1
|
Lee D, Mulrine SC, Shepherd MK, Westberry DE, Rogozinski BM, Herrin KR, Young AJ. Mitigating Crouch Gait With an Autonomous Pediatric Knee Exoskeleton in the Neurologically Impaired. J Biomech Eng 2024; 146:121005. [PMID: 39196589 DOI: 10.1115/1.4066370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Crouch gait is one of the most common compensatory walking patterns found in individuals with neurological disorders, often accompanied by their limited physical capacity. Notable kinematic characteristics of crouch gait are excessive knee flexion during stance and reduced range of motion during swing. Knee exoskeletons have the potential to improve crouch gait by providing precisely controlled torque assistance directly to the knee joint. In this study, we implemented a finite-state machine-based impedance controller for a powered knee exoskeleton to provide assistance during both stance and swing phases for five children and young adults who exhibit chronic crouch gait. The assistance provided a strong orthotic effect, increasing stance phase knee extension by an average of 12 deg. Additionally, the knee range of motion during swing was increased by an average of 15 deg. Changes to spatiotemporal outcomes, such as preferred walking speed and percent stance phase, were inconsistent across subjects and indicative of the underlying intricacies of user response to assistance. This study demonstrates the potential of knee exoskeletons operating in impedance control to mitigate the negative kinematic characteristics of crouch gait during both stance and swing phases of gait.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Lee
- Bioengineering Department, Stanford University, 318 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305; George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30309
| | - Sierra C Mulrine
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30332
- Georgia Institute of Technology
| | - Max K Shepherd
- College of Engineering and Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115
| | - David E Westberry
- Shriners Hospitals for Children, 950 W Faris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605
- Shriners Hospitals for Children - Greenville
| | - Benjamin M Rogozinski
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University, 1441 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Emory University
| | - Kinsey R Herrin
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30318; Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines (IRIM), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30309
| | - Aaron J Young
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 801 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30318; Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines (IRIM), Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30309
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhu Y, Xiao M, Robbins D, Wu X, Lu W, Hou W. Walking representation and simulation based on multi-source image fusion and multi-agent reinforcement learning for gait rehabilitation. Artif Intell Med 2024; 156:102945. [PMID: 39178622 DOI: 10.1016/j.artmed.2024.102945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
In the formulation of strategies for walking rehabilitation, achieving precise identification of the current state and making rational predictions about the future state are crucial but often unrealized. To tackle this challenge, our study introduces a unified framework that integrates a novel 3D walking motion capture method using multi-source image fusion and a walking rehabilitation simulation approach based on multi-agent reinforcement learning. We found that, (i) the proposal achieved an accurate 3D walking motion capture and outperforms other advanced methods. Experimental evidence indicates that, compared to similar visual skeleton tracking methods, the proposed approach yields results with higher Pearson correlation (r=0.93), intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC(2,1)=0.91), and narrower confidence intervals ([0.90,0.95] for r, [0.88,0.94] for ICC(2,1)) when compared to standard results. The outcomes of the proposed approach also exhibit commendable correlation and concurrence with those obtained through the IMU-based skeleton tracking method in the assessment of gait parameters ([0.85,0.89] for r, [0.75,0.81] for ICC(2,1)); (ii) multi-agent reinforcement learning has the potential to be used to solve the simulation task of gait rehabilitation. In mimicry experiment, our proposed simulation method for gait rehabilitation not only enables the intelligent agent to converge from the initial state to the target state, but also observes evolutionary patterns similar to those observed in clinical practice through motor state resolution. This study offers valuable contributions to walking rehabilitation, enabling precise assessment and simulation-based interventions, with potential implications for clinical practice and patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yean Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, China.
| | - Meirong Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, China
| | - Dan Robbins
- Medical Technology Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine & Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Essex, UK
| | - Xiaoying Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China; Key Laboratory of Chiropractic Manipulation, Jiangxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China.
| | - Wensheng Hou
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Grosse L, Schnabel JF, Börner-Schröder C, Späh MA, Meuche AC, Sollmann N, Breuer U, Warken B, Hösl M, Heinen F, Berweck S, Schröder SA, Bonfert MV. Safety and Feasibility of Functional Repetitive Neuromuscular Magnetic Stimulation of the Gluteal Muscles in Children and Adolescents with Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1768. [PMID: 38002859 PMCID: PMC10670153 DOI: 10.3390/children10111768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Background: For children and adolescents affected by bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP), non-invasive neurostimulation with repetitive neuromuscular magnetic stimulation (rNMS) combined with physical exercises, conceptualized as functional rNMS (frNMS), represents a novel treatment approach. Methods: In this open-label study, six children and two adolescents (10.4 ± 2.5 years) with BSCP received a frNMS intervention targeting the gluteal muscles (12 sessions within 3 weeks). Results: In 77.1% of the sessions, no side effects were reported. In 16.7%, 6.3% and 5.2% of the sessions, a tingling sensation, feelings of pressure/warmth/cold or very shortly lasting pain appeared, respectively. frNMS was highly accepted by families (100% adherence) and highly feasible (97.9% of treatment per training protocol). A total of 100% of participants would repeat frNMS, and 87.5% would recommend it. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure demonstrated clinically important benefits for performance in 28% and satisfaction in 42% of mobility-related tasks evaluated by caregivers for at least one follow-up time point (6 days and 6 weeks post intervention). Two patients accomplished goal attainment for one mobility-related goal each. One patient experienced improvement for both predefined goals, and another participant experienced improvement in one and outreach of the other goal as assessed with the goal attainment scale. Conclusions: frNMS is a safe and well-accepted neuromodulatory approach that could improve the quality of life, especially in regard to activity and participation, of children and adolescents with BSCP. Larger-scaled studies are needed to further explore the effects of frNMS in this setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Grosse
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany (S.B.)
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Julian F. Schnabel
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany (S.B.)
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Corinna Börner-Schröder
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany (S.B.)
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Malina A. Späh
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany (S.B.)
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Anne C. Meuche
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany (S.B.)
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Nico Sollmann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- TUM-Neuroimaging Center, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ute Breuer
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Birgit Warken
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Hösl
- Gait and Motion Analysis Laboratory, Schoen Clinic Vogtareuth, 83569 Vogtareuth, Germany
| | - Florian Heinen
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany (S.B.)
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Steffen Berweck
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany (S.B.)
- Specialist Center for Pediatric Neurology, Neurorehabilitation and Epileptology, Schoen Clinic Vogtareuth, 83569 Vogtareuth, Germany
| | - Sebastian A. Schröder
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany (S.B.)
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Michaela V. Bonfert
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics—Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, LMU Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany (S.B.)
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity—iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 80337 Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Grosse L, Späh MA, Börner C, Schnabel JF, Meuche AC, Parzefall B, Breuer U, Warken B, Sitzberger A, Hösl M, Heinen F, Berweck S, Schröder SA, Bonfert MV. Addressing gross motor function by functional repetitive neuromuscular magnetic stimulation targeting to the gluteal muscles in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy: benefits of functional repetitive neuromuscular magnetic stimulation targeting the gluteal muscles. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1161532. [PMID: 37564737 PMCID: PMC10410564 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1161532] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Impaired selective motor control, weakness and spasticity represent the key characteristics of motor disability in the context of bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Independent walking ability is an important goal and training of the gluteal muscles can improve endurance and gait stability. Combining conventional physical excercises with a neuromodulatory, non-invasive technique like repetitive neuromuscular magnetic stimulation probably enhances effects of the treatment. This prospective study aimed to assess the clinical effects of repetitive neuromuscular magnetic stimulation in combination with a personalized functional physical training offered to children and adolescents with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Methods Eight participants Gross Motor Function Classification System level II and III (10.4 ± 2y5m; 50% Gross Motor Function Classification System level II) received a personalized intervention applying functional repetitive neuromuscular magnetic stimulation (12 sessions within 3 weeks; 12,600 total stimuli during each session). At baseline and follow up the following assessments were performed: 10-m-walking-test, 6-min-walking-test, GMFM-66. Six weeks after the end of treatment the patient-reported outcome measure Gait Outcome Assessment List was completed. Results GMFM-66 total score improved by 1.4% (p = 0.002), as did scoring in domain D for standing (1.9%, p = 0.109) and domain E for walking, jumping and running (2.6%, p = 0.021). Gait speed or distance walked during 6 min did not improve from baseline to follow up. Patient-reported outcome showed improvement in 4 patients in altogether 14 ratings. Caregiver-reported outcome reported benefits in 3 participants in altogether 10 ratings. Conclusion Repetitive neuromuscular magnetic stimulation promises to be a meaningful, non-invasive treatment approach for children and adolescents with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy that could be offered in a resource-efficient manner to a broad number of patients. To further investigate the promising effects of repetitive neuromuscular magnetic stimulation and its mechanisms of action, larger-scaled, controlled trials are needed as well as comprehensive neurophysiological investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Grosse
- LMU Hospital, Department of Pediatrics – Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Malina A. Späh
- LMU Hospital, Department of Pediatrics – Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity – iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Corinna Börner
- LMU Hospital, Department of Pediatrics – Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity – iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Julian F. Schnabel
- LMU Hospital, Department of Pediatrics – Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity – iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Anne C. Meuche
- LMU Hospital, Department of Pediatrics – Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity – iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Parzefall
- LMU Hospital, Department of Pediatrics – Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity – iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ute Breuer
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity – iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Birgit Warken
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity – iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandra Sitzberger
- LMU Hospital, Department of Pediatrics – Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity – iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Hösl
- Gait and Motion Analysis Laboratory, Schoen Clinic Vogtareuth, Vogtareuth, Germany
| | - Florian Heinen
- LMU Hospital, Department of Pediatrics – Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity – iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Steffen Berweck
- LMU Hospital, Department of Pediatrics – Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Specialist Center for Pediatric Neurology, Neurorehabilitation and Epileptology, Schoen Clinic Vogtareuth, Vogtareuth, Germany
| | - Sebastian A. Schröder
- LMU Hospital, Department of Pediatrics – Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity – iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Michaela V. Bonfert
- LMU Hospital, Department of Pediatrics – Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- LMU Center for Children with Medical Complexity – iSPZ Hauner, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
O'Sullivan R, Marron A, Brady K. Crouch gait or flexed-knee gait in cerebral palsy: Is there a difference? A systematic review. Gait Posture 2020; 82:153-160. [PMID: 32927222 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crouch or flexed-knee gait is one of the most common pathological gait patterns in cerebral palsy (CP). Differences exist in definitions used; the degree of knee flexion, inclusion of hip or ankle position, and timing in the gait cycle. This ambiguity may be responsible for variations in prevalence rates and difficulty comparing data across studies. RESEARCH QUESTION What are the kinematic parameters used to define crouch or flexed-knee gait in CP gait? A secondary aim was to examine the quality of data reporting, focusing on the sample characteristics, inclusion/exclusion criteria and the choice of limb included for analysis. METHODS Articles included in this review reported on a specified cohort of adults or children with crouch or flexed-knee gait assessed with 3-dimensional gait analysis. A customised data extraction and quality assessment table was designed specific to the research question. RESULTS The majority (75 %) of included studies used the term crouch gait. Where the pattern was defined, 80 % of crouch papers and 94 % of flexed-knee gait papers based this solely on knee position. Kinematic parameters were clearly defined when they provided objective values of knee flexion, supported this with rationale and provided a reference point in the gait cycle. Only 22 % of crouch papers and 19 % of flexed-knee gait papers provided this information. The majority of studies (67 % crouch; 90 % flexed-knee) specified which limb(s) were included for analysis with the majority including both limbs. Objective values of knee flexion ranged from 8 o to 30 o. SIGNIFICANCE This review highlights that crouch and flexed knee are synonymous and ambiguity exists in the kinematic definition making it difficult to make compare data amongst study cohorts. Future research should provide detailed definitions including the threshold value of knee flexion, how it was derived, the timing in the gait cycle and the limb(s) included in analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R O'Sullivan
- Gait Laboratory, Central Remedial Clinic, Clontarf, Dublin 3, Ireland.
| | - A Marron
- Gait Laboratory, Central Remedial Clinic, Clontarf, Dublin 3, Ireland
| | - K Brady
- Gait Laboratory, Central Remedial Clinic, Clontarf, Dublin 3, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|