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Chen S, Mao M, Zhu G, Chen Y, Qiu Y, Ye B, Xu D. Cortical activity in patients with high-functioning ischemic stroke during the Purdue Pegboard Test: insights into bimanual coordinated fine motor skills with functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1098-1104. [PMID: 37862214 PMCID: PMC10749618 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
After stroke, even high-functioning individuals may experience compromised bimanual coordination and fine motor dexterity, leading to reduced functional independence. Bilateral arm training has been proposed as a promising intervention to address these deficits. However, the neural basis of the impairment of functional fine motor skills and their relationship to bimanual coordination performance in stroke patients remains unclear, limiting the development of more targeted interventions. To address this gap, our study employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate cortical responses in patients after stroke as they perform functional tasks that engage fine motor control and coordination. Twenty-four high-functioning patients with ischemic stroke (7 women, 17 men; mean age 64.75 ± 10.84 years) participated in this cross-sectional observational study and completed four subtasks from the Purdue Pegboard Test, which measures unimanual and bimanual finger and hand dexterity. We found significant bilateral activation of the sensorimotor cortices during all Purdue Pegboard Test subtasks, with bimanual tasks inducing higher cortical activation than the assembly subtask. Importantly, patients with better bimanual coordination exhibited lower cortical activation during the other three Purdue Pegboard Test subtasks. Notably, the observed neural response patterns varied depending on the specific subtask. In the unaffected hand task, the differences were primarily observed in the ipsilesional hemisphere. In contrast, the bilateral sensorimotor cortices and the contralesional hemisphere played a more prominent role in the bimanual task and assembly task, respectively. While significant correlations were found between cortical activation and unimanual tasks, no significant correlations were observed with bimanual tasks. This study provides insights into the neural basis of bimanual coordination and fine motor skills in high-functioning patients after stroke, highlighting task-dependent neural responses. The findings also suggest that patients who exhibit better bimanual performance demonstrate more efficient cortical activation. Therefore, incorporating bilateral arm training in post-stroke rehabilitation is important for better outcomes. The combination of functional near-infrared spectroscopy with functional motor paradigms is valuable for assessing skills and developing targeted interventions in stroke rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyun Chen
- The Second Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- College of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengchai Mao
- The Second Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- College of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangyue Zhu
- College of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufeng Chen
- College of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqi Qiu
- School of Statistics, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Ye
- The Third Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongsheng Xu
- College of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Ilardi CR, La Marra M, Amato R, Di Cecca A, Di Maio G, Ciccarelli G, Migliaccio M, Cavaliere C, Federico G. The "Little Circles Test" (LCT): a dusted-off tool for assessing fine visuomotor function. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:2807-2820. [PMID: 37910290 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02571-z] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fine visuomotor function is commonly impaired in several neurological conditions. However, there is a scarcity of reliable neuropsychological tools to assess such a critical domain. AIMS The aim of this study is to explore the psychometric properties and provide normative data for the Visual-Motor Speed and Precision Test (VMSPT). RESULTS Our normative sample included 220 participants (130 females) aged 18-86 years (mean education = 15.24 years, SD = 3.98). Results showed that raw VMSPT scores were affected by higher age and lower education. No effect of sex or handedness was shown. Age- and education-based norms were provided. VMSPT exhibited weak-to-strong correlations with well-known neuropsychological tests, encompassing a wide range of cognitive domains of clinical relevance. By gradually intensifying the cognitive demands, the test becomes an indirect, performance-oriented measure of executive functioning. Finally, VMSPT seems proficient in capturing the speed-accuracy trade-off typically observed in the aging population. CONCLUSIONS This study proposes the initial standardization of a versatile, time-efficient, and cost-effective neuropsychological tool for assessing fine visuomotor coordination. We propose renaming the VMSPT as the more approachable "Little Circles Test" (LCT).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco La Marra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaella Amato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Angelica Di Cecca
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN S.P.A., Via Emanuele Gianturco 113, 80143, Naples, Italy
| | - Girolamo Di Maio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Miriana Migliaccio
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN S.P.A., Via Emanuele Gianturco 113, 80143, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Cavaliere
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN S.P.A., Via Emanuele Gianturco 113, 80143, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Federico
- IRCCS SYNLAB SDN S.P.A., Via Emanuele Gianturco 113, 80143, Naples, Italy
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Adkins MD, Buczak MK, Olsen CD, Iversen MM, George JA. Automated Quantifiable Assessments of Sensorimotor Function Using an Instrumented Fragile Object. IEEE Int Conf Rehabil Robot 2023; 2023:1-6. [PMID: 37941235 DOI: 10.1109/icorr58425.2023.10304693] [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: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Accurate assessment of hand dexterity plays a critical role in informing rehabilitation and care of upper-limb hemiparetic stroke patients. Common upper-limb assessments, such as the Box and Blocks Test and Nine Hole Peg Test, primarily evaluate gross motor function in terms of speed. These assessments neglect an individual's ability to finely regulate grip force, which is critical in activities of daily living, such as manipulating fragile objects. Here we present the Electronic Grip Gauge (EGG), an instrumented fragile object that assesses both gross and fine motor function. Embedded with a load cell, accelerometer, and Hall-effect sensor, the EGG measures grip force, acceleration, and relative position (via magnetic fields) in real time. The EGG can emit an audible "break" sound when the applied grip force exceeds a threshold. The number of breaks, transfer duration, and applied forces are automatically logged in real-time. Using the EGG, we evaluated sensorimotor function in implicit grasping and gentle grasping for the non-paretic and paretic hands of 3 hemiparetic stroke patients. For all participants, the paretic hand took longer to transfer the EGG during implicit grasping. For 2 of 3 participants, grip forces were significantly greater for the paretic hand during gentle grasping. Differences in implicit grasping forces were unique to each participant. This work constitutes an important step towards more widespread and quantitative measures of sensorimotor function, which may ultimately lead to improved personalized rehabilitation and better patient outcomes.
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Force acquisition frequency is less impaired compared to grip strength or hand dexterity in individuals with chronic stroke. Exp Brain Res 2022; 240:2513-2521. [DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06432-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Wang Z, Cui K, Song R, Li X, Qi X, Buchman AS, Bennett DA, Xu W. Influence of Cardiovascular Risk Burden on Motor Function Among Older Adults: Mediating Role of Cardiovascular Diseases Accumulation and Cognitive Decline. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:856260. [PMID: 35559338 PMCID: PMC9087801 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.856260] [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: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association of the cardiovascular risk burden assessed by the Framingham General Cardiovascular Risk Score (FGCRS) with the trajectories of motor function over time and to assess the mediating effects of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) accumulation and cognitive decline in such association. Methods In Rush Memory and Aging Project, a total of 1,378 physical health participants (mean age: 79.3 ± 7.3 years) were followed up for up to 22 years. FGCRS at baseline was assessed and categorized into tertiles (lowest, middle, and highest). Global motor function (including dexterity, gait, and hand strength) was assessed annually with 10 motor tests. CVDs (including stroke, congestive heart failure, and other heart diseases) were ascertained at baseline and follow-ups, and the number of CVDs accumulation over time was assessed. Global cognitive function was tested annually by 19 tests. Data were analyzed using the linear mixed-effects models and mediation analysis. Results At baseline, FGCRS ranged from 4 to 28 (mean score: 15.6 ± 3.7). Over the follow-up (median: 5.3 years; interquartile range: 2.9-9.0 years), in multi-adjusted mixed-effects models, the highest FGCRS was associated with faster decline in global motor function (β = -0.0038; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.0069 to -0.0008), dexterity (β = -0.0056; 95% CI: -0.0093 to -0.0020), gait (β = -0.0039; 95% CI: -0.0077 to -0.0001), and hand strength (β = -0.0053; 95% CI: -0.0098 to -0.0008) compared with the lowest tertile. In mediation analysis, CVDs accumulation and cognitive decline mediated 8.4% and 42.9% of the association between FGCRS and global motor function over time, respectively. Conclusion Higher cardiovascular risk burden is associated with a faster decline in motor function including dexterity, gait, and hand strength. CVDs accumulation and cognitive decline may partially mediate the association between cardiovascular risk burden and global motor function decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyu Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, China.,Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, China
| | - Kaiwang Cui
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Fifth People's Hospital of Ganzhou, Ganzhou Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Ganzhou, China
| | - Ruixue Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine of Shandong University, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xuerui Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, China.,Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiuying Qi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, China.,Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, China
| | - Aron S Buchman
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Weili Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, China.,Center for International Collaborative Research on Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, Tianjin, China.,Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Liu J, Wang C, Cheng J, Miao P, Li Z. Dynamic Relationship Between Interhemispheric Functional Connectivity and Corticospinal Tract Changing Pattern After Subcortical Stroke. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:870718. [PMID: 35601612 PMCID: PMC9120434 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.870718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and PurposeIncreased interhemispheric resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) between the bilateral primary motor cortex (M1) compensates for corticospinal tract (CST) impairment, which facilitates motor recovery in chronic subcortical stroke. However, there is a lack of data on the evolution patterns and correlations between M1–M1 rsFC and diffusion indices of CSTs with different origins after subcortical stroke and their relations with long-term motor outcomes.MethodsA total of 44 patients with subcortical stroke underwent longitudinal structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations and clinical assessments at four time points. Diffusion tensor imaging was used to extract fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the affected CSTs with different origins. Resting-state functional MRI was used to calculate the M1–M1 rsFC. Longitudinal patterns of functional and anatomic changes in connections were explored using a linear mixed-effects model. Dynamic relationships between M1–M1 rsFC and FA values of the affected specific CSTs and the impact of these variations on the long-term motor outcomes were analyzed in patients with subcortical stroke.ResultsStroke patients showed a significantly decreased FA in the affected specific CSTs and a gradually increasing M1–M1 rsFC from the acute to the chronic stage. The FA of the affected M1 fiber was negatively correlated with the M1–M1 rsFC from the subacute to the chronic stage, FA of the affected supplementary motor area fiber was negatively correlated with the M1–M1 rsFC in the subacute stage, and FA of the affected M1 fiber in the acute stage was correlated with the long-term motor recovery after subcortical stroke.ConclusionOur findings show that the FA of the affected M1 fiber in the acute stage had the most significant correlation with long-term motor recovery and may be used as an imaging biomarker for predicting motor outcomes after stroke. The compensatory role of the M1–M1 rsFC enhancement may start from the subacute stage in stroke patients with CST impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchun Liu
- Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Jingchun Liu
| | - Caihong Wang
- Department of MRI, Key Laboratory for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Molecular Imaging of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Caihong Wang
| | - Jingliang Cheng
- Department of MRI, Key Laboratory for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Molecular Imaging of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peifang Miao
- Department of MRI, Key Laboratory for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Molecular Imaging of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Chen S, Qiu Y, Bassile CC, Lee A, Chen R, Xu D. Effectiveness and Success Factors of Bilateral Arm Training After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:875794. [PMID: 35547621 PMCID: PMC9082277 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.875794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bilateral arm training (BAT) presents as a promising approach in upper extremity (UE) rehabilitation after a stroke as it may facilitate neuroplasticity. However, the effectiveness of BAT is inconclusive, and no systematic reviews and meta-analyses have investigated the impact of different factors on the outcomes of BAT. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to (1) compare the effects of bilateral arm training (BAT) with unilateral arm training (UAT) and conventional therapy (CT) on the upper limb (UL) motor impairments and functional performance post-stroke, and (2) investigate the different contributing factors that may influence the success of BAT. A comprehensive literature search was performed in five databases. Randomized control trials (RCTs) that met inclusion criteria were selected and assessed for methodological qualities. Data relating to outcome measures, characteristics of participants (stroke chronicity and severity), and features of intervention (type of BAT and dose) were extracted for meta-analysis. With 25 RCTs meeting the inclusion criteria, BAT demonstrated significantly greater improvements in motor impairments as measured by Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) than CT (MD = 3.94, p = < 0.001), but not in functional performance as measured by the pooled outcomes of Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Box and Block Test (BBT), and the time component of Motor Function Test (WMFT-time) (SMD = 0.28, p = 0.313). The superior motor impairment effects of BAT were associated with recruiting mildly impaired individuals in the chronic phase of stroke (MD = 6.71, p < 0.001), and applying a higher dose of intervention (MD = 6.52, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that bilateral functional task training (BFTT) improves both motor impairments (MD = 7.84, p < 0.001) and functional performance (SMD = 1.02, p = 0.049). No significant differences were detected between BAT and UAT for motor impairment (MD = -0.90, p = 0.681) or functional performance (SMD = -0.09, p = 0.457). Thus, our meta-analysis indicates that BAT may be more beneficial than CT in addressing post-stroke UL motor impairment, particularly in the chronic phase with mild UL paresis. The success of BAT may be dose-dependent, and higher doses of intervention may be required. BFTT appears to be a valuable form of BAT that could be integrated into stroke rehabilitation programs. BAT and UAT are generally equivalent in improving UL motor impairments and functional performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyun Chen
- College of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yuqi Qiu
- School of Statistics, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Clare C. Bassile
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States
| | - Anita Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ruifeng Chen
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Dongsheng Xu
- College of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intelligent Rehabilitation, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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Liu J, Wang C. Microstructure and Genetic Polymorphisms: Role in Motor Rehabilitation After Subcortical Stroke. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:813756. [PMID: 35177977 PMCID: PMC8843845 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.813756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Motor deficits are the most common disability after stroke, and early prediction of motor outcomes is critical for guiding the choice of early interventions. Two main factors that may impact the response to rehabilitation are variations in the microstructure of the affected corticospinal tract (CST) and genetic polymorphisms in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The purpose of this article was to review the role of these factors in stroke recovery, which will be useful for constructing a predictive model of rehabilitation outcomes.Summary of Review: We review the microstructure of the CST, including its origins in the primary motor area (M1), primary sensory area (S1), premotor cortex (PMC), and supplementary motor area (SMA). Damage to these fibers is disease-causing and can directly affect rehabilitation after subcortical stroke. BDNF polymorphisms are not disease-causing but can indirectly affect neuroplasticity and thus motor recovery. Both factors are known to be correlated with motor recovery. Further work is needed using large longitudinal patient samples and animal experiments to better establish the role of these two factors in stroke rehabilitation.Conclusions: Microstructure and genetic polymorphisms should be considered possible predictors or covariates in studies investigating motor recovery after subcortical stroke. Future predictive models of stroke recovery will likely include a combination of structural and genetic factors to allow precise individualization of stroke rehabilitation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchun Liu
- Department of Radiology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Functional Imaging, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Caihong Wang
- Department of MRI, Key Laboratory for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Molecular Imaging of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Caihong Wang
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A randomised clinical trial comparing 35 Hz versus 50 Hz frequency stimulation effects on hand motor recovery in older adults after stroke. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9131. [PMID: 33911100 PMCID: PMC8080700 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88607-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
More solid data are needed regarding the application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in the paretic hand following a stroke. A randomised clinical trial was conducted to compare the effects of two NMES protocols with different stimulation frequencies on upper limb motor impairment and function in older adults with spastic hemiparesis after stroke. Sixty nine outpatients were randomly assigned to the control group or the experimental groups (NMES with 50 Hz or 35 Hz). Outcome measures included motor impairment tests and functional assessment. They were collected at baseline, after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, and after a follow-up period. NMES groups showed significant changes (p < 0.05) with different effect sizes in range of motion, grip and pinch strength, the Modified Ashworth Scale, and the muscle electrical activity in the extensors of the wrist. The 35 Hz NMES intervention showed a significant effect on Barthel Index. Additionally, there were no significant differences between the groups in the Box and Block Test. Both NMES protocols proved evidence of improvements in measurements related to hand motor recovery in older adults following a stroke, nevertheless, these findings showed that the specific stimulation frequency had different effects depending on the clinical measures under study.
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