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Castiglia SF, Trabassi D, Conte C, Gioiosa V, Sebastianelli G, Abagnale C, Ranavolo A, Di Lorenzo C, Coppola G, Casali C, Serrao M. Local Dynamic Stability of Trunk During Gait is Responsive to Rehabilitation in Subjects with Primary Degenerative Cerebellar Ataxia. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:1478-1489. [PMID: 38279000 PMCID: PMC11269439 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-024-01663-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the responsiveness to the rehabilitation of three trunk acceleration-derived gait indexes, namely the harmonic ratio (HR), the short-term longest Lyapunov's exponent (sLLE), and the step-to-step coefficient of variation (CV), in a sample of subjects with primary degenerative cerebellar ataxia (swCA), and investigate the correlations between their improvements (∆), clinical characteristics, and spatio-temporal and kinematic gait features. The trunk acceleration patterns in the antero-posterior (AP), medio-lateral (ML), and vertical (V) directions during gait of 21 swCA were recorded using a magneto-inertial measurement unit placed at the lower back before (T0) and after (T1) a period of inpatient rehabilitation. For comparison, a sample of 21 age- and gait speed-matched healthy subjects (HSmatched) was also included. At T1, sLLE in the AP (sLLEAP) and ML (sLLEML) directions significantly improved with moderate to large effect sizes, as well as SARA scores, stride length, and pelvic rotation. sLLEML and pelvic rotation also approached the HSmatched values at T1, suggesting a normalization of the parameter. HRs and CV did not significantly modify after rehabilitation. ∆sLLEML correlated with ∆ of the gait subscore of the SARA scale (SARAGAIT) and ∆stride length and ∆sLLEAP correlated with ∆pelvic rotation and ∆SARAGAIT. The minimal clinically important differences for sLLEML and sLLEAP were ≥ 36.16% and ≥ 28.19%, respectively, as the minimal score reflects a clinical improvement in SARA scores. When using inertial measurement units, sLLEAP and sLLEML can be considered responsive outcome measures for assessing the effectiveness of rehabilitation on trunk stability during walking in swCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Filippo Castiglia
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Corso Della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy.
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Dante Trabassi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Corso Della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Carmela Conte
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Corso Della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Valeria Gioiosa
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Corso Della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sebastianelli
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Corso Della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Chiara Abagnale
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Corso Della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Alberto Ranavolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Corso Della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Fontana Candida, 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078, Rome, Italy
| | - Cherubino Di Lorenzo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Corso Della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Gianluca Coppola
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Corso Della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Carlo Casali
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Corso Della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Mariano Serrao
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Corso Della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
- Movement Analysis Laboratory, Policlinico Italia, Piazza del Campidano, 6, 00162, Rome, Italy
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Bonanno M, De Pasquale P, De Marchis C, Lombardo Facciale A, Paladina G, Fonti B, Quartarone A, Calabrò RS. Might patients with cerebellar ataxia benefit from the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation ENvironment (CAREN)? A pilot study focusing on gait and balance. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1385280. [PMID: 39011156 PMCID: PMC11247328 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1385280] [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: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Ataxia is a neurological symptom that causes decreased balance, loss of coordination, and gait alterations. Innovative rehabilitation devices like virtual reality (VR) systems can provide task-oriented, repetitive and intensive training with multisensorial feedback, thus promoting neuroplastic processes. Among these VR technologies, the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation ENvironment (CAREN) associates a split belt treadmill on a 6-degrees of freedom platform with a 180° VR screen and a Vicon motion capture system to monitor patients' movements during training sessions. Methods: Eight patients affected by cerebellar ataxia were enrolled and received 20 sessions of CAREN training in addition to standard rehabilitation treatment. Each patient was evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the study with 3D gait analysis and clinical scales to assess balance, gait function and risk of falls. Results: We found improvements in kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic parameters (as per pre-post- CAREN training), as well as in clinical outcomes, such as balance and risk of falls in ataxic patients. In addition, we found that trunk rotation improved, after CAREN intervention, approximating to the normative values. Discussion: Our results suggested that CAREN might be useful to improve specific biomechanical parameters of gait in ataxic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Bartolo Fonti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, Messina, Italy
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Trabassi D, Castiglia SF, Bini F, Marinozzi F, Ajoudani A, Lorenzini M, Chini G, Varrecchia T, Ranavolo A, De Icco R, Casali C, Serrao M. Optimizing Rare Disease Gait Classification through Data Balancing and Generative AI: Insights from Hereditary Cerebellar Ataxia. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:3613. [PMID: 38894404 PMCID: PMC11175240 DOI: 10.3390/s24113613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The interpretability of gait analysis studies in people with rare diseases, such as those with primary hereditary cerebellar ataxia (pwCA), is frequently limited by the small sample sizes and unbalanced datasets. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of data balancing and generative artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms in generating synthetic data reflecting the actual gait abnormalities of pwCA. Gait data of 30 pwCA (age: 51.6 ± 12.2 years; 13 females, 17 males) and 100 healthy subjects (age: 57.1 ± 10.4; 60 females, 40 males) were collected at the lumbar level with an inertial measurement unit. Subsampling, oversampling, synthetic minority oversampling, generative adversarial networks, and conditional tabular generative adversarial networks (ctGAN) were applied to generate datasets to be input to a random forest classifier. Consistency and explainability metrics were also calculated to assess the coherence of the generated dataset with known gait abnormalities of pwCA. ctGAN significantly improved the classification performance compared with the original dataset and traditional data augmentation methods. ctGAN are effective methods for balancing tabular datasets from populations with rare diseases, owing to their ability to improve diagnostic models with consistent explainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dante Trabassi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (D.T.); (C.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Stefano Filippo Castiglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (D.T.); (C.C.); (M.S.)
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Fabiano Bini
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Franco Marinozzi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (F.M.)
| | - Arash Ajoudani
- Department of Advanced Robotics, Italian Institute of Technology, 16163 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (M.L.)
| | - Marta Lorenzini
- Department of Advanced Robotics, Italian Institute of Technology, 16163 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (M.L.)
| | - Giorgia Chini
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (T.V.); (A.R.)
| | - Tiwana Varrecchia
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (T.V.); (A.R.)
| | - Alberto Ranavolo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (T.V.); (A.R.)
| | - Roberto De Icco
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Headache Science & Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlo Casali
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (D.T.); (C.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Mariano Serrao
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy; (D.T.); (C.C.); (M.S.)
- Movement Analysis Laboratory, Policlinico Italia, 00162 Rome, Italy
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Fiori L, Castiglia SF, Chini G, Draicchio F, Sacco F, Serrao M, Tatarelli A, Varrecchia T, Ranavolo A. The Lower Limb Muscle Co-Activation Map during Human Locomotion: From Slow Walking to Running. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:288. [PMID: 38534562 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11030288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) controls movements and regulates joint stiffness with muscle co-activation, but until now, few studies have examined muscle pairs during running. This study aims to investigate differences in lower limb muscle coactivation during gait at different speeds, from walking to running. Nineteen healthy runners walked and ran at speeds ranging from 0.8 km/h to 9.3 km/h. Twelve lower limb muscles' co-activation was calculated using the time-varying multi-muscle co-activation function (TMCf) with global, flexor-extension, and rostro-caudal approaches. Spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters were also measured. We found that TMCf, spatiotemporal, and kinematic parameters were significantly affected by gait speed for all approaches. Significant differences were observed in the main parameters of each co-activation approach and in the spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters at the transition between walking and running. In particular, significant differences were observed in the global co-activation (CIglob, main effect F(1,17) = 641.04, p < 0.001; at the transition p < 0.001), the stride length (main effect F(1,17) = 253.03, p < 0.001; at the transition p < 0.001), the stride frequency (main effect F(1,17) = 714.22, p < 0.001; at the transition p < 0.001) and the Center of Mass displacement in the vertical (CoMy, main effect F(1,17) = 426.2, p < 0.001; at the transition p < 0.001) and medial-lateral (CoMz, main effect F(1,17) = 120.29 p < 0.001; at the transition p < 0.001) directions. Regarding the correlation analysis, the CoMy was positively correlated with a higher CIglob (r = 0.88, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHMglob, r = -0.83, p < 0.001), whereas the CoMz was positively correlated with the global Center of Activity (CoAglob, r = 0.97, p < 0.001). Positive and negative strong correlations were found between global co-activation parameters and center of mass displacements, as well as some spatiotemporal parameters, regardless of gait speed. Our findings suggest that walking and running have different co-activation patterns and kinematic characteristics, with the whole-limb stiffness exerted more synchronously and stably during running. The co-activation indexes and kinematic parameters could be the result of global co-activation, which is a sensory-control integration process used by the CNS to deal with more demanding and potentially unstable tasks like running.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Fiori
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Fontana Candida 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy
- Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Program, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Filippo Castiglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Via Franco Faggiana 1668, 04100 Latina, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giorgia Chini
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Fontana Candida 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Draicchio
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Fontana Candida 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy
| | - Floriana Sacco
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Fontana Candida 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Serrao
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Via Franco Faggiana 1668, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Antonella Tatarelli
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Fontana Candida 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy
| | - Tiwana Varrecchia
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Fontana Candida 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Ranavolo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Via Fontana Candida 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078 Rome, Italy
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Miscusi M, Serrao M, Ricciardi L, Conte C, Castiglia SF, Ippolito G, Coppola G, Forcato S, Scerrati A, Raco A. Gait analysis, trunk movements, and electromyographic patterns after minimally invasive spine surgery for lumbar instability: An observational prospective study. World Neurosurg X 2024; 21:100262. [PMID: 38193093 PMCID: PMC10772388 DOI: 10.1016/j.wnsx.2023.100262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate trunk kinematics and spine muscle activation during walking after minimally invasive surgery in patients with L4-L5 degenerative spondylolisthesis suffering from lumbar instability (LI). Methods Eleven patients suffering from LI and 13 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. Trunk kinematics and spine muscle activation patterns during walking were collected. Maximal trunk ranges of motion were also recorded from standing position. Assessments were performed pre-operatively (T0), 1 month (T1) and 3 months (T2) after MIS. Results We found significant improvement in spine muscle activation during walking at T2 compared to T0, mainly involving right/left symmetry at the operated level (L4-L5) and up-down synchronization from L3 to S1. Significant improvements in trunk rotation nearing to the HC group during walking were also found at T2 after surgery, though no changes were observed in the maximal range of motion of the trunk during standing. Furthermore, trunk rotation improvement correlated with a lower grade of residual disability. Conclusions Our findings indicate that trunk rotation improves after surgery, and impaired aspects of spine muscle activation can be improved with surgery. These biomechanical parameters could represent novel tools for monitoring the effect of surgery in LI and preventing impaired spine mobility and muscle activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Miscusi
- Department of NESMOS, Sapienza University, via di Grottarossa 1035-1039, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Serrao
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza, University of Rome – Polo Pontino, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
- Movement Analysis LAB, Policlinico Italia, Piazza del Campidano 6, 00162, Rome Italy
| | - Luca Ricciardi
- Department of NESMOS, Sapienza University, via di Grottarossa 1035-1039, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Conte
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza, University of Rome – Polo Pontino, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
- Movement Analysis LAB, Policlinico Italia, Piazza del Campidano 6, 00162, Rome Italy
| | - Stefano Filippo Castiglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza, University of Rome – Polo Pontino, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Ippolito
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza, University of Rome – Polo Pontino, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Gianluca Coppola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza, University of Rome – Polo Pontino, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Stefano Forcato
- UO di Neurochirurgia, Pia Fondazione di Culto e Religione Cardinale G. Panico, Via San Pio X 4, 73039, Tricase, Italy
| | - Alba Scerrati
- Dipartimento di Morfologia, Chirurgia e Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Ferrara, via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonino Raco
- Department of NESMOS, Sapienza University, via di Grottarossa 1035-1039, Rome, Italy
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Manto M, Serrao M, Filippo Castiglia S, Timmann D, Tzvi-Minker E, Pan MK, Kuo SH, Ugawa Y. Neurophysiology of cerebellar ataxias and gait disorders. Clin Neurophysiol Pract 2023; 8:143-160. [PMID: 37593693 PMCID: PMC10429746 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnp.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
There are numerous forms of cerebellar disorders from sporadic to genetic diseases. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the advances and emerging techniques during these last 2 decades in the neurophysiological tests useful in cerebellar patients for clinical and research purposes. Clinically, patients exhibit various combinations of a vestibulocerebellar syndrome, a cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome and a cerebellar motor syndrome which will be discussed throughout this chapter. Cerebellar patients show abnormal Bereitschaftpotentials (BPs) and mismatch negativity. Cerebellar EEG is now being applied in cerebellar disorders to unravel impaired electrophysiological patterns associated within disorders of the cerebellar cortex. Eyeblink conditioning is significantly impaired in cerebellar disorders: the ability to acquire conditioned eyeblink responses is reduced in hereditary ataxias, in cerebellar stroke and after tumor surgery of the cerebellum. Furthermore, impaired eyeblink conditioning is an early marker of cerebellar degenerative disease. General rules of motor control suggest that optimal strategies are needed to execute voluntary movements in the complex environment of daily life. A high degree of adaptability is required for learning procedures underlying motor control as sensorimotor adaptation is essential to perform accurate goal-directed movements. Cerebellar patients show impairments during online visuomotor adaptation tasks. Cerebellum-motor cortex inhibition (CBI) is a neurophysiological biomarker showing an inverse association between cerebellothalamocortical tract integrity and ataxia severity. Ataxic gait is characterized by increased step width, reduced ankle joint range of motion, increased gait variability, lack of intra-limb inter-joint and inter-segmental coordination, impaired foot ground placement and loss of trunk control. Taken together, these techniques provide a neurophysiological framework for a better appraisal of cerebellar disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Manto
- Service des Neurosciences, Université de Mons, Mons, Belgium
- Service de Neurologie, CHU-Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgium
| | - Mariano Serrao
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome Sapienza, Polo Pontino, Corso della Repubblica 79 04100, Latina, Italy
- Gait Analysis LAB Policlinico Italia, Via Del Campidano 6 00162, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Filippo Castiglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome Sapienza, Polo Pontino, Corso della Repubblica 79 04100, Latina, Italy
- Gait Analysis LAB Policlinico Italia, Via Del Campidano 6 00162, Rome, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, via Bassi, 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), Essen University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Elinor Tzvi-Minker
- Department of Neurology, University of Leipzig, Liebigstraße 20, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Syte Institute, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ming-Kai Pan
- Cerebellar Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Yun-Lin 64041, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei City 11529, Taiwan
- Initiative for Columbia Ataxia and Tremor, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei City 11529, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yoshikazu Ugawa
- Department of Human Neurophysiology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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Castiglia SF, Trabassi D, Tatarelli A, Ranavolo A, Varrecchia T, Fiori L, Di Lenola D, Cioffi E, Raju M, Coppola G, Caliandro P, Casali C, Serrao M. Identification of Gait Unbalance and Fallers Among Subjects with Cerebellar Ataxia by a Set of Trunk Acceleration-Derived Indices of Gait. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 22:46-58. [PMID: 35079958 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-021-01361-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the ability of 25 gait indices to characterize gait instability and recurrent fallers among persons with primary degenerative cerebellar ataxia (pwCA), regardless of gait speed, and investigate their correlation with clinical and kinematic variables. Trunk acceleration patterns were acquired during the gait of 34 pwCA, and 34 age- and speed-matched healthy subjects (HSmatched) using an inertial measurement unit. We calculated harmonic ratios (HR), percent recurrence, percent determinism, step length coefficient of variation, short-time largest Lyapunov exponent (sLLE), normalized jerk score, log-dimensionless jerk (LDLJ-A), root mean square (RMS), and root mean square ratio of accelerations (RMSR) in each spatial direction for each participant. Unpaired t-tests or Mann-Whitney tests were performed to identify significant differences between the pwCA and HSmatched groups. Receiver operating characteristics were plotted to assess the ability to characterize gait alterations in pwCA and fallers. Optimal cutoff points were identified, and post-test probabilities were calculated. The HRs showed to characterize gait instability and pwCA fallers with high probabilities. They were correlated with disease severity and stance, swing, and double support duration, regardless of gait speed. sLLEs, RMSs, RMSRs, and LDLJ-A were slightly able to characterize the gait of pwCA but failed to characterize fallers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Filippo Castiglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy.
| | - Dante Trabassi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Antonella Tatarelli
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, via Fontana Candida, 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078, Rome, Italy.,Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Ranavolo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, via Fontana Candida, 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiwana Varrecchia
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, via Fontana Candida, 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Fiori
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, via Fontana Candida, 1, Monte Porzio Catone, 00078, Rome, Italy.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Di Lenola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Ettore Cioffi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy.,Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Manikandan Raju
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Coppola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Pietro Caliandro
- Unità Operativa Complessa Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Casali
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Mariano Serrao
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, "Sapienza" University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Corso della Repubblica 79, 04100, Latina, Italy.,Movement Analysis Laboratory, Policlinico Italia, Piazza del Campidano, 6, 00162, Rome, Italy
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Cabaraux P, Agrawal SK, Cai H, Calabro RS, Casali C, Damm L, Doss S, Habas C, Horn AKE, Ilg W, Louis ED, Mitoma H, Monaco V, Petracca M, Ranavolo A, Rao AK, Ruggieri S, Schirinzi T, Serrao M, Summa S, Strupp M, Surgent O, Synofzik M, Tao S, Terasi H, Torres-Russotto D, Travers B, Roper JA, Manto M. Consensus Paper: Ataxic Gait. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 22:394-430. [PMID: 35414041 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01373-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this consensus paper is to discuss the roles of the cerebellum in human gait, as well as its assessment and therapy. Cerebellar vermis is critical for postural control. The cerebellum ensures the mapping of sensory information into temporally relevant motor commands. Mental imagery of gait involves intrinsically connected fronto-parietal networks comprising the cerebellum. Muscular activities in cerebellar patients show impaired timing of discharges, affecting the patterning of the synergies subserving locomotion. Ataxia of stance/gait is amongst the first cerebellar deficits in cerebellar disorders such as degenerative ataxias and is a disabling symptom with a high risk of falls. Prolonged discharges and increased muscle coactivation may be related to compensatory mechanisms and enhanced body sway, respectively. Essential tremor is frequently associated with mild gait ataxia. There is growing evidence for an important role of the cerebellar cortex in the pathogenesis of essential tremor. In multiple sclerosis, balance and gait are affected due to cerebellar and spinal cord involvement, as a result of disseminated demyelination and neurodegeneration impairing proprioception. In orthostatic tremor, patients often show mild-to-moderate limb and gait ataxia. The tremor generator is likely located in the posterior fossa. Tandem gait is impaired in the early stages of cerebellar disorders and may be particularly useful in the evaluation of pre-ataxic stages of progressive ataxias. Impaired inter-joint coordination and enhanced variability of gait temporal and kinetic parameters can be grasped by wearable devices such as accelerometers. Kinect is a promising low cost technology to obtain reliable measurements and remote assessments of gait. Deep learning methods are being developed in order to help clinicians in the diagnosis and decision-making process. Locomotor adaptation is impaired in cerebellar patients. Coordinative training aims to improve the coordinative strategy and foot placements across strides, cerebellar patients benefiting from intense rehabilitation therapies. Robotic training is a promising approach to complement conventional rehabilitation and neuromodulation of the cerebellum. Wearable dynamic orthoses represent a potential aid to assist gait. The panel of experts agree that the understanding of the cerebellar contribution to gait control will lead to a better management of cerebellar ataxias in general and will likely contribute to use gait parameters as robust biomarkers of future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Cabaraux
- Unité Des Ataxies Cérébelleuses, Department of Neurology, CHU de Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgium.
| | | | - Huaying Cai
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | | | - Carlo Casali
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome Sapienza, Latina, Italy
| | - Loic Damm
- EuroMov Digital Health in Motion, Univ Montpellier, IMT Mines Ales, Montpellier, France
| | - Sarah Doss
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
| | - Christophe Habas
- Université Versailles Saint-Quentin, Versailles, France.,Service de NeuroImagerie, Centre Hospitalier National des 15-20, Paris, France
| | - Anja K E Horn
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology I, Ludwig Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Winfried Ilg
- Section Computational Sensomotorics, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elan D Louis
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Hiroshi Mitoma
- Department of Medical Education, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Vito Monaco
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Petracca
- Department of Human Neurosciences, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Ranavolo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - Ashwini K Rao
- Department of Rehabilitation & Regenerative Medicine (Programs in Physical Therapy), Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Serena Ruggieri
- Department of Human Neurosciences, University of Rome Sapienza, Rome, Italy.,Neuroimmunology Unit, IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Schirinzi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Serrao
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome Sapienza, Latina, Italy.,Movement Analysis LAB, Policlinico Italia, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Summa
- MARlab, Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Hospital of the Ludwig Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Olivia Surgent
- Neuroscience Training Program and Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Centre of Neurology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Shuai Tao
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Smart Medical and Health, Dalian University, Dalian, 116622, China
| | - Hiroo Terasi
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Diego Torres-Russotto
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
| | - Brittany Travers
- Department of Kinesiology and Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jaimie A Roper
- School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Mario Manto
- Unité Des Ataxies Cérébelleuses, Department of Neurology, CHU de Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgium.,Service Des Neurosciences, University of Mons, UMons, Mons, Belgium
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Ranavolo A, Serrao M, Draicchio F. Critical Issues and Imminent Challenges in the Use of sEMG in Return-To-Work Rehabilitation of Patients Affected by Neurological Disorders in the Epoch of Human–Robot Collaborative Technologies. Front Neurol 2020; 11:572069. [PMID: 33414754 PMCID: PMC7783040 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.572069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients affected by neurological pathologies with motor disorders when they are of working age have to cope with problems related to employability, difficulties in working, and premature work interruption. It has been demonstrated that suitable job accommodation plans play a beneficial role in the overall quality of life of pathological subjects. A well-designed return-to-work program should consider several recent innovations in the clinical and ergonomic fields. One of the instrument-based methods used to monitor the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions is surface electromyography (sEMG), a multi-channel, non-invasive, wireless, wearable tool, which allows in-depth analysis of motor coordination mechanisms. Although the scientific literature in this field is extensive, its use remains significantly underexploited and the state-of-the-art technology lags expectations. This is mainly attributable to technical and methodological (electrode-skin impedance, noise, electrode location, size, configuration and distance, presence of crosstalk signals, comfort issues, selection of appropriate sensor setup, sEMG amplitude normalization, definition of correct sEMG-related outcomes and normative data) and cultural limitations. The technical and methodological problems are being resolved or minimized also thanks to the possibility of using reference books and tutorials. Cultural limitations are identified in the traditional use of qualitative approaches at the expense of quantitative measurement-based monitoring methods to design and assess ergonomic interventions and train operators. To bridge the gap between the return-to-work rehabilitation and other disciplines, several teaching courses, accompanied by further electrodes and instrumentations development, should be designed at all Bachelor, Master and PhD of Science levels to enhance the best skills available among physiotherapists, occupational health and safety technicians and ergonomists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Ranavolo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alberto Ranavolo
| | - Mariano Serrao
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Movement Analysis LAB, Policlinico Italia, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Draicchio
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Rome, Italy
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Disselhorst-Klug C, Williams S. Surface Electromyography Meets Biomechanics: Correct Interpretation of sEMG-Signals in Neuro-Rehabilitation Needs Biomechanical Input. Front Neurol 2020; 11:603550. [PMID: 33424754 PMCID: PMC7793912 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.603550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Coordinated activation of muscles is the basis for human locomotion. Impaired muscular activation is related to poor movement performance and disability. To restore movement performance, information about the subject's individual muscular activation is of high relevance. Surface electromyography (sEMG) allows the pain-free assessment of muscular activation and many ready-to-use technologies are available. They enable the usage of sEMG measurements in several applications. However, due to the fact that in most rehabilitation applications dynamic conditions are analyzed, the correct interpretation of sEMG signals remains difficult which hinders the spread of sEMG in clinical applications. From biomechanics it is well-known that the sEMG signal depends on muscle fiber length, contraction velocity, contraction type and on the muscle's biomechanical moment. In non-isometric conditions these biomechanical factors have to be considered when analyzing sEMG signals. Additionally, the central nervous system control strategies used to activate synergistic and antagonistic muscles have to be taken into consideration. These central nervous system activation strategies are rarely known in physiology and are hard to manage in pathology. In this perspective report we discuss how the consideration of biomechanical factors leads to more reliable information extraction from sEMG signals and how the limitations of sEMG can be overcome in dynamic conditions. This is a prerequisite if the use of sEMG in rehabilitation applications is to extend. Examples will be given showing how the integration of biomechanical knowledge into the interpretation of sEMG helps to identify the central nervous system activation strategies involved and leads to relevant clinical information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Disselhorst-Klug
- Department of Rehabilitation & Prevention Engineering, Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sybele Williams
- Department of Rehabilitation & Prevention Engineering, Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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11
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Goffredo M, Infarinato F, Pournajaf S, Romano P, Ottaviani M, Pellicciari L, Galafate D, Gabbani D, Gison A, Franceschini M. Barriers to sEMG Assessment During Overground Robot-Assisted Gait Training in Subacute Stroke Patients. Front Neurol 2020; 11:564067. [PMID: 33193001 PMCID: PMC7604287 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.564067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The limitation to the use of ElectroMyoGraphy (sEMG) in rehabilitation services is in contrast with its potential diagnostic capacity for rational planning and monitoring of the rehabilitation treatments, especially the overground Robot-Assisted Gait Training (o-RAGT). Objective: To assess the barriers to the implementation of a sEMG-based assessment protocol in a clinical context for evaluating the effects of o-RAGT in subacute stroke patients. Methods: An observational study was conducted in a rehabilitation hospital. The primary outcome was the success rate of the implementation of the sEMG-based assessment. The number of dropouts and the motivations have been registered. A detailed report on difficulties in implementing the sEMG protocol has been edited for each patient. The educational level and the working status of the staff have been registered. Each member of staff completed a brief survey indicating their level of knowledge of sEMG, using a five-point Likert scale. Results: The sEMG protocol was carried out by a multidisciplinary team composed of Physical Therapists (PTs) and Biomedical Engineers (BEs). Indeed, the educational level and the expertise of the members of staff influenced the fulfillment of the implementation of the study. The PTs involved in the study did not receive any formal education on sEMG during their course of study. The low success rate (22.7%) of the protocol was caused by several factors which could be grouped in: patient-related barriers; cultural barriers; technical barriers; and administrative barriers. Conclusions: Since a series of barriers limited the use of sEMG in the clinical rehabilitative environment, concrete actions are needed for disseminating sEMG in rehabilitation services. The sEMG assessment should be included in health systems regulations and specific education should be part of the rehabilitation professionals' curriculum. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03395717.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Goffredo
- Department of Neurological and Rehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Infarinato
- Department of Neurological and Rehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Sanaz Pournajaf
- Department of Neurological and Rehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Romano
- Department of Neurological and Rehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ottaviani
- Department of Neurological and Rehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Pellicciari
- Department of Neurological and Rehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Galafate
- Department of Neurological and Rehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Debora Gabbani
- Department of Neurological and Rehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Gison
- Department of Neurological and Rehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Franceschini
- Department of Neurological and Rehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy.,Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele University, Rome, Italy
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