The effect of sequential combination of mirror therapy and robot-assisted therapy on motor function, daily function, and self-efficacy after stroke

Robotic mirror therapy for stroke rehabilitation through virtual activities of daily living

Mirror therapy is a standard technique of rehabilitation for recovering motor and vision abilities of stroke patients, especially in the case of asymmetric limb function. To enhance traditional mirror therapy, robotic mirror therapy (RMT) has been proposed over the past decade, allowing for assisted bimanual coordination of paretic (affected) and contralateral (healthy) limbs. However, state-of-the-art RMT platforms predominantly target mirrored motions of trajectories, largely limited to 2-D motions. In this paper, an RMT platform is proposed, which can facilitate the patient to practice virtual activities of daily living (ADL) and thus enhance their independence. Two similar (but mirrored) 3D virtual environments are created in which the patients operate robots with both their limbs to complete ADL (such as writing and eating) with the assistance of the therapist. The recovery level of the patient is continuously assessed by monitoring their ability to track assigned trajectories. The patient's robots are programmed to assist the patient in following these trajectories based on this recovery level. In this paper, the framework to dynamically monitor recovery level and accordingly provide assistance is developed along with the nonlinear controller design to ensure position tracking, force control, and stability. Proof-of-concept studies are conducted with both 3D trajectory tracking and ADL. The results demonstrate the potential use of the proposed system to enhance the recovery of the patients.

Reminiscent music therapy combined with robot-assisted rehabilitation for elderly stroke patients: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Although some studies suggest that robot-assisted technology can significantly improve upper limb function in stroke patients compared to traditional rehabilitation training, it is still necessary to incorporate an auxiliary intervention to alleviate negative emotions, thereby alleviating the post-stroke fatigue and encouraging patients to actively respond to rehabilitation. However, the effect of the auxiliary intervention is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of reminiscent music therapy combined with robot-assisted rehabilitation in elderly patients with upper limb dysfunction.

METHODS

From November 2022 to March 2023, elderly patients with upper limb dysfunction after stroke were assigned to one of three groups, with group A receiving usual rehabilitation treatment and care plus robot-assisted rehabilitation and reminiscent music therapy, group B receiving usual rehabilitation treatment and care plus robot-assisted rehabilitation, and group C receiving only usual rehabilitation treatment and care. Thirty patients completed this study, with 10 participants in each group. Activities of daily living, self-esteem, rehabilitation self-efficacy, positive emotion and upper limb function were measured before and after the intervention. One-way analysis of variance, paired-sample t-test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Wilcoxon signed rank sum test and Chi-square test were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

According to the intragroup comparisons, in the three groups, all outcome measurements were significantly higher than those at baseline (all P < 0.05). After the intervention, the differences in the self-management effectiveness, rehabilitation self-efficacy, and positive emotion score were statistically significant among the three groups (all P < 0.05). In accordance with the results of Bonferroni analysis, the self-management effectiveness score of group A was significantly higher than that of Group B and Group C (all P < 0.05). The rehabilitation self-efficacy score of group A was significantly higher than that of Group B and Group C (P < 0.05). The positive emotion score of group A was significantly higher than that of Group B and Group C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Reminiscent music therapy combined with robot-assisted rehabilitation is a promising approach to improve rehabilitation self-efficacy and positive emotion, which is evidence that reminiscent music therapy may be an effective auxiliary intervention to improve rehabilitation outcomes.

The Desirable Effects of Edoxaban on Thrombi in the Left Atrium Are Seemingly Connected to Pulmonary Vein Thrombi

Ischemic stroke (IS) causes various degrees of disability that sometimes induce social problems: therefore, preventing the occurrence and recurrence of IS is important. The recovery of motor function has been extensively studied. The characteristics of retrieved thrombi have become clearer; however, it is unclear what thrombi cause IS. Pulmonary vein thrombi (PVTs), such as those of the IS, can cause systemic thrombosis, by releasing several sizes of particles. PVTs are common but are underrated and can be detected via enhanced computed tomography (CT) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). PVTs often extend to the left atrium (LA) and can be mainly diagnosed using not enhanced CT but rather TEE. Extended LA thrombi are characterized by a lack of periodic movement with heartbeats. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are useful for preventing IS. We reported that rivaroxaban partially dissolved LA thrombi and PVTs using enhanced CT and TEE; however, the effects of edoxaban on LA thrombi and PVTs are unclear. We checked the images using enhanced CT and TEE and treated them with edoxaban. The patient was a 73-year-old female with easy fatigability. Edoxaban desirably affected the LA thrombi, and edoxaban partially dissolved the thrombi in the right lower pulmonary vein (RLPV). A decreased dose of edoxaban (15 mg, once a day) had similar effects on LA thrombi and RLPV thrombi, suggesting that this treatment could be useful for preventing IS.