger plastic changes within the lesioned hemisphere maintained their improved gait performance even when the prosthesis was turned off. Patients with larger contralesional changes also improved their gait with the active prosthesis. However, their gait measures decreased when the prosthesis was turned off. The current data provide the neural basis of gait improvement triggered by an active prosthesis and has important implications with respect to the choice of the type of active prosthesis (implantable vs removable) and to the selection procedure of the patients (length of testing period).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Merkel
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Janet Hausmann
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jens-Max Hopf
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Behavioral Neurology, Leibniz-Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Jochen Heinze
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Stereotactic Neurosurgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Behavioral Neurology, Leibniz-Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lars Buentjen
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Stereotactic Neurosurgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Mircea Ariel Schoenfeld
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Behavioral Neurology, Leibniz-Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Kliniken Schmieder Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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22
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Resquin F, Ibañez J, Gonzalez-Vargas J, Brunetti F, Dimbwadyo I, Alves S, Carrasco L, Torres L, Pons JL. Combining a hybrid robotic system with a bain-machine interface for the rehabilitation of reaching movements: A case study with a stroke patient. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2017; 2016:6381-6384. [PMID: 28269708 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2016.7592188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Reaching and grasping are two of the most affected functions after stroke. Hybrid rehabilitation systems combining Functional Electrical Stimulation with Robotic devices have been proposed in the literature to improve rehabilitation outcomes. In this work, we present the combined use of a hybrid robotic system with an EEG-based Brain-Machine Interface to detect the user's movement intentions to trigger the assistance. The platform has been tested in a single session with a stroke patient. The results show how the patient could successfully interact with the BMI and command the assistance of the hybrid system with low latencies. Also, the Feedback Error Learning controller implemented in this system could adjust the required FES intensity to perform the task.
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23
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Palmer JA, Hsiao H, Wright T, Binder-Macleod SA. Single Session of Functional Electrical Stimulation-Assisted Walking Produces Corticomotor Symmetry Changes Related to Changes in Poststroke Walking Mechanics. Phys Ther 2017; 97:550-560. [PMID: 28339828 PMCID: PMC5803760 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzx008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent research demonstrated that the symmetry of corticomotor drive with the paretic and nonparetic plantarflexor muscles was related to the biomechanical ankle moment strategy that people with chronic stroke used to achieve their greatest walking speeds. Rehabilitation strategies that promote corticomotor balance might improve poststroke walking mechanics and enhance functional ambulation. OBJECTIVE The study objectives were to test the effectiveness of a single session of gait training using functional electrical stimulation (FES) to improve plantarflexor corticomotor symmetry and plantarflexion ankle moment symmetry and to determine whether changes in corticomotor symmetry were related to changes in ankle moment symmetry within the session. DESIGN This was a repeated-measures crossover study. METHODS On separate days, 20 people with chronic stroke completed a session of treadmill walking either with or without the use of FES of their ankle dorsi- and plantarflexor muscles. We calculated plantarflexor corticomotor symmetry using transcranial magnetic stimulation and plantarflexion ankle moment symmetry during walking between the paretic and the nonparetic limbs before and after each session. We compared changes and tested relationships between corticomotor symmetry and ankle moment symmetry following each session. RESULTS Following the session with FES, there was an increase in plantarflexor corticomotor symmetry that was related to the observed increase in ankle moment symmetry. In contrast, following the session without FES, there were no changes in corticomotor symmetry or ankle moment symmetry. LIMITATIONS No stratification was made on the basis of lesion size, location, or clinical severity. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate, for the first time (to our knowledge), the ability of a single session of gait training with FES to induce positive corticomotor plasticity in people in the chronic stage of stroke recovery. They also provide insight into the neurophysiologic mechanisms underlying improvements in biomechanical walking function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A. Palmer
- J.A. Palmer, PT, DPT, PhD, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University, 1441 Clifton Rd NE, RG36A, Atlanta, GA 30322 (USA)
| | - HaoYuan Hsiao
- H.Y. Hsiao, PhD, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tamara Wright
- T. Wright, PT, DPT, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Delaware
| | - Stuart A. Binder-Macleod
- S.A. Binder-Macleod, PT, PhD, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, and Graduate Program in Biomechanics and Movement Science, University of Delaware, Delaware
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Wang Y, Cao L, Hao D, Rong Y, Yang L, Zhang S, Chen F, Zheng D. Effects of force load, muscle fatigue and extremely low frequency magnetic stimulation on EEG signals during side arm lateral raise task. Physiol Meas 2017; 38:745-758. [PMID: 28375851 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6579/aa6b4b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was to quantitatively investigate the effects of force load, muscle fatigue and extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic stimulation on electroencephalography (EEG) signal features during side arm lateral raise task. APPROACH EEG signals were recorded by a BIOSEMI Active Two system with Pin-Type active-electrodes from 18 healthy subjects when they performed the right arm side lateral raise task (90° away from the body) with three different loads (0 kg, 1 kg and 3 kg; their order was randomized among the subjects) on the forearm. The arm maintained the loads until the subject felt exhausted. The first 10 s recording for each load was regarded as non-fatigue status and the last 10 s before the subject was exhausted as fatigue status. The subject was then given a 5 min resting between different loads. Two days later, the same experiment was performed on each subject except that ELF magnetic stimulation was applied to the subject's deltoid muscle during the 5 min resting period. EEG features from C3 and C4 electrodes including the power of alpha, beta and gamma and sample entropy were analyzed and compared between different loads, non-fatigue/fatigue status, and with/without ELF magnetic stimulation. MAIN RESULTS The key results were associated with the change of the power of alpha band. From both C3-EEG and C4-EEG, with 1 kg and 3 kg force loads, the power of alpha band was significantly smaller than that from 0 kg for both non-fatigue and fatigue periods (all p < 0.05). However, no significant difference of the power in alpha between 1 kg and 3 kg was observed (p > 0.05 for all the force loads except C4-EEG with ELF simulation). The power of alpha band at fatigue status was significantly increased for both C3-EEG and C4-EEG when compared with the non-fatigue status (p < 0.01 for all the force loads except 3 kg force from C4-EEG). With magnetic stimulation, the powers of alpha from C3-EEG and C4-EEG were significantly decreased than without stimulation (all p < 0.05), and the difference in the power of alpha between fatigue and non-fatigue status disappeared with 1 kg and 3 kg force loads, The powers of beta and gamma bands and SampEn were not significantly different between different force loads, between fatigue and non-fatigue status, and between with and without ELF magnetic stimulation (all p > 0.05, except between non-fatigue and fatigue with magnetic stimulation in gamma band of C3-EEG at 1 kg, and in the SampEn at 1 kg and 3 kg force loads from C4-EEG). SIGNIFICANCE Our study comprehensively quantified the effects of force, fatigue and the ELF magnetic stimulation on EEG features with difference forces, fatigue status and ELF magnetic stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100024, People's Republic of China
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Jochumsen M, Niazi IK, Signal N, Nedergaard RW, Holt K, Haavik H, Taylor D. Pairing Voluntary Movement and Muscle-Located Electrical Stimulation Increases Cortical Excitability. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:482. [PMID: 27733823 PMCID: PMC5039207 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Learning new motor skills has been correlated with increased cortical excitability. In this study, different location of electrical stimulation (ES), nerve, or muscle, was paired with voluntary movement to investigate if ES paired with voluntary movement (a) would increase the excitability of cortical projections to tibialis anterior and (b) if stimulation location mattered. Cortical excitability changes were quantified using motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at varying intensities during four conditions. Twelve healthy subjects performed 50 dorsiflexions at the ankle during nerve or muscle ES at motor threshold (MTh). ES alone was delivered 50 times and the movement was performed 50 times. A significant increase in the excitability from pre- to post-intervention (P = 0.0061) and pre- to 30 min post-intervention (P = 0.017) measurements was observed when voluntary movement was paired with muscle ES located at tibialis anterior. An increase of 50 ± 57 and 28 ± 54% in the maximum MEPs was obtained for voluntary movement paired with muscle-located and nerve-located ES, respectively. The maximum MEPs for voluntary movement alone and muscle-located ES alone were −5 ± 28 and 2 ± 42%, respectively. Pairing voluntary movement with muscle-located ES increases excitability of corticospinal projections of tibialis anterior in healthy participants. This finding suggests that active participation during muscle-located ES protocols increases cortical excitability to a greater extent than stimulation alone. The next stage of this research is to investigate the effect in people with stroke. The results may have implications for motor recovery in patients with motor impairments following neurological injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Jochumsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Aalborg University Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Imran K Niazi
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Aalborg UniversityAalborg, Denmark; Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of TechnologyAuckland, New Zealand; Center for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of ChiropracticAuckland, New Zealand
| | - Nada Signal
- Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rasmus W Nedergaard
- Center for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kelly Holt
- Center for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Heidi Haavik
- Center for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Denise Taylor
- Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology Auckland, New Zealand
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Resquín F, Gonzalez-Vargas J, Ibáñez J, Brunetti F, Pons JL. Feedback Error Learning Controller for Functional Electrical Stimulation Assistance in a Hybrid Robotic System for Reaching Rehabilitation. Eur J Transl Myol 2016; 26:6164. [PMID: 27990245 PMCID: PMC5128978 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2016.6164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybrid robotic systems represent a novel research field, where functional electrical stimulation (FES) is combined with a robotic device for rehabilitation of motor impairment. Under this approach, the design of robust FES controllers still remains an open challenge. In this work, we aimed at developing a learning FES controller to assist in the performance of reaching movements in a simple hybrid robotic system setting. We implemented a Feedback Error Learning (FEL) control strategy consisting of a feedback PID controller and a feedforward controller based on a neural network. A passive exoskeleton complemented the FES controller by compensating the effects of gravity. We carried out experiments with healthy subjects to validate the performance of the system. Results show that the FEL control strategy is able to adjust the FES intensity to track the desired trajectory accurately without the need of a previous mathematical model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Resquín
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute , Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Gonzalez-Vargas
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute , Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Ibáñez
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute , Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - José Luis Pons
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute , Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Barr CJ, Patritti BL, Bowes R, Crotty M, McLoughlin JV. Orthotic and therapeutic effect of functional electrical stimulation on fatigue induced gait patterns in people with multiple sclerosis. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2016; 12:560-572. [PMID: 28612678 DOI: 10.3109/17483107.2015.1136702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the orthotic and therapeutic effects of prolonged use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) on fatigue induced gait patterns in people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). METHOD Thirteen people with MS completed 3D gait analysis with FES off and on, before and after a fatiguing 6-minute walk, at baseline and after 8 weeks of use of FES. RESULTS Eleven participants completed all testing. An orthotic effect on gait was not evident on first use of FES. However, therapeutic effects on gait after 8 weeks use were generally positive, including increases in walking speed due to improved neuromuscular control and power generated at the hip and ankle of the more affected limb. The action of FES alone was not sufficient to overcome all fatigue related deficits in gait but there was evidence 8 weeks use of FES can ameliorate some fatigue effects on lower limb kinetics, including benefits to ankle mechanics involved in generating power around push-off during stance. CONCLUSIONS Eight-weeks of FES can benefit the gait pattern of people with MS under non-fatigued and fatigued conditions. Implications for rehabilitation In some people with MS prolonged use of FES may be necessary before observing positive orthotic effects. Improvements in the neuromuscular control of the more affected lower limb may develop with prolonged use of FES in people with MS. Only some therapeutic benefits of FES are maintained during fatigued walking in people with MS. FES may be considered as a gait retraining device as well as an orthotic intervention for people with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Barr
- a Department of Rehabilitation Aged and Extended Care, School of Health Sciences , Flinders University , Bedford Park , South Australia , Australia
| | | | - Rebecca Bowes
- b Repatriation General Hospital , Daw Park , South Australia , Australia
| | - Maria Crotty
- a Department of Rehabilitation Aged and Extended Care, School of Health Sciences , Flinders University , Bedford Park , South Australia , Australia.,b Repatriation General Hospital , Daw Park , South Australia , Australia
| | - James V McLoughlin
- a Department of Rehabilitation Aged and Extended Care, School of Health Sciences , Flinders University , Bedford Park , South Australia , Australia
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Mrachacz-Kersting N, Jiang N, Stevenson AJT, Niazi IK, Kostic V, Pavlovic A, Radovanovic S, Djuric-Jovicic M, Agosta F, Dremstrup K, Farina D. Efficient neuroplasticity induction in chronic stroke patients by an associative brain-computer interface. J Neurophysiol 2015; 115:1410-21. [PMID: 26719088 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00918.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have the potential to improve functionality in chronic stoke patients when applied over a large number of sessions. Here we evaluated the effect and the underlying mechanisms of three BCI training sessions in a double-blind sham-controlled design. The applied BCI is based on Hebbian principles of associativity that hypothesize that neural assemblies activated in a correlated manner will strengthen synaptic connections. Twenty-two chronic stroke patients were divided into two training groups. Movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs) were detected by electroencephalography during repetitions of foot dorsiflexion. Detection triggered a single electrical stimulation of the common peroneal nerve timed so that the resulting afferent volley arrived at the peak negative phase of the MRCP (BCIassociative group) or randomly (BCInonassociative group). Fugl-Meyer motor assessment (FM), 10-m walking speed, foot and hand tapping frequency, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data, and the excitability of the corticospinal tract to the target muscle [tibialis anterior (TA)] were quantified. The TA motor evoked potential (MEP) increased significantly after the BCIassociative intervention, but not for the BCInonassociative group. FM scores (0.8 ± 0.46 point difference, P = 0.01), foot (but not finger) tapping frequency, and 10-m walking speed improved significantly for the BCIassociative group, indicating clinically relevant improvements. Corticospinal tract integrity on DTI did not correlate with clinical or physiological changes. For the BCI as applied here, the precise coupling between the brain command and the afferent signal was imperative for the behavioral, clinical, and neurophysiological changes reported. This association may become the driving principle for the design of BCI rehabilitation in the future. Indeed, no available BCIs can match this degree of functional improvement with such a short intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Mrachacz-Kersting
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark;
| | - Ning Jiang
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Engineering, Bernstein Focus Neurotechnology Göttingen, Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andrew James Thomas Stevenson
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Imran Khan Niazi
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Vladimir Kostic
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Pavlovic
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sasa Radovanovic
- Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Federica Agosta
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Kim Dremstrup
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Dario Farina
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Engineering, Bernstein Focus Neurotechnology Göttingen, Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
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Excitability changes in intracortical neural circuits induced by differentially controlled walking patterns. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117931. [PMID: 25688972 PMCID: PMC4331520 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) study revealed that excitability in the motor cortex can be altered by conscious control of walking relative to less conscious normal walking. However, substantial elements and underlying mechanisms for inducing walking-related cortical plasticity are still unknown. Hence, in this study we aimed to examine the characteristics of electromyographic (EMG) recordings obtained during different walking conditions, namely, symmetrical walking (SW), asymmetrical walking 1 (AW1), and asymmetrical walking 2 (AW2), with left to right stance duration ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1, respectively. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of three types of walking control on subsequent changes in the intracortical neural circuits. Prior to each type of 7-min walking task, EMG analyses of the left tibialis anterior (TA) and soleus (SOL) muscles during walking were performed following approximately 3 min of preparative walking. Paired-pulse TMS was used to measure short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) in the left TA and SOL at baseline, immediately after the 7-min walking task, and 30 min post-task. EMG activity in the TA was significantly increased during AW1 and AW2 compared to during SW, whereas a significant difference in EMG activity of the SOL was observed only between AW1 and AW2. As for intracortical excitability, there was a significant alteration in SICI in the TA between SW and AW1, but not between SW and AW2. For the same amount of walking exercise, we found that the different methods used to control walking patterns induced different excitability changes in SICI. Our research shows that activation patterns associated with controlled leg muscles can alter post-exercise excitability in intracortical circuits. Therefore, how leg muscles are activated in a clinical setting could influence the outcome of walking in patients with stroke.
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Saito K, Sugawara K, Miyaguchi S, Matsumoto T, Kirimoto H, Tamaki H, Onishi H. The modulatory effect of electrical stimulation on the excitability of the corticospinal tract varies according to the type of muscle contraction being performed. Front Hum Neurosci 2014; 8:835. [PMID: 25360103 PMCID: PMC4199265 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Afferent input caused by electrical stimulation of a peripheral nerve increases corticospinal excitability during voluntary contractions, indicating that proprioceptive sensory input arriving at the cortex plays a fundamental role in modulating corticospinal excitability. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the effect of electrical stimulation on the corticospinal excitability varies according to the type of muscle contraction being performed. Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) were elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) during a shortening contraction, an isometric contraction, or no contraction of the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle. In some trials, electrical stimulation of the ulnar nerve was performed at 110% of the sensory threshold or 110% of the motor threshold prior to TMS. Electrical stimulation involved either a train of 50 pulses at 10 Hz or a single pulse. Shortening contraction with the train of electrical stimuli significantly increased MEP amplitudes, and the increase was dependent on the type of stimulation. Isometric contraction with the train of electrical stimuli and electrical stimulation without voluntary contraction did not affect MEP amplitudes. A single pulse of electrical stimulation did not affect MEP amplitudes in any condition. Thus, electrical-stimulation-induced modulation of corticospinal excitability varied according to the type of muscle contraction performed and the type of stimulation. These results show that the type of contraction should be considered when using electrical stimulation for rehabilitation in patients with central nervous system lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Saito
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare Niigata, Japan ; Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare Niigata, Japan
| | - Kenichi Sugawara
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kanagawa University of Human Services Kanagawa ,Japan
| | - Shota Miyaguchi
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare Niigata, Japan
| | - Takuya Matsumoto
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare Niigata, Japan
| | - Hikari Kirimoto
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare Niigata, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tamaki
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare Niigata, Japan ; Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare Niigata, Japan
| | - Hideaki Onishi
- Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare Niigata, Japan ; Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare Niigata, Japan
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31
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Kafri M, Laufer Y. Therapeutic effects of functional electrical stimulation on gait in individuals post-stroke. Ann Biomed Eng 2014; 43:451-66. [PMID: 25316590 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-014-1148-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) to lower extremity (LE) muscles is used by individuals post-stroke as an alternative to mechanical orthotic devices during gait or as a training modality during rehabilitation. Technological developments which improve the feasibility, accessibility and effectiveness of FES systems as orthotic and training devices, highlight the potential of FES for rehabilitating LE function in individuals post-stroke. This study presents a systematic review of the carryover effects of LE FES to motor performance when stimulation is not applied (therapeutic effects) in subjects post-stroke. A description of advances in FES technologies, with an emphasis on systems designed to promote LE function is included, and mechanisms that may be associated with the observed therapeutic effects are discussed. Eligible studies were reviewed for methodological quality, population, intervention and outcome characteristics. Therapeutic effects of FES were consistently demonstrated at the body function and activity levels when it was used as a training modality. Compared to matched treatments that did not incorporate FES, no definite conclusions can be drawn regarding the superiority of FES. When FES was used as an alternative to an orthotic device, it had no superior therapeutic effects at the activity level, yet patients still seemed to prefer it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Kafri
- Department of Physical Therapy Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, 3498838, Israel,
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McGie SC, Zariffa J, Popovic MR, Nagai MK. Short-term neuroplastic effects of brain-controlled and muscle-controlled electrical stimulation. Neuromodulation 2014; 18:233-40; discussion 240. [PMID: 24802088 DOI: 10.1111/ner.12185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Revised: 12/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has been shown to facilitate the recovery of grasping function in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury. Neurophysiological theory suggests that this benefit may be further enhanced by a more consistent pairing of the voluntary commands sent from the user's brain down their spinal cord with the electrical stimuli applied to the user's periphery. The objective of the study was to compare brain-machine interfaces (BMIs)-controlled and electromyogram (EMG)-controlled FES therapy to three more well-researched therapies, namely, push button-controlled FES therapy, voluntary grasping (VOL), and BMI-guided voluntary grasping. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten able-bodied participants underwent one hour of each of five grasping training modalities, including BMI-controlled FES (BMI-FES), EMG-controlled FES (EMG-FES), conventional push button-controlled FES, VOL, and BMI-guided voluntary grasping. Assessments, including motor-evoked potential, grip force, and maximum voluntary contraction, were conducted immediately before and after each training period. RESULTS Motor-evoked potential-based outcome measures were more upregulated following BMI-FES and especially EMG-FES than they were following VOL or FES. No significant changes were found in the more functional outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS These results provide preliminary evidence suggesting the potential of BMI-FES and EMG-FES to induce greater neuroplastic changes than conventional therapies, although the precise mechanism behind these changes remains speculative. Further investigation will be required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to conclusively determine whether these effects can translate into better long-term functional outcomes and quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven C McGie
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Time-dependent changes in motor cortical excitability by electrical stimulation combined with voluntary drive. Neuroreport 2014; 25:404-9. [PMID: 24356108 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000000108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Gandolla M, Ferrante S, Molteni F, Guanziroli E, Frattini T, Martegani A, Ferrigno G, Friston K, Pedrocchi A, Ward NS. Re-thinking the role of motor cortex: context-sensitive motor outputs? Neuroimage 2014; 91:366-74. [PMID: 24440530 PMCID: PMC3988837 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2014.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The standard account of motor control considers descending outputs from primary motor cortex (M1) as motor commands and efference copy. This account has been challenged recently by an alternative formulation in terms of active inference: M1 is considered as part of a sensorimotor hierarchy providing top–down proprioceptive predictions. The key difference between these accounts is that predictions are sensitive to the current proprioceptive context, whereas efference copy is not. Using functional electric stimulation to experimentally manipulate proprioception during voluntary movement in healthy human subjects, we assessed the evidence for context sensitive output from M1. Dynamic causal modeling of functional magnetic resonance imaging responses showed that FES altered proprioception increased the influence of M1 on primary somatosensory cortex (S1). These results disambiguate competing accounts of motor control, provide some insight into the synaptic mechanisms of sensory attenuation and may speak to potential mechanisms of action of FES in promoting motor learning in neurorehabilitation. Peripheral functional electrical stimulation provides altered proprioception. Altered proprioception and volitional movement interaction is shown in M1 and S1. M1–S1 connection is modulated by proprioception and therefore is context-sensitive. Context-sensitive M1–S1 pathway supports an active inference motor control account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gandolla
- Politecnico di Milano, NearLab, Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Via G. Colombo 40, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Simona Ferrante
- Politecnico di Milano, NearLab, Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Via G. Colombo 40, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Franco Molteni
- Valduce Hospital, Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Center, Via N. Sauro 17, 23845 Costamasnaga, LC, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Guanziroli
- Valduce Hospital, Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Center, Via N. Sauro 17, 23845 Costamasnaga, LC, Italy.
| | - Tiziano Frattini
- Valduce Hospital, Unità Operativa Complessa di Radiologia, via D. Alighieri 11, 22100 Como, Italy.
| | - Alberto Martegani
- Valduce Hospital, Unità Operativa Complessa di Radiologia, via D. Alighieri 11, 22100 Como, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Ferrigno
- Politecnico di Milano, NearLab, Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Via G. Colombo 40, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Karl Friston
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, UCL Institute of Neurology, 12 Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | - Alessandra Pedrocchi
- Politecnico di Milano, NearLab, Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Via G. Colombo 40, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Nick S Ward
- Sobell Department of Movement Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, 33 Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
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Effects of volitional walking control on postexercise changes in motor cortical excitability. Neuroreport 2014; 25:44-8. [PMID: 24157703 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000000041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To explore the effects of qualitative or quantitative changes in walking on motor cortical excitability, a transcranial magnetic stimulation procedure was used to examine the alterations of motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude following walking. Eight healthy participants completed a series of two walking tasks on a treadmill at 2 km/h. The ratio of the left stance duration to the right stance duration was 1 : 2 in the asymmetrical walking task and 1 : 1 in the symmetrical walking task. In each task, walking for 10 min followed by MEP measurement for ∼4 min was repeated three times. MEP measurements were also performed before a walking task as a baseline and continued every 10 min for a further 30 min after the completion of the walking task. During slight voluntary contraction of the left tibialis anterior muscle, MEP measurements were conducted four times. Although a significant MEP depression was found after the asymmetrical walking task with increasing amount of walking, no significant decrease in MEP below baseline was observed after the symmetrical walking task throughout all measurement sessions. This MEP depression was the prominent response to the asymmetrical walking task compared with the symmetrical walking task. These findings indicate that the intentional control of walking pattern has both temporal and task-specific influences on excitability changes in the cerebral cortex, and suggest that motor cortical excitability may be altered by controlling the amount of central commands to the legs even during gait exercise.
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Grimaldi G, Fernandez A, Manto M. Augmented visual feedback counteracts the effects of surface muscular functional electrical stimulation on physiological tremor. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2013; 10:100. [PMID: 24063436 PMCID: PMC3852972 DOI: 10.1186/1743-0003-10-100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies suggest that surface muscular functional electrical stimulation (FES) might suppress neurological upper limb tremor. We assessed its effects on upper limb physiological tremor, which is mainly driven by mechanical-reflex oscillations. We investigated the interaction between FES and augmented visual feedback, since (a) most daily activities are performed using visual cues, and (b) augmented visual feedback exacerbates upper limb tremor. Methods 10 healthy subjects (23.4 ± 7.7 years) performed 2 postural tasks with combinations of FES (4 sites; frequency of stimulation: 30 Hz; pulse width: 300 microsec; range of current delivered 10–34 mAmp) and augmented visual feedback. Results Spectral analysis of tremor showed a decrease of power spectral density to 62.18% (p = 0.01), of the integral in the 8-12 Hz frequency band to 57.67% (p = 0.003), and of tremor root mean square (RMS) to 57.16% (p = 0.002) during FES, without any changes in tremor frequency. Augmented visual feedback blocked the beneficial effect of FES, as confirmed by power spectral analysis (p = 0.01). We found a statistically significant interaction between augmented visual feedback and electrical stimulation (p = 0.039). Conclusions Augmented visual feedback antagonizes the effects of FES on physiological tremor. The absence of changes of peak frequency argues against an effect of FES on mechanical properties of the upper limb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Grimaldi
- Unité d'Etude du Mouvement (UEM), ULB-Erasme, 808 Route de Lennik, 1070, Bruxelles, Belgium.
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Facilitation of corticospinal connections in able-bodied people and people with central nervous system disorders using eight interventions. J Clin Neurophysiol 2013; 30:66-78. [PMID: 23377445 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0b013e31827ed6bd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Voluntary contractions (VOL), functional electrical stimulation (FES), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can facilitate corticospinal connections. OBJECTIVE To find the best methods for increasing corticospinal excitability by testing eight combinations: (1) VOL, (2) FES, (3) FES + VOL, (4) TMS, (5) TMS + VOL, (6) paired associative stimulation (PAS) consisting of FES + TMS, (7) PAS + VOL, and (8) double-pulse TMS + VOL. METHODS Interventions were applied for 3 × 10 minutes in 15 able-bodied subjects, 14 subjects with stable central nervous system lesions (e.g., chronic stroke, and incomplete spinal cord injury) and 16 subjects with progressive central nervous system conditions (e.g., secondary progressive multiple sclerosis). Motor-evoked potentials (MEP), M-waves, and H-reflexes were monitored over a 1-hour period. RESULTS Three interventions (PAS, PAS + VOL, and double-pulse TMS + VOL) caused 15% to 20% increases (P < 0.05) in the MEP at a stimulus level that initially produced a half-maximal response (MEP(half)) during a contraction. Interventions were less effective in both clinical groups than in the able-bodied group. Interventions with VOL were more effective in increasing the MEP(half) than those without (P = 0.022). When more modalities were combined, the MEP increases were larger (P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS (1) Short-term application of FES, TMS, and VOL can facilitate corticospinal pathways, particularly when methods are combined. (2) The effects may depend on the total activation of neural pathways, which is reduced in central nervous system disorders.
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Andrews RK, Schabrun SM, Ridding MC, Galea MP, Hodges PW, Chipchase LS. The effect of electrical stimulation on corticospinal excitability is dependent on application duration: a same subject pre-post test design. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2013; 10:51. [PMID: 23758902 PMCID: PMC3688368 DOI: 10.1186/1743-0003-10-51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In humans, corticospinal excitability is known to increase following motor electrical stimulation (ES) designed to mimic a voluntary contraction. However, whether the effect is equivalent with different application durations and whether similar effects are apparent for short and long applications is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the duration of peripheral motor ES influenced its effect on corticospinal excitability. METHODS The excitability of the corticomotor pathway to abductor pollicis brevis (APB) was measured in fourteen health subjects using transcranial magnetic stimulation before, immediately after and 10 minutes after three different durations (20-, 40-, 60-min) of motor ES (30Hz, ramped). This intervention was designed to mimic a voluntary contraction in APB. To control for effects of motor ES on the peripheral elements (muscle fibre, membrane, neuromuscular junction), maximum compound muscle actions potentials (M-waves) were also recorded at each time point. Results were analysed using a repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS Peripheral excitability was reduced following all three motor ES interventions. Conversely, corticospinal excitability was increased immediately following 20- and 40-min applications of motor ES and this increase was maintained at least 20-min following the intervention. A 60-min application of motor ES did not alter corticospinal excitability. CONCLUSIONS A 20-min application of motor ES that is designed to mimic voluntary muscle contraction is as effective as that applied for 40-min when the aim of the intervention is to increase corticospinal excitability. Longer motor ES durations of 60-min do not influence corticospinal excitability, possibly as a result of homeostatic plasticity mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Andrews
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and the NHMRC Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Spinal Pain, Injury and Health, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Saito K, Yamaguchi T, Yoshida N, Tanabe S, Kondo K, Sugawara K. Combined effect of motor imagery and peripheral nerve electrical stimulation on the motor cortex. Exp Brain Res 2013; 227:333-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-013-3513-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Yamaguchi T, Sugawara K, Tanaka S, Yoshida N, Saito K, Tanabe S, Muraoka Y, Liu M. Real-time changes in corticospinal excitability during voluntary contraction with concurrent electrical stimulation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46122. [PMID: 23049955 PMCID: PMC3458815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
While previous studies have assessed changes in corticospinal excitability following voluntary contraction coupled with electrical stimulation (ES), we sought to examine, for the first time in the field, real-time changes in corticospinal excitability. We monitored motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation and recorded the MEPs using a mechanomyogram, which is less susceptible to electrical artifacts. We assessed the MEPs at each level of muscle contraction of wrist flexion (0%, 5%, or 20% of maximum voluntary contraction) during voluntary wrist flexion (flexor carpi radialis (FCR) voluntary contraction), either with or without simultaneous low-frequency (10 Hz) ES of the median nerve that innervates the FCR. The stimulus intensity corresponded to 1.2× perception threshold. In the FCR, voluntary contraction with median nerve stimulation significantly increased corticospinal excitability compared with FCR voluntary contraction without median nerve stimulation (p<0.01). In addition, corticospinal excitability was significantly modulated by the level of FCR voluntary contraction. In contrast, in the extensor carpi radialis (ECR), FCR voluntary contraction with median nerve stimulation significantly decreased corticospinal excitability compared with FCR voluntary contraction without median nerve stimulation (p<0.05). Thus, median nerve stimulation during FCR voluntary contraction induces reciprocal changes in cortical excitability in agonist and antagonist muscles. Finally we also showed that even mental imagery of FCR voluntary contraction with median nerve stimulation induced the same reciprocal changes in cortical excitability in agonist and antagonist muscles. Our results support the use of voluntary contraction coupled with ES in neurorehabilitation therapy for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomofumi Yamaguchi
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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Changes in spinal but not cortical excitability following combined electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve and voluntary plantar-flexion. Exp Brain Res 2012; 222:41-53. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-012-3194-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2011] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Tarkka IM, Pitkänen K, Popovic DB, Vanninen R, Könönen M. Functional electrical therapy for hemiparesis alleviates disability and enhances neuroplasticity. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2011; 225:71-6. [PMID: 21878747 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.225.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Impaired motor and sensory function is common in the upper limb in humans after cerebrovascular stroke and it often remains as a permanent disability. Functional electrical stimulation therapy is known to enhance the motor function of the paretic hand; however, the mechanism of this enhancement is not known. We studied whether neural plasticity has a role in this therapy-induced enhancement of the hand motor function in 20 hemiparetic subjects with chronic stroke (age 53 ± 6 years; 7 females and 13 males; 10 with cerebral infarction and 10 with cerebral haemorrhage; and time since incident 2.4 ± 2.0 years). These subjects were randomized to functional electrical therapy or conventional physiotherapy group. Both groups received upper limb treatment (twice daily sessions) for two weeks. Behavioral hand motor function and neurophysiologic transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) tests were applied before and after the treatment and at 6-months follow-up. TMS is useful in assessing excitability changes in the primary motor cortex. Faster corticospinal conduction and newly found muscular responses were observed in the paretic upper limb in the functional electrical therapy group but not in the conventional therapy group after the intervention. Behaviourally, faster movement times were observed in the functional electrical therapy group but not in the conventionally treated group. Despite the small number of heterogeneous subjects, functional exercise augmented with individualized electrical therapy of the paretic upper limb may enhance neuroplasticity, observed as corticospinal facilitation, in chronic stroke subjects, along with moderate improvements in the voluntary motor control of the affected limb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina M Tarkka
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland.
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Chipchase LS, Schabrun SM, Hodges PW. Corticospinal Excitability is Dependent on the Parameters of Peripheral Electric Stimulation: A Preliminary Study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2011; 92:1423-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2011.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2010] [Revised: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Bergquist AJ, Clair JM, Lagerquist O, Mang CS, Okuma Y, Collins DF. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation: implications of the electrically evoked sensory volley. Eur J Appl Physiol 2011; 111:2409-26. [PMID: 21805156 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-011-2087-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A J Bergquist
- Human Neurophysiology Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, 6-41 General Services Building, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Thompson AK, Lapallo B, Duffield M, Abel BM, Pomerantz F. Repetitive common peroneal nerve stimulation increases ankle dorsiflexor motor evoked potentials in incomplete spinal cord lesions. Exp Brain Res 2011; 210:143-52. [PMID: 21360230 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-011-2607-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2010] [Accepted: 02/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Plasticity of corticospinal tract (CST) activity likely plays a key role in motor function recovery after central nervous system (CNS) lesions. In non-injured adults, 30 min of repetitive common peroneal nerve stimulation (rCPnS) increases CST excitability by 40-50% and the effect persists for at least 30 min. The present study evaluated with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) the changes in CST excitability after 30 min of rCPnS in people with foot drop due to incomplete SCI. Suprathreshold rCPnS (25 Hz, alternating 1 s on 1 s off stimulation cycle) was given for two 15-min periods, while the subject sat at rest with ankle and knee joints fixed. Before, between, and after the periods of stimulation, the tibialis anterior (TA) motor evoked potentials (MEPs) to TMS were measured at a TMS intensity that originally produced a half-maximum MEP (typically 10-20% above threshold) while the sitting subject provided 25-30% maximum voluntary TA contraction. In 10 subjects with SCI, the peak-to-peak TA MEP increased by 14 ± 3% after rCPnS and the peak increase (+21 ± 7%) occurred 15 min after the cessation of rCPnS. The TA H-reflex, measured in separate experiments in 7 subjects, did not increase after rCPnS. The results indicate that rCPnS can increase CST excitability for the TA in people with incomplete SCI, although its effects appear smaller and shorter lasting than those found in non-injured control subjects. Such short-term plasticity in the CST excitability induced by rCPnS may contribute to long-term therapeutic effects of functional electrical stimulation previously reported in people with CNS lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiko K Thompson
- Translational Neuroscience Research Program, Helen Hayes Hospital, New York State Department of Health, Route 9W, West Haverstraw, NY 10993, USA.
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Mang CS, Clair JM, Collins DF. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation has a global effect on corticospinal excitability for leg muscles and a focused effect for hand muscles. Exp Brain Res 2011; 209:355-63. [PMID: 21286692 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-011-2556-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2010] [Accepted: 01/10/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The afferent volley generated during neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can increase the excitability of human corticospinal (CS) pathways to muscles of the leg and hand. Over time, such increases can strengthen CS pathways damaged by injury or disease and result in enduring improvements in function. There is some evidence that NMES affects CS excitability differently for muscles of the leg and hand, although a direct comparison has not been conducted. Thus, the present experiments were designed to compare the strength and specificity of NMES-induced changes in CS excitability for muscles of the leg and hand. Two hypotheses were tested: (1) For muscles innervated by the stimulated nerve (target muscles), CS excitability will increase more for the hand than for the leg. (2) For muscles not innervated by the stimulated nerve (non-target muscles), CS excitability will increase for muscles of the leg but not muscles of the hand. NMES was delivered over the common peroneal (CP) nerve in the leg or the median nerve at the wrist using a 1-ms pulse width in a 20 s on, 20 s off cycle for 40 min. The intensity was set to evoke an M-wave that was ~15% of the maximal M-wave in the target muscle: tibialis anterior (TA) in the leg and abductor pollicis brevis (APB) in the hand. Ten motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from the target muscles and from 2 non-target muscles of each limb using transcranial magnetic stimulation delivered over the "hotspot" for each muscle before and after the NMES. MEP amplitude increased significantly for TA (by 45 ± 6%) and for APB (56 ± 8%), but the amplitude of these increases was not different. In non-target muscles, MEPs increased significantly for muscles of the leg (42 ± 4%), but not the hand. Although NMES increased CS excitability for target muscles to the same extent in the leg and hand, the differences in the effect on non-target muscles suggest that NMES has a "global" effect on CS excitability for the leg and a "focused" effect for the hand. These differences may reflect differences in the specificity of afferent projections to the cortex. Global increases in CS excitability for the leg could be advantageous for rehabilitation as NMES applied to one muscle could strengthen CS pathways and enhance function for multiple muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Mang
- Human Neurophysiology Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, E-488 Van Vliet Centre, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H9, Canada
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Sabut SK, Lenka PK, Kumar R, Mahadevappa M. Effect of functional electrical stimulation on the effort and walking speed, surface electromyography activity, and metabolic responses in stroke subjects. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2010; 20:1170-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2010.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2009] [Revised: 06/03/2010] [Accepted: 07/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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Neural control of locomotion and training-induced plasticity after spinal and cerebral lesions. Clin Neurophysiol 2010; 121:1655-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2010.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2009] [Revised: 01/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Roy FD, Yang JF, Gorassini MA. Afferent Regulation of Leg Motor Cortex Excitability After Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurophysiol 2010; 103:2222-33. [DOI: 10.1152/jn.00903.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
An incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) impairs neural conduction along spared ascending sensory pathways to disrupt the control of residual motor movements. To characterize how SCI affects the activation of the motor cortex by spared ascending sensory pathways, we examined how stimulation of leg afferents facilitates the excitability of the motor cortex in subjects with incomplete SCI. Homo- and heteronymous afferents to the tibialis anterior (TA) representation in the motor cortex were electrically stimulated, and the responses were compared with uninjured controls. In addition, we examined if cortical excitability could be transiently increased by repetitively pairing stimulation of spared ascending sensory pathways with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), an intervention termed paired associative stimulation (PAS). In uninjured subjects, activating the tibial nerve at the ankle 45–50 ms before a TMS pulse in a conditioning-test paradigm facilitated the motor-evoked potential (MEP) in the heteronymous TA muscle by twofold on average. In contrast, prior tibial nerve stimulation did not facilitate the TA MEP in individuals with incomplete SCI ( n = 8 SCI subjects), even in subjects with less severe injuries. However, we provide evidence that ascending sensory inputs from the homonymous common peroneal nerve (CPN) can, unlike the heteronymous pathways, facilitate the motor cortex to modulate the TA MEP ( n = 16 SCI subjects) but only in subjects with less severe injuries. Finally, by repetitively coupling CPN stimulation with coincident TA motor cortex activation during PAS, we show that 7 of 13 SCI subjects produced appreciable (>20%) facilitation of the MEP following the intervention. The increase in corticospinal tract excitability by PAS was transient (<20 min) and tended to be more prevalent in SCI subjects with stronger functional ascending sensory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaynie F. Yang
- Physical Therapy, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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