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Barzacchi V, Mangani G, Del Lucchese B, Menici V, Bombonato C, Beani E, Biagioni E, Palla I, Posteraro F, Trieste L, Turchetti G, Sgandurra G, Cioni G, Consortium OBOTT. TABLET TOSCANA to Develop Innovative Organizational Models for Tele-Rehabilitation in Subjects with Congenital and Acquired Developmental Disabilities: A Wait-List Control Group Trial Protocol. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4159. [PMID: 39064206 PMCID: PMC11277580 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13144159] [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: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In recent years, the advent of new technologies has fostered their application in neuro-psychomotor and language rehabilitation, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Tele-rehabilitation has emerged as an innovative and timely solution, enabling personalized interventions monitored by clinicians. TABLET TOSCANA project aims to develop innovative tele-rehabilitation organizational models in children, adolescents and young adults with congenital and acquired developmental disabilities, using the Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) Home Kit and the MedicoAmico APP. Methods: The trial is designed according to the CONSORT statement guidelines. The project encompasses three phases: adapting the technologies for pediatric use, validating them through a wait-list study, and analyzing feasibility and effectiveness data to define new organizational models. A randomized wait-list-control study with 100 subjects aged 6 to 30 years will compare tele-rehabilitation versus prosecution of standard care. Discussion: Although literature highlights tele-rehabilitation benefits such as improved access, cost savings, and enhanced treatment adherence, practical implementation remains limited (i.e., the definition of standardized procedures). TABLET TOSCANA project seeks to address these gaps by focusing on multi-domain treatments for neurodevelopmental disabilities and emphasizing the integration of tele-rehabilitation into local health services. Conclusion: The project aims to improve the continuity and intensity of care through innovative models that integrate tele-rehabilitation into local health services. The results could inform healthcare policies and promote the development of innovative and collaborative models of care, paving the way for more effective and widespread tele-rehabilitation solutions and fostering collaborative networks among professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Barzacchi
- Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.B.); (G.M.); (B.D.L.); (V.M.); (C.B.); (E.B.); (G.C.)
- Tuscan Ph.D. Programme of Neuroscience, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Gloria Mangani
- Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.B.); (G.M.); (B.D.L.); (V.M.); (C.B.); (E.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Benedetta Del Lucchese
- Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.B.); (G.M.); (B.D.L.); (V.M.); (C.B.); (E.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Valentina Menici
- Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.B.); (G.M.); (B.D.L.); (V.M.); (C.B.); (E.B.); (G.C.)
- Ph.D. Programme in Clinical and Translational Sciences, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Clara Bombonato
- Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.B.); (G.M.); (B.D.L.); (V.M.); (C.B.); (E.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Elena Beani
- Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.B.); (G.M.); (B.D.L.); (V.M.); (C.B.); (E.B.); (G.C.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Enrico Biagioni
- UOC Neuropsichiatria Infantile, ASL Toscana Nord-Ovest, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Palla
- Institute of Management, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (I.P.); (L.T.); (G.T.)
| | - Federico Posteraro
- Rehabilitation Department, Versilia Hospital, AUSL Toscana Nord Ovest, 55049 Lucca, Italy;
| | - Leopoldo Trieste
- Institute of Management, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (I.P.); (L.T.); (G.T.)
| | - Giuseppe Turchetti
- Institute of Management, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (I.P.); (L.T.); (G.T.)
| | - Giuseppina Sgandurra
- Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.B.); (G.M.); (B.D.L.); (V.M.); (C.B.); (E.B.); (G.C.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cioni
- Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (V.B.); (G.M.); (B.D.L.); (V.M.); (C.B.); (E.B.); (G.C.)
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Nguyen CM, Uy J, Serrada I, Hordacre B. Quantifying patient experiences with therapeutic neurorehabilitation technologies: a scoping review. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:1662-1672. [PMID: 37132669 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2201514] [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: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neurorehabilitation technologies are a novel approach to providing rehabilitation for patients with neurological conditions. There is a need to explore patient experiences. This study aimed; 1) To identify available questionnaires that assess patients' experiences with neurorehabilitation technologies, and 2) where reported, to document the psychometric properties of the identified questionnaires. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four databases were searched (Medline, Embase, Emcare and PsycInfo). The inclusion criteria were all types of primary data collection that included neurological patients of all ages who had experienced therapy with neurorehabilitation technologies and completed questionnaires to assess these experiences. RESULTS Eighty-eight publications were included. Fifteen different questionnaires along with many self-developed scales were identified. These were categorised as; 1) self-developed tools, 2) specific questionnaire for a particular technology, and 3) generic questionnaires originally developed for a different purpose. The questionnaires were used to assess various technologies, including virtual reality, robotics, and gaming systems. Most studies did not report any psychometric properties. CONCLUSION Many tools have been used to evaluate patient experiences, but few were specifically developed for neurorehabilitation technologies and psychometric data was limited. A preliminary recommendation would be use of the User Satisfaction Evaluation Questionnaire to evaluate patient experience with virtual reality systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Mai Nguyen
- University of South Australia, Allied Health and Human Performance, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jeric Uy
- University of South Australia, Allied Health and Human Performance, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ines Serrada
- University of South Australia, Allied Health and Human Performance, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Brenton Hordacre
- University of South Australia, Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation (IIMPACT), Health Allied Health and Human Performance, Adelaide, Australia
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Menici V, Scalise R, Fasano A, Falotico E, Dubbini N, Prencipe G, Sgandurra G, Filogna S, Battini R. Assessment of Postural Control in Children with Movement Disorders by Means of a New Technological Tool: A Pilot Study. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:176. [PMID: 38391662 PMCID: PMC10886107 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11020176] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Considering the variability and heterogeneity of motor impairment in children with Movement Disorders (MDs), the assessment of postural control becomes essential. For its assessment, only a few tools objectively quantify and recognize the difference among children with MDs. In this study, we use the Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) for assessing the postural control in children with MD. Furthermore, 16 children (mean age 10.68 ± 3.62 years, range 4.29-18.22 years) were tested with VRRS by using a stabilometric balance platform. Postural parameters, related to the movements of the Centre of Pressure (COP), were collected and analyzed. Three different MD groups were identified according to the prevalent MD: dystonia, chorea and chorea-dystonia. Statistical analyses tested the differences among MD groups in the VRRS-derived COP variables. The mean distance, root mean square, excursion, velocity and frequency values of the dystonia group showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the chorea group and the chorea-dystonia group. Technology provides quantitative data to support clinical assessment: in this case, the VRRS detected differences among the MD patterns, identifying specific group features. This tool could be useful also for monitoring the longitudinal trajectories and detecting post-treatment changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Menici
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Ph.D. Programme in Clinical and Translational Sciences, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Scalise
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessio Fasano
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, 50143 Florence, Italy
| | - Egidio Falotico
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics and AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Prencipe
- Department of Computer Science, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Sgandurra
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Filogna
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Battini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Macchitella L, Amendola S, Barraco G, Scoditti S, Gallo I, Oliva MC, Trabacca A. A narrative review of the use of a cutting-edge virtual reality rehabilitation technology in neurological and neuropsychological rehabilitation. NeuroRehabilitation 2023; 53:439-457. [PMID: 38143388 PMCID: PMC10789333 DOI: 10.3233/nre-230066] [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: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virtual reality (VR) interventions have been increasingly used in the rehabilitation of a wide range of neurological and neuropsychological dysfunctions. Findings of previous reviews showed positive and promising effects of VR-based interventions. However, they summarized findings on VR-based intervention carried out through different VR systems and tasks. OBJECTIVE We carried out a narrative review with the aim of qualitatively synthesising the results of previous studies that used specific VR systems, i.e. the Khymeia -Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System, for treatment purposes. METHODS We searched the literature in various databases (i.e. EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed and PubMed Central) for studies published until November 23, 2023. RESULTS 30 studies were selected. The VRRS was used for neuromotor rehabilitation only in 13 studies, for cognitive rehabilitation in 11 studies, and for both neuromotor and cognitive rehabilitation in six studies. The study design was heterogeneous including 15 randomised controlled trials. CONCLUSION After discussing each study according to the type of rehabilitation we concluded that the use and efficacy of VRRS rehabilitative intervention for increasing the neurological and neuropsychological functioning of patients are promising but more evidence is needed to make a comparison with conventional treatment. Future studies should also include long-term follow-up as well as cost-effectiveness analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Macchitella
- Scientific Institute IRCCS “E. Medea”, Unit for Severe Disabilities in Developmental Age and Young Adults (Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation), Brindisi, Italy
| | - Simone Amendola
- Scientific Institute IRCCS “E. Medea”, Unit for Severe Disabilities in Developmental Age and Young Adults (Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation), Brindisi, Italy
| | - Giulia Barraco
- Scientific Institute IRCCS “E. Medea”, Unit for Severe Disabilities in Developmental Age and Young Adults (Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation), Brindisi, Italy
| | - Sara Scoditti
- Scientific Institute IRCCS “E. Medea”, Unit for Severe Disabilities in Developmental Age and Young Adults (Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation), Brindisi, Italy
| | - Ivana Gallo
- Scientific Institute IRCCS “E. Medea”, Unit for Severe Disabilities in Developmental Age and Young Adults (Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation), Brindisi, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Oliva
- Scientific Institute IRCCS “E. Medea”, Unit for Severe Disabilities in Developmental Age and Young Adults (Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation), Brindisi, Italy
| | - Antonio Trabacca
- Scientific Institute IRCCS “E. Medea”, Unit for Severe Disabilities in Developmental Age and Young Adults (Developmental Neurology and Neurorehabilitation), Brindisi, Italy
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Varma A, Sharma NS, Vagha JD, Naqvi WM, Besekar S. Pediatric Patients With Hemiplegia: A Systematic Review of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Cureus 2023; 15:e34074. [PMID: 36843815 PMCID: PMC9946895 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34074] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemiplegia is the medical term for paralysis of one side of the body. It results in muscular wasting on the affected side, impairs gait, reduces motor abilities, and causes instability and a loss of grasping capacity. The patient's quality of life is impacted by hemiplegia because it impairs brain and spinal cord functions. Consequently, a range of therapeutic options, including physical therapy, medical health management, and other multidisciplinary care, are accessible. The effects of treatments on juvenile patients with hemiplegia who are participating in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) are examined in this systematic review. Using the Boolean operator "AND," the research process entailed searching for keywords like "Hemiplegia" and "Pediatrics." Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of six RCTs were included in the study. According to the study's findings, hemiplegic patients benefited from Kinesio taping (KT), botulinum toxin type-A (BoNT-A), hyaluronic acid injections, and bimanual treatment.
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Redolfi A, Archetti D, De Francesco S, Crema C, Tagliavini F, Lodi R, Ghidoni R, Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott CAM, Alexander DC, D'Angelo E. Italian, European, and international neuroinformatics efforts: An overview. Eur J Neurosci 2022. [PMID: 36310103 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15854] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinformatics is a research field that focusses on software tools capable of identifying, analysing, modelling, organising and sharing multiscale neuroscience data. Neuroinformatics has exploded in the last two decades with the emergence of the Big Data phenomenon, characterised by the so-called 3Vs (volume, velocity and variety), which provided neuroscientists with an improved ability to acquire and process data faster and more cheaply thanks to technical improvements in clinical, genomic and radiological technologies. This situation has led to a 'data deluge', as neuroscientists can routinely collect more study data in a few days than they could in a year just a decade ago. To address this phenomenon, several neuroimaging-focussed neuroinformatics platforms have emerged, funded by national or transnational agencies, with the following goals: (i) development of tools for archiving and organising analytical data (XNAT, REDCap and LabKey); (ii) development of data-driven models evolving from reductionist approaches to multidimensional models (RIN, IVN, HBD, EuroPOND, E-DADS and GAAIN BRAIN); and (iii) development of e-infrastructures to provide sufficient computational power and storage resources (neuGRID, HBP-EBRAINS, LONI and CONP). Although the scenario is still fragmented, there are technological and economical attempts at both national and international levels to introduce high standards for open and Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) neuroscience worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Redolfi
- Laboratory of Neuroinformatics, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Damiano Archetti
- Laboratory of Neuroinformatics, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia De Francesco
- Laboratory of Neuroinformatics, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudio Crema
- Laboratory of Neuroinformatics, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Tagliavini
- Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaele Lodi
- Functional and Molecular Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Ghidoni
- Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudia A M Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott
- NMR Research Unit, Queen Square MS Center, Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Brain Connectivity Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniel C Alexander
- Centre for Medical Image Computing, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Egidio D'Angelo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Brain Connectivity Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Does Non-Immersive Virtual Reality Improve Attention Processes in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury? Encouraging Data from a Pilot Study. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12091211. [PMID: 36138947 PMCID: PMC9496665 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12091211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a sudden injury that causes damage to the brain. Rehabilitation therapies include specific training, such as attention process training (APT) programs using either standard or innovative approaches. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a non-immersive virtual reality-based attention training to stimulate attention processes and mood in TBI patients. Thirty subjects with TBI were enrolled at the Neurorehabilitation Unit of the IRCCS Neurolesi Center and divided into either the Conventional Attention Process Training Group (C_APT: n = 15) or the Virtual-Based Attention Processes Training Group (VB_APT: n = 15), treated with the Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS-Evo). All of the patients were evaluated with a specific psychometric battery before (T0) and after the end (T1) of each program. We found statistically significant differences between the two groups, in particular concerning global cognitive status (p < 0.02), attention processes (p < 0.03), depression symptoms (p < 0.04) and visual attention (p < 0.01). Experimental intragroup analysis showed great statistical significances in all psychometric tests, i.e., the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (p < 0.0006), Attention Matrices (p < 0.0007), the Hamilton Rating Scale-Depression (p < 0.004), the Trail Making Test-A (p < 0.0007), the Trail Making Test-B (p < 0.0007), and the Trail Making test-BA (p < 0.007). Our results suggest that non-immersive virtual reality may be a useful and effective approach for the attention processes recovery and mood of TBI patients, leading to better cognitive and behavioral outcomes.
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New Technological Approach for the Evaluation of Postural Control Abilities in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9070957. [PMID: 35883941 PMCID: PMC9319863 DOI: 10.3390/children9070957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) causes difficulties in postural control which are crucial to assess due to their impact on everyday life. There is a lack of suitable tools to acquire quantitative data and deeply analyze postural control, especially during the developmental age. The aim of this study is to investigate postural control skills in children with DCD and typically developing children (TD) using the Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS). Methods: 18 children with DCD and 30 TD children (mean age 9.12 ± 2.65 and 7.12 ± 2.77 years, respectively) were tested by using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children Second Edition (MABC-2) and a VRRS stabilometric balance platform. A t-test was performed to identify differences in the VRRS parameters between the two groups. Furthermore, we investigated whether a correlation exists between the VRRS data and the MABC-2. Results: Significant differences (p < 0.05) in mean distance and frequency of the COP are found in the two groups. These parameters also correlate with the MABC-2 total score (p ≤ 0.05) and balance subscales (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: This study opens a new frontier for the assessment of postural skills in children with DCD and represents a potential basis for a tailored rehabilitation program, from which their postural stability and, consequently, their everyday life will benefit.
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Application of Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System for the assessment of postural control while standing in typical children and peers with neurodevelopmental disorders. Gait Posture 2022; 92:364-370. [PMID: 34923256 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assessment of postural control in children is crucial, due to its central role in their overall development. However, a tool that objectively quantifies the difference in postural control between typical and atypical developing children is lacking. In this study, we introduce a new technology (Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System, VRRS) for assessing children's postural control. RESEARCH QUESTION Is this new assessment tool capable to highlight the differences between typical development (TD) and atypical development, (children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and Cerebral Palsy (CP))? METHODS 30 TD children, 20 children with DCD and 27 with CP (mean ages: 6.29 ± 2.74; 9.11 ± 2.65; 10.07 ± 3.89 years) were tested with the VRRS Tablet with stabilometric balance platform. Postural parameters, related to the movements of the Centre of Pressure (COP) were collected. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) followed by a post-hoc analysis has been carried out. Moreover, the influence of age, sex, clinical scores and sub-diagnoses on parameters of interest has been explored. RESULTS COP distance and sway area in the three groups (TD: 7.35 ± 2.32 mm, 101.70 ± 64.16 mm2/s; DCD: 12.05 ± 8.19 mm, 188.46 ± 231.23 mm2/s; CP: 13.25 ± 8.09 mm, 239.13 ± 313.83 mm2/s, respectively) and all other VRRS parameters were significantly different among the three groups (p-values between 0.028 and <0.001). The TD group showed significantly different values than CP (p from < 0.03 to < 0.001) but not than DCD (p = n.s.). Clinical scores showed to correlate with the COP distances and Root Mean Square distances in all subgroups (p < 0.05). For age, only an influence was found within the TD group (p < 0.01); sex did not show to affect the outcomes (p = n.s.). SIGNIFICANCE An objective tool for quantitative measurement of postural control in childhood is needed. Our proposed VRRS tool could support the traditional assessment tests, highlighting differences between typical and atypical development.
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Menici V, Barzacchi V, Filogna S, Beani E, Tinelli F, Cioni G, Sgandurra G. Tele-Rehabilitation for Postural Control by Means of Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System in an Adolescent With Motor Disorder: A Case Study. Front Psychol 2021; 12:720677. [PMID: 34721174 PMCID: PMC8551356 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.720677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The coming of an unforeseen and hostile event such as the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about various changes in everyone's daily life. During the lockdown period, a huge number of restrictions were imposed, hence interrupting a wide range of activities previously proven to be necessary for some people. Due to the circumstances, rehabilitation treatments for children with neurodevelopmental disorders have been suspended, resulting in consequent distress for the children themselves and their parents. To overcome this problem, a tele-rehabilitation approach has proven to be an excellent solution to give continuity to children's rehabilitation. The tele-rehabilitation approach allows access to rehabilitation services directly from home. During lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) HomeKit, developed by Khymeia, was employed as a rehabilitation system for the treatment of posture and balance of an adolescent with disabilities for the first time ever. Specifically, a 17-year-old female patient was enrolled and evaluated by the clinical staff before and after the home-training sessions. The system was delivered to the patient's home so that she could perform the tasks in a familiar environment, while under the supervision of the clinical staff. Through a specific platform, using different modules of the system, therapists could remotely check that the proposed exercises were properly performed and provide feedback and/or increase the difficulty according to the patient's needs and progress. Therefore, the treatment performed was carried out at home in a personalized, intensive, and playful way; characteristics do not present in a traditional treatment. Our results are promising and demonstrate both the efficacy of rehabilitation exercises carried out at home and the feasibility of home-based rehabilitation, when using the VRRS HomeKit even with adolescents. The VRRS HomeKit presents some limitations, such as the need to have the line connection and free space at home, the presence of technical issues, and the education of parents and patients to understand the instructions. Despite the limitations, this study provides the basis for continuing the experience of tele-rehabilitation on patients with a motor disorder also by customizing the exercises to their characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Menici
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Veronica Barzacchi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Filogna
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Beani
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Tinelli
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cioni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Sgandurra
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Yeves-Lite A, Zuil-Escobar JC, Martínez-Cepa C, Romay-Barrero H, Ferri-Morales A, Palomo-Carrión R. Conventional and Virtual Reality Mirror Therapies in Upper Obstetric Brachial Palsy: A Randomized Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9093021. [PMID: 32961793 PMCID: PMC7563545 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9093021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The abilities of children diagnosed with Obstetric Brachial Palsy (OBP) are limited by brachial plexus injuries. Thus, their participation in the community is hindered, which involves a lower quality of life due to worse performance in activities of daily living as a consequence of the functional limitations of the affected upper limb. Conventional Mirror Therapy (Conventional MT) and Virtual Therapy improve the affected upper limb functionality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of Conventional MT and Virtual Reality MT on the spontaneous use of the affected upper limb and quality of life of children with upper Obstetric Brachial Palsy between 6 and 12 years of age. A randomized pilot study was performed. Twelve children were randomly assigned to perform Conventional Mirror Therapy or Virtual Reality Mirror Therapy for four weeks. Ten children completed the treatment. Two assessments (pre/post-intervention) were carried out to assess the spontaneous use of the affected upper limb and the quality of life using the Children’s Hand-use Experience Questionnaire (CHEQ) and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Generic Core Scales (PedsQL TM 4.0), respectively. There was a statistically significant increment in spontaneous use, observed in independent tasks (p = 0.02) and in the use of the affected hand with grasp (p = 0.04), measured with the CHEQ, for the Virtual Reality MT group. There were no statistically significant changes (p > 0.05) for the Conventional MT group in the spontaneous use of the affected upper limb. Regarding the quality of life, statistically significant changes were obtained in the Physical and Health activity categories of the parents’ questionnaire (p = 0.03) and in the total score of the children’s questionnaire (p = 0.04) in the Virtual Reality MT group, measured using the PedsQL TM 4.0. Statistically significant changes were not obtained for the quality of life in the Conventional MT group. This study suggests that, compared to Conventional MT, Virtual Reality MT would be a home-based therapeutic complement to increase independent bimanual tasks using grasp in the affected upper limb and improve the quality of life of children diagnosed with upper OBP in the age range of 6–12 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Yeves-Lite
- San-José Institute Foundation, Avda. de la Hospitalidad, s/n, 28054 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Juan Carlos Zuil-Escobar
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, CEU-San Pablo University, Urb. Montepríncipe, s/n., 28668 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.C.Z.-E.); (C.M.-C.)
| | - Carmen Martínez-Cepa
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, CEU-San Pablo University, Urb. Montepríncipe, s/n., 28668 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.C.Z.-E.); (C.M.-C.)
| | - Helena Romay-Barrero
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain; (H.R.-B.); (A.F.-M.); (R.P.-C.)
| | - Asunción Ferri-Morales
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain; (H.R.-B.); (A.F.-M.); (R.P.-C.)
| | - Rocío Palomo-Carrión
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain; (H.R.-B.); (A.F.-M.); (R.P.-C.)
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Mills K, Idris A, Pham TA, Porte J, Wiggins M, Kavakli M. Validity and Reliability of a Virtual Reality Game in Evaluating the Projected Frontal Plane Knee Angle When Landing From a Drop Vertical Jump. J Sport Rehabil 2018; 27. [PMID: 29252092 DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2017-0264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the validity and reliability of the peak frontal plane knee angle evaluated by a virtual reality (VR) netball game when landing from a drop vertical jump. STUDY DESIGN Laboratory. METHODS Forty participants performed 3 drop vertical jumps evaluated by 3-dimensional motion analysis and 3 drop vertical jumps evaluated by the VR game. Limits of agreement for the peak projected frontal plane knee angle and peak knee abduction were determined. Participants were given a consensus category of "above threshold" or "below threshold" based on a prespecified threshold angle of 9° during landing. Classification agreement was determined using kappa coefficient, and accuracy was determined using specificity and sensitivity. Ten participants returned 1 week later to determine intrarater reliability, standard error of the measure, and typical error. RESULTS The mean difference in detected frontal plane knee angle was 3.39° (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03° to 5.74°). Limits of agreement were -10.27° (95% CI, -14.36° to -6.19°) to 17.05° (95% CI, 12.97° to 21.14°). Substantial agreement, specificity, and sensitivity were observed for the threshold classification (κ = .66; 95% CI, .42 to .88; specificity = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.78 to 1.0; and sensitivity = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.95). The game exhibited acceptable reliability over time (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC3,1 = .844), and error was approximately 2°. CONCLUSION The VR game reliably evaluated a projected frontal plane knee angle. Although the knee angle detected by the VR game is strongly related to peak knee abduction, the accuracy of detecting the exact angle was limited. A threshold approach may be a more accurate approach for gaming technology to evaluate frontal plane knee angles when landing from a jump.
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Olivieri I, Meriggi P, Fedeli C, Brazzoli E, Castagna A, Roidi MLR, Angelini L. Computer Assisted REhabilitation (CARE) Lab: A novel approach towards Pediatric Rehabilitation 2.0. J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2018; 11:43-51. [PMID: 29630562 PMCID: PMC6027946 DOI: 10.3233/prm-160436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric Rehabilitation therapists have always worked using a variety of off-the-shelf or custom-made objects and devices, more recently including computer based systems. These Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions vary widely in complexity, from easy-to-use interactive videogame consoles originally intended for entertainment purposes to sophisticated systems specifically developed for rehabilitation.This paper describes the principles underlying an innovative "Pediatric Rehabilitation 2.0" approach, based on the combination of suitable ICT solutions and traditional rehabilitation, which has been progressively refined while building up and using a computer-assisted rehabilitation laboratory. These principles are thus summarized in the acronym EPIQ, to account for the terms Ecological, Personalized, Interactive and Quantitative. The paper also presents the laboratory, which has been designed to meet the children's rehabilitation needs and to empower therapists in their work. The laboratory is equipped with commercial hardware and specially developed software called VITAMIN: a virtual reality platform for motor and cognitive rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Olivieri
- Corresponding author: Ivana Olivieri, IRCCS “Santa Maria Nascente” – Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS Foundation, Via Capecelatro 66, Milan, Italy. Tel.: +39 0240308173; E-mail: .
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