Effects of Constraint-Induced Therapy Versus Bilateral Arm Training on Motor Performance, Daily Functions, and Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors

Non-pharmacological interventions on quality of life in stroke survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Non-pharmacological interventions have been used in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors, but their effects on stroke survivors' quality of life (QoL) are unknown.

AIM

This review aimed to summarize the existing evidence regarding non-pharmacological interventions for QoL in stroke survivors and to evaluate the effectiveness of different types of interventions.

METHODS

We systematically searched databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang data from the earliest available records to March 2023. Randomized controlled trials which explored the effects of non-pharmacological interventions on QoL in stroke patients were included. The meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of different interventions on QoL. The Review Manager 5.3 was used to conduct the meta-analysis and the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality of trials.

RESULTS

A total of 93,245 records were identified, and 34 articles were reviewed and summarized, of which 20 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The summary of the findings of the included studies revealed fitness training, constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), physical exercise, music therapy (MT), and art-based interventions may have positive effects on QoL. The fitness training improved total QoL, especially in physical domains including physical functioning (mean difference [MD] = 10.90; 95% CI [7.20, 14.59]), role physical (MD = 10.63; 95% CI [6.71, 14.55]), and global health (MD = 8.76; 95% CI [5.14, 12.38]). The CIMT had a slight effect on general QoL (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.48, 95% CI [0.16, 0.80]), whereas significantly improved strength (MD = 8.84; 95% CI [1.31, 16.38]), activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living (ADL/IADL; MD = 10.42; 95% CI [2.98, 17.87]), and mobility (MD = 8.02; 95% CI [1.21, 14.83]). MT had a positive effect on the mental health domain (SMD = 0.54; 95% CI [0.14, 0.94]).

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

Our findings suggest that fitness training and CIMT have a significant effect on improving physical QoL, while MT has a positive effect on improving psychological QoL. Future studies may use comprehensive and multicomponent interventions to simultaneously improve the patients' physical, psychological, and social QoL.

Effect of different constraint-induced movement therapy protocols on recovery of stroke survivors with upper extremity dysfunction: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

We aimed to assess and rank comparative efficacy of different constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) protocols on motor function of upper extremity and activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke survivors. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library to identify randomized controlled trials on CIMT. Included studies were evaluated using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool. Then a random-effects network meta-analysis was performed within a frequentist framework using Stata v16.0. Of the 1150 studies retrieved, 44 studies with 1779 participants were included. In terms of motor recovery of upper extremity, CIMT combined with trunk restraint, in which the less affected arm was constrained at least 4 h but no more than 6 h per day, ranked as the most effective intervention for the improvement of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity and the Action Research Arm Test score. In terms of ADL improvement, constraining the less affected arm for at least 4 h but no more than 6 h per day in CIMT combined with trunk restraint, was found to significantly improve the Motor Activity Log of quality of movement scale and amount of use scale score. The protocol of CIMT combined with trunk restraint, in which the less affected arm was constrained at least 4 h but no more than 6 h per day, ranked the highest in this analysis and might be considered in practice.

Effect of task-based bilateral arm training on upper limb recovery after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Upper limb recovery is a crucial component of stroke rehabilitation aimed to maximize functional activities and reduce disability. Using both arms post stroke is essential to carry out many functional activities but the evidence on bilateral arm training (BAT) is understudied. To investigate the evidence for efficacy of task-based BAT on upper limb recovery, function, and participation post stroke.

METHODS

We included 13 randomized controlled trials, and methodological quality was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tool and the PEDro scale. The outcome measures such as Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Motor Activity Log (MAL), Box and Block Test (BBT), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) were synthesized and analysed based on ICF.

RESULTS

When comparing BAT with control group, BAT showed improvement in the pooled standard mean difference (SMD) of FMA-UE (SMD= 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.12 to 1.12, p = 0.01; I²=83%). The control group showed significant improvement in MAL-QOM (SMD= -0.10, 95%CI, -0.77 to 0.58, p = 0.78; I²=89%). Compared to conventional group, BAT showed a significant improvement in BBT (SMD= 0.52, 95%CI, 0.04 to 1.00, p = 0.03; I²=0%). When compared with BAT, unimanual training yielded a significant improvement (SMD= -0.60, 95%CI, -0.98 to -0.22, p = 0.002; I²=0%) in MAL-QOM. In real-life participation, the control group showed improvement in SIS (SMD= -0.17, 95% (CI), -0.70 to 0.37, p = 0.54; I²=48%) over BAT.

CONCLUSIONS

Task-based BAT appears to improve upper limb motor function post stroke. The benefits of task-based BAT on activity performance and participation in real life are not statistically significant.

Predicting Arm Nonuse in Individuals with Good Arm Motor Function after Stroke Rehabilitation: A Machine Learning Study

Many stroke survivors demonstrate arm nonuse despite good arm motor function. This retrospective secondary analysis aims to identify predictors of arm nonusers with good arm motor function after stroke rehabilitation. A total of 78 participants were categorized into 2 groups using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UE) and the Motor Activity Log Amount of Use (MAL-AOU). Group 1 comprised participants with good motor function (FMA-UE ≥ 31) and low daily upper limb use (MAL-AOU ≤ 2.5), and group 2 comprised all other participants. Feature selection analysis was performed on 20 potential predictors to identify the 5 most important predictors for group membership. Predictive models were built with the five most important predictors using four algorithms. The most important predictors were preintervention scores on the FMA-UE, MAL-Quality of Movement, Wolf Motor Function Test-Quality, MAL-AOU, and Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. Predictive models classified the participants with accuracies ranging from 0.75 to 0.94 and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve ranging from 0.77 to 0.97. The result indicates that measures of arm motor function, arm use in activities of daily living, and self-efficacy could predict postintervention arm nonuse despite good arm motor function in stroke. These assessments should be prioritized in the evaluation process to facilitate the design of individualized stroke rehabilitation programs to reduce arm nonuse.

Bibliometric analysis of stroke and quality of life

Objective

To perform a bibliometric analysis of stroke and quality of life studies between 2000 and 2022 using VOSviewer and CiteSpace.

Methods

The literature data source for this study was the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace and VOSviewer were used to analyze publications in relation to authors, countries, institutions, journals, references, and keywords.

Results

A total of 704 publications were obtained for the bibliometric analysis. The number of publications has gradually increased over 23 years, with an annual increase of 728.6%. Kim S is the most prolific author in the field (10 publications), and the United States and Chinese University of Hong Kong have the most publications. Stroke is the most prolific journal with the most citations per paper (91.58) and the highest impact factor (IF 2021, 10.17). The most high-frequency keywords are "stroke," "quality of life," "rehabilitation," and "depression."

Conclusion

A bibliometric analysis of stroke and quality of life over the last 23  years provides future research directions.

Effects of constraint-induced movement therapy on activity and participation after a stroke: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Hemiparesis is the main sensorimotor deficit after stroke. It can result in limitations in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and social participation. Hemiparesis can be treated with behavioral techniques of intensive use of the affected arm, such as constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), however, it remains unclear whether motor improvement can lead to increases in the domains of activity and participation.

Objective

Identify whether CIMT is superior to usual techniques to enhance activity and participation outcomes in stroke survivors.

Methods

A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted, based on the PRISMA guidelines. Search databases were: PubMed, LILACS, Embase, SciELO, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Medline, and Web of Science, with no language restriction. Meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager (version 5.3), significance level p ≤ 0.05.

Results

A total of 21 articles were included for analysis. Superior effects were observed on motor function and performance in activities of daily living of individuals treated with CIMT. The outcomes measures utilized were: Fugl-Meyer Assessment (p = 0.00001); Wolf motor function test (p = 0.01); Modified Barthel Index (p = 0.00001); Motor Activity log (MAL) Amount of use (AOU) (p = 0.01); MAL Quality of movement (QOM) (p = 0.00001); Action Research Arm Test-ARAT (p = 0.00001); and FIM (p = 0.0007).

Conclusion

Our results show that CIMT results in more significant gains in the functional use of the upper limb in ADL and functional independence, demonstrating superior activity and participation results in stroke survivors when compared to conventional therapies.

Effectiveness and Success Factors of Bilateral Arm Training After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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.

Effectiveness of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) on Balance and Functional Mobility in the Stroke Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is one of the most popular treatments for enhancing upper and lower extremity motor activities and participation in patients following a stroke. However, the effect of CIMT on balance is unclear and needs further clarification. The aim of this research was to estimate the effect of CIMT on balance and functional mobility in patients after stroke. After reviewing 161 studies from search engines including Google Scholar, EBSCO, PubMed, PEDro, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science, we included eight randomized controlled trials (RCT) in this study. The methodological quality of the included RCTs was verified using PEDro scoring. This systematic review showed positive effects of CIMT on balance in three studies and similar effects in five studies when compared to the control interventions such as neuro developmental treatment, modified forced-use therapy and conventional physical therapy. Furthermore, a meta-analysis indicated a statistically significant effect size by a standardized mean difference of 0.51 (P = 0.01), showing that the groups who received CIMT had improved more than the control groups. However, the meta-analysis results for functional mobility were statistically insignificant, with an effect size of −4.18 (P = 0.16), indicating that the functional mobility improvements in the investigated groups were not greater than the control group. This study’s findings demonstrated the superior effects of CIMT on balance; however, the effect size analysis of functional mobility was statistically insignificant. These findings indicate that CIMT interventions can improve balance-related motor function better than neuro developmental treatment, modified forced-use therapy and conventional physical therapy in patients after a stroke.

Characterization of muscle strength using the strength domain of the stroke impact scale: An integrative review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Muscle weakness is among the most common and obvious impairments in older adults and individuals with neurologic disorders. Although impairments in muscle strength are typically characterized using performance measures, the impairments have also been described using patient or observer-report. The objective of this review was to summarize literature describing use of a patient-report instrument, the Strength Domain (SD) of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), to grade strength impairments. METHODS: Peer-reviewed literature reporting SD scores for the SIS was identified using computerized searches of the CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus databases followed by hand searches. Potentially relevant articles were then mined for data on the participants tested, the SIS version used, scores documented, and clinimetric properties reported. RESULTS: Sixty-five articles were judged appropriate based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The articles involved more than 7000 residents of 22 countries. All articles focused on individuals with stroke (usually chronic), although one also included community-dwelling adults without stroke. The SIS version used was frequently unreported, but 3.0 was version most often specified. For articles reporting SD scale scores the mean ranged from 19.7 to 85.5. Construct (known groups, convergent, and discriminant) validity of the SD was supported by the literature as was its internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Responsiveness of the SD was evinced by numerous studies showing increases in SD scores with time or accompanying effective interventions. However, only one study indicated responsiveness using an anchor-based statistic. CONCLUSIONS: The SD of the SIS is a well-established and mostly clinimetrically sound patient-report measure of paretic limb strength among individuals with stroke. Its use with individuals with weakness accompanying aging or diagnoses other than stroke remains to be substantiated.

Exploring the Use of Brain-Computer Interfaces in Stroke Neurorehabilitation

With the continuous development of artificial intelligence technology, "brain-computer interfaces" are gradually entering the field of medical rehabilitation. As a result, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have been included in many countries' strategic plans for innovating this field, and subsequently, major funding and talent have been invested in this technology. In neurological rehabilitation for stroke patients, the use of BCIs opens up a new chapter in "top-down" rehabilitation. In our study, we first reviewed the latest BCI technologies, then presented recent research advances and landmark findings in BCI-based neurorehabilitation for stroke patients. Neurorehabilitation was focused on the areas of motor, sensory, speech, cognitive, and environmental interactions. Finally, we summarized the shortcomings of BCI use in the field of stroke neurorehabilitation and the prospects for BCI technology development for rehabilitation.

Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Increases Functionality and Quality of Life after Stroke

This blind randomized clinical trial evaluated the effect of CIMT on the functionality and quality of life (QOL) of chronic hemiparetics. Thirty volunteers were divided into two groups: Control (CG) and CIMT (CIMTG); evaluated before and after 12 and 24 intervention sessions. The scales used were: adapted Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA), Modified Ashworth, Stroke Specific Quality Of Life (SS-QOL) and the Functional Reach Test (FRT). The scores for all FMA variables in the CIMTG increased until the 24th session, differing from the pre-treatment. In the CG, the scores increased for pain, coordination/ speed and sensitivity. In the FRT there was an increase in the scores in both groups; after the 12th and 24th sessions, the result of the CIMTG was superior to the CG. For the SS-QOL in the CIMTG, the general score and most of the variables increased, as well as in the CG. Muscle tone in CIMTG was lower compared to CG after 24 sessions. Both protocols used in the study were effective, the CIMT protocol showed benefits in recovering the functionality of the paretic upper limb, in the functional range and in reducing muscle tone, with a consequent improvement in quality of life.

Effect of constraint-induced movement therapy on persons-reported outcomes of health status after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is used for the rehabilitation of motor function after stroke. The aim of this review was to investigate its effect on persons-reported outcomes of health status (PROsHS) compared with conventional therapy. The study was a systematic review and meta-analysis registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019142279). Five databases PubMED, PEDro, OTSeeker, CENTRAL and Web of Science were searched. Randomized controlled trials were included if they assessed PROsHS. Mean scores of PROsHS, sample size and dose of CIMT and control groups interventions were extracted. The result was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative syntheses. Nine studies (n = 558) were included in the review. From the result, CIMT significantly improved PROsHS postintervention. However, postintervention, there was no statistically significant difference between groups for the upper limb [Mean difference (MD) = 6.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -2.09 to 15.44, P = 0.14] and the lower limb (MD = -1.86, 95% CI = -16.29 to 12.57, P = 0.80). Similarly, there was no statistically significant percentage of variation across studies, upper limb (I2 = 0%, P = 0.92) and lower limb (I2 = 0%, P = 0.86). For the lower limb at follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference between groups (MD = 0.97, 95% CI = -13.59 to 15.53, P = 0.90). When upper and lower limbs studies were pooled, there was no statistically significant difference between groups postintervention (MD = 0.22, 95% CI = -0.15 to 0.58, P = 0.24) and at follow-up (MD = 0.03, 95% CI = -0.43 to 0.49, P = 0.90). CIMT improves PROsHS after stroke. However, it is not superior to conventional therapy based on the current literature.

The Effects of Unilateral Versus Bilateral Motor Training on Upper Limb Function in Adults with Chronic Stroke: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Rehabilitation goals for chronic stroke patients are largely focused around regaining functional ability and independence, with particular focus on upper limb motor function. Unilateral and Bilateral motor training may help achieve this. Our objective was to evaluate and compare the effects of unilateral and bilateral motor training on upper limb motor function in chronic stroke patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted until June 2020 through several electronic databases (CENTRAL, Medline, CINAHL, EBSCO, AMED and PEDro) to identify relevant studies. Studies that used the Fugl Meyer Assessment (FMA) as a minimum, to assess upper limb motor function following unilateral versus bilateral training in chronic stroke patients, qualified for inclusion within the review. Randomised controlled trial (RCT), cohort study and cross-sectional study designs were considered. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs). The findings were qualitatively synthesised.

RESULTS

From a total of 838 studies identified, 7 RCTs were included in this review. All except one of the studies included reported an unclear risk of bias, with one low risk of bias reported. Overall, the studies reported that unilateral and bilateral training improved upper limb function in chronic stroke patients. Improvements between interventions were equivocal. Bilateral upper limb training however may be more efficacious for increasing upper limb strength and quality of movement, with unilateral training more beneficial for recovering functional ability for activities of daily living.

CONCLUSION

While the findings of the included studies support the use of unilateral and bilateral motor training post chronic stroke, the seven studies that were included methodologically all presented with limitations, hence strong conclusions cannot be drawn and further research is warranted.

Predicting clinically significant motor function improvement after contemporary task-oriented interventions using machine learning approaches

BACKGROUND

Accurate prediction of motor recovery after stroke is critical for treatment decisions and planning. Machine learning has been proposed to be a promising technique for outcome prediction because of its high accuracy and ability to process large volumes of data. It has been used to predict acute stroke recovery; however, whether machine learning would be effective for predicting rehabilitation outcomes in chronic stroke patients for common contemporary task-oriented interventions remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to determine the accuracy and performance of machine learning to predict clinically significant motor function improvements after contemporary task-oriented intervention in chronic stroke patients and identify important predictors for building machine learning prediction models.

METHODS

This study was a secondary analysis of data using two common machine learning approaches, which were the k-nearest neighbor (KNN) and artificial neural network (ANN). Chronic stroke patients (N = 239) that received 30 h of task-oriented training including the constraint-induced movement therapy, bilateral arm training, robot-assisted therapy and mirror therapy were included. The Fugl-Meyer assessment scale (FMA) was the main outcome. Potential predictors include age, gender, side of lesion, time since stroke, baseline functional status, motor function and quality of life. We divided the data set into a training set and a test set and used the cross-validation procedure to construct machine learning models based on the training set. After the models were built, we used the test data set to evaluate the accuracy and prediction performance of the models.

RESULTS

Three important predictors were identified, which were time since stroke, baseline functional independence measure (FIM) and baseline FMA scores. Models for predicting motor function improvements were accurate. The prediction accuracy of the KNN model was 85.42% and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) was 0.89. The prediction accuracy of the ANN model was 81.25% and the AUC-ROC was 0.77.

CONCLUSIONS

Incorporating machine learning into clinical outcome prediction using three key predictors including time since stroke, baseline functional and motor ability may help clinicians/therapists to identify patients that are most likely to benefit from contemporary task-oriented interventions. The KNN and ANN models may be potentially useful for predicting clinically significant motor recovery in chronic stroke.

Pragmatic Solutions for Stroke Recovery and Improved Quality of Life in Low- and Middle-Income Countries-A Systematic Review

Background: Given the limited healthcare resources in low and middle income countries (LMICs), effective rehabilitation strategies that can be realistically adopted in such settings are required. Objective: A systematic review of literature was conducted to identify pragmatic solutions and outcomes capable of enhancing stroke recovery and quality of life of stroke survivors for low- and middle- income countries. Methods: PubMed, HINARI, and Directory of Open Access Journals databases were searched for published Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) till November 2018. Only completed trials published in English with non-pharmacological interventions on adult stroke survivors were included in the review while published protocols, pilot studies and feasibility analysis of trials were excluded. Obtained data were synthesized thematically and descriptively analyzed. Results: One thousand nine hundred and ninety six studies were identified while 347 (65.22% high quality) RCTs were found to be eligible for the review. The most commonly assessed variables (and outcome measure utility) were activities of daily living [75.79% of the studies, with Barthel Index (37.02%)], motor function [66.57%; with Fugl Meyer scale (71.88%)], and gait [31.12%; with 6 min walk test (38.67%)]. Majority of the innovatively high technology interventions such as robot therapy (95.24%), virtual reality (94.44%), transcranial direct current stimulation (78.95%), transcranial magnetic stimulation (88.0%) and functional electrical stimulation (85.00%) were conducted in high income countries. Several traditional and low-cost interventions such as constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), resistant and aerobic exercises (R&AE), task oriented therapy (TOT), body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) were reported to significantly contribute to the recovery of motor function, activity, participation, and improvement of quality of life after stroke. Conclusion: Several pragmatic, in terms of affordability, accessibility and utility, stroke rehabilitation solutions, and outcome measures that can be used in resource-limited settings were found to be effective in facilitating and enhancing post-stroke recovery and quality of life.

Unilateral vs Bilateral Hybrid Approaches for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of unilateral hybrid therapy (UHT) and bilateral hybrid therapy (BHT) compared with robot-assisted therapy (RT) alone in patients with chronic stroke.

DESIGN

A single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Four hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

Outpatients with chronic stroke and mild to moderate motor impairment (N=44).

INTERVENTION

UHT combined unilateral RT (URT) and modified constraint-induced therapy. BHT combined bilateral RT (BRT) and bilateral arm training. The RT group received URT and BRT. The intervention frequency for the 3 groups was 90 min/d 3 d/wk for 6 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA, divided into the proximal and distal subscale) and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) version 3.0 scores before, immediately after, and 3 months after treatment and Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) scale scores before and immediately after treatment.

RESULTS

The results favored BHT over UHT on the FMA total score and distal score at the posttest (P=.03 and .04) and follow-up (P=.01 and .047) assessment and BHT over RT on the follow-up FMA distal scores (P=.03). At the posttest assessment, the WMFT and SIS scores of the 3 groups improved significantly without between-group differences, and the RT group showed significantly greater improvement in the mobility domain of NEADL compared with the BHT group (P<.01).

CONCLUSIONS

BHT was more effective for improving upper extremity motor function, particularly distal motor function at follow-up, and individuals in the RT group demonstrated improved functional ambulation post intervention.

Comparative Assessment of Two Robot-Assisted Therapies for the Upper Extremity in People With Chronic Stroke

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effects on motor and daily function of robot-assisted therapies in people with chronic stroke using the Bi-Manu-Track (BMT) and InMotion 3.0 (IMT) compared with control treatment (CT).

METHOD

In this comparative efficacy trial, 30 participants were randomized to receive BMT, IMT, or CT. Outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Motor Activity Log (MAL), and Medical Research Council (MRC) scale.

RESULTS

The IMT group improved more in FMA and proximal MAS scores than the BMT group (both ps < .01) and the CT group (p < .01 and p = .03, respectively). The IMT and BMT groups showed clinically relevant improvements after treatment on the MRC rather than the MAL.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that the IMT might improve motor function. The IMT and BMT groups showed similar benefits for muscle power but limited improvements in self-perceived use of the affected arm.

Comparison of bilateral and unilateral upper limb training in people with stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and objectives

Bilateral upper limb training (BULT) and unilateral upper limb training (UULT) are two effective strategies for the recovery of upper limb motor function after stroke. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the improvements in motor impairment and functional performances of people with stroke after BULT and UULT.

Research design and methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis identified 21 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the eligibility criteria from CINAHL, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and PubMed. The outcome measures were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and Box and Block Test (BBT), which are validated measures of upper limb function.

Results

Twenty-one studies involving 842 subjects with stroke were included. Compared with UULT, BULT yielded a significantly greater mean difference (MD) in the FMA-UE (MD = 2.21, 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.12 to 4.30, p = 0.04; I² = 86%, p<0.001). However, a comparison of BULT and UULT yielded insignificant mean difference (MD) in terms of the time required to complete the WMFT (MD = 0.44; 95%CI, -2.22 to 3.10, p = 0.75; I² = 55%, p = 0.06) and standard mean difference (SMD) in terms of the functional ability scores on the WMFT, ARAT and BBT (SMD = 0.25; 95%CI, -0.02 to 0.52, p = 0.07; I² = 54%, p = 0.02).

Discussion and implications

Compared to UULT, BULT yielded superior improvements in the improving motor impairment of people with stroke, as measured by the FMA-UE. However, these strategies did not yield significant differences in terms of the functional performance of people with stroke, as measured by the WMFT, ARAT and BBT. More comparative studies of the effects of BULT and UULT are needed to increase the reliability of these conclusions.

Feasibility and clinical experience of implementing a myoelectric upper limb orthosis in the rehabilitation of chronic stroke patients: A clinical case series report

Individuals with stroke are often left with persistent upper limb dysfunction, even after treatment with traditional rehabilitation methods. The purpose of this retrospective study is to demonstrate feasibility of the implementation of an upper limb myoelectric orthosis for the treatment of persistent moderate upper limb impairment following stroke (>6 months). Methods: Nine patients (>6 months post stroke) participated in treatment at an outpatient Occupational Therapy department utilizing the MyoPro myoelectric orthotic device. Group therapy was provided at a frequency of 1–2 sessions per week (60–90 minutes per session). Patients were instructed to perform training with the device at home on non-therapy days and to continue with use of the device after completion of the group training period. Outcome measures included Fugl-Meyer Upper Limb Assessment (FM) and modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Results: Patients demonstrated clinically important and statistically significant improvement of 9.0±4.8 points (p = 0.0005) on a measure of motor control impairment (FM) during participation in group training. It was feasible to administer the training in a group setting with the MyoPro, using a 1:4 ratio (therapist to patients). Muscle tone improved for muscles with MAS >1.5 at baseline. Discussion: Myoelectric orthosis use is feasible in a group clinic setting and in home-use structure for chronic stroke survivors. Clinically important motor control gains were observed on FM in 7 of 9 patients who participated in training.

Hybrid Rehabilitation Therapies on Upper-Limb Function and Goal Attainment in Chronic Stroke

This study examined the treatment effects between unilateral hybrid therapy (UHT; unilateral robot-assisted therapy [RT] + modified constraint-induced movement therapy) and bilateral hybrid therapy (BHT; bilateral RT + bilateral arm training) compared with RT. Thirty patients with chronic stroke were randomized to UHT, BHT, or RT groups. Preliminary efficacy was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI), and the goal attainment scaling (GAS). Possible adverse effects of abnormal muscle tone, pain, and fatigue were recorded. All groups showed large improvements in motor recovery and individual goals. Significant between-group differences were found on GAS favoring the hybrid groups but not on FMA and CAHAI. No adverse effects were reported. Hybrid therapies are safe and applicable interventions for chronic stroke and favorable for improving individual functional goals. Treatment effects on motor recovery and functional activity might be similar among the three groups.

Brain-machine interfaces for rehabilitation in stroke: A review

BACKGROUND

Motor paralysis after stroke has devastating consequences for the patients, families and caregivers. Although therapies have improved in the recent years, traditional rehabilitation still fails in patients with severe paralysis. Brain-machine interfaces (BMI) have emerged as a promising tool to guide motor rehabilitation interventions as they can be applied to patients with no residual movement.

OBJECTIVE

This paper reviews the efficiency of BMI technologies to facilitate neuroplasticity and motor recovery after stroke.

METHODS

We provide an overview of the existing rehabilitation therapies for stroke, the rationale behind the use of BMIs for motor rehabilitation, the current state of the art and the results achieved so far with BMI-based interventions, as well as the future perspectives of neural-machine interfaces.

RESULTS

Since the first pilot study by Buch and colleagues in 2008, several controlled clinical studies have been conducted, demonstrating the efficacy of BMIs to facilitate functional recovery in completely paralyzed stroke patients with noninvasive technologies such as the electroencephalogram (EEG).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite encouraging results, motor rehabilitation based on BMIs is still in a preliminary stage, and further improvements are required to boost its efficacy. Invasive and hybrid approaches are promising and might set the stage for the next generation of stroke rehabilitation therapies.

Improved quality of life following constraint-induced movement therapy is associated with gains in arm use, but not motor improvement

BACKGROUND

Constraint-induced movement therapy (CI therapy) is one of few treatments for upper extremity (UE) hemiparesis that has been shown to result in motor recovery and improved quality of life in chronic stroke. However, the extent to which treatment-induced improvements in motor function versus daily use of the more affected arm independently contribute to improved quality of life remains largely unexplored.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to identify whether motor function or daily use of a hemiparetic arm has a greater influence on quality of life after CI therapy.

METHODS

Two cohorts of participants with chronic stroke received either in-person CI therapy (n = 29) or video-game home-based CI therapy (n = 16). The two cohorts were combined and the motor-related outcomes (Wolf Motor Function Test, Action Research Arm Test, Motor Activity Log [MAL]) and quality of life (Stroke-Specific Quality of Life) were jointly modeled to assess the associations between outcomes.

RESULTS

The only outcome associated with improved quality of life was the MAL. Improvements in quality of life were not restricted to motor domains, but generalized to psychosocial domains as well.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that improved arm use during everyday activities is integral to maximizing quality of life gains during motor rehabilitation for chronic post-stroke UE hemiparesis. In contrast, gains in motor function were not associated with increases in quality of life. These findings further support the need to implement techniques into clinical practice that promote arm use during daily life if improving quality of life is a main goal of treatment. ClinicalTrials.gov Registration Numbers: NCT01725919 and NCT03005457.

Comparison of the effects of bilateral and unilateral training after stroke: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The differential effects of bilateral and unilateral training on upper extremity (UE) function remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of bilateral and unilateral training on UE function and activities of daily living (ADL) after stroke.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected for inclusion by two reviewers after searching the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and KoreaMed. Methodological qualities were assessed using the PEDro scale. Effect size was estimated by calculating the standardized mean difference (SMD).

RESULTS

Eleven RCTs of sufficient quality were included in our meta-analysis. The effect size on UE capacity was statistically significant in favor of the Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) groups (SMD [fixed], g: - 0.34; 95% CI: - 0.59-0.08; p = 0.01; I2 = 0%). No other SMDs were significant.

CONCLUSION

The CIMT tasks were more effective than bilateral training with regard to increased UE capacity; however, this result should be cautiously interpreted since the evaluation tools were designed for assessment of unilateral UE function, not bilateral UE function. Further, the effect of the CIMT tasks on UE capacity was not translated into ADL. Considering the disadvantages of CIMT such as fatigue, bilateral training may be more appropriate for improving ADL.

Effect of EMG-triggered neuromuscular electrical stimulation with bilateral arm training on hemiplegic shoulder pain and arm function after stroke: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Hemiplegic shoulder pain is a frequent complication after stroke, leading to limited use of the affected arm. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are two widely used interventions to reduce pain, but the comparative efficacy of these two modalities remains uncertain. The purpose of this research was to compare the immediate and retained effects of EMG-triggered NMES and TENS, both in combination with bilateral arm training, on hemiplegic shoulder pain and arm function of stroke patients.

METHODS

A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted at two medical centers. Thirty-eight patients (25 males and 13 females, 60.75 ± 10.84 years old, post stroke duration 32.68 ± 53.07 months) who had experienced a stroke more than 3 months ago at the time of recruitment and hemiplegic shoulder pain were randomized to EMG-triggered NMES or TENS. Both groups received electrical stimulation followed by bilateral arm training 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measures included a vertical Numerical Rating Scale supplemented with a Faces Rating Scale, and the short form of the Brief Pain Inventory. The secondary outcome measures were the upper-limb subscale of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and pain-free passive shoulder range of motion. All outcomes were measured pretreatment, post-treatment, and at 1-month after post-treatment. Two-way mixed repeated measures ANOVAs were used to examine treatment effects.

RESULTS

Compared to TENS with bilateral arm training, the EMG-triggered NMES with bilateral arm training was associated with lower pain intensity during active and passive shoulder movement (P =0.007, P =0.008), lower worst pain intensity (P = 0.003), and greater pain-free passive shoulder abduction (P =0.001) and internal rotation (P =0.004) at follow-up. Both groups improved in pain at rest (P =0.02), pain interference with daily activities, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and pain-free passive shoulder flexion and external rotation post-treatment (P < 0.001) and maintained the improvement at follow-up (P < 0.001), except for resting pain (P =0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

EMG-triggered NMES with bilateral arm training exhibited greater immediate and retained effects than TENS with bilateral arm training with respect to pain and shoulder impairment for chronic and subacute stroke patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01913509 .

Is two better than one? Muscle vibration plus robotic rehabilitation to improve upper limb spasticity and function: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Even though robotic rehabilitation is very useful to improve motor function, there is no conclusive evidence on its role in reducing post-stroke spasticity. Focal muscle vibration (MV) is instead very useful to reduce segmental spasticity, with a consequent positive effect on motor function. Therefore, it could be possible to strengthen the effects of robotic rehabilitation by coupling MV. To this end, we designed a pilot randomized controlled trial (Clinical Trial NCT03110718) that included twenty patients suffering from unilateral post-stroke upper limb spasticity. Patients underwent 40 daily sessions of Armeo-Power training (1 hour/session, 5 sessions/week, for 8 weeks) with or without spastic antagonist MV. They were randomized into two groups of 10 individuals, which received (group-A) or not (group-B) MV. The intensity of MV, represented by the peak acceleration (a-peak), was calculated by the formula (2πf)2A, where f is the frequency of MV and A is the amplitude. Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), short intracortical inhibition (SICI), and Hmax/Mmax ratio (HMR) were the primary outcomes measured before and after (immediately and 4 weeks later) the end of the treatment. In all patients of group-A, we observed a greater reduction of MAS (p = 0.007, d = 0.6) and HMR (p<0.001, d = 0.7), and a more evident increase of SICI (p<0.001, d = 0.7) up to 4 weeks after the end of the treatment, as compared to group-B. Likewise, group-A showed a greater function outcome of upper limb (Functional Independence Measure p = 0.1, d = 0.7; Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity p = 0.007, d = 0.4) up to 4 weeks after the end of the treatment. A significant correlation was found between the degree of MAS reduction and SICI increase in the agonist spastic muscles (p = 0.004). Our data show that this combined rehabilitative approach could be a promising option in improving upper limb spasticity and motor function. We could hypothesize that the greater rehabilitative outcome improvement may depend on a reshape of corticospinal plasticity induced by a sort of associative plasticity between Armeo-Power and MV.

Video Game Rehabilitation for Outpatient Stroke (VIGoROUS): protocol for a multi-center comparative effectiveness trial of in-home gamified constraint-induced movement therapy for rehabilitation of chronic upper extremity hemiparesis

Background

Constraint-Induced Movement therapy (CI therapy) is shown to reduce disability, increase use of the more affected arm/hand, and promote brain plasticity for individuals with upper extremity hemiparesis post-stroke. Randomized controlled trials consistently demonstrate that CI therapy is superior to other rehabilitation paradigms, yet it is available to only a small minority of the estimated 1.2 million chronic stroke survivors with upper extremity disability. The current study aims to establish the comparative effectiveness of a novel, patient-centered approach to rehabilitation utilizing newly developed, inexpensive, and commercially available gaming technology to disseminate CI therapy to underserved individuals. Video game delivery of CI therapy will be compared against traditional clinic-based CI therapy and standard upper extremity rehabilitation. Additionally, individual factors that differentially influence response to one treatment versus another will be examined.

Methods

This protocol outlines a multi-site, randomized controlled trial with parallel group design. Two hundred twenty four adults with chronic hemiparesis post-stroke will be recruited at four sites. Participants are randomized to one of four study groups: (1) traditional clinic-based CI therapy, (2) therapist-as-consultant video game CI therapy, (3) therapist-as-consultant video game CI therapy with additional therapist contact via telerehabilitation/video consultation, and (4) standard upper extremity rehabilitation. After 6-month follow-up, individuals assigned to the standard upper extremity rehabilitation condition crossover to stand-alone video game CI therapy preceded by a therapist consultation. All interventions are delivered over a period of three weeks. Primary outcome measures include motor improvement as measured by the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), quality of arm use for daily activities as measured by Motor Activity Log (MAL), and quality of life as measured by the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (NeuroQOL).

Discussion

This multi-site RCT is designed to determine comparative effectiveness of in-home technology-based delivery of CI therapy versus standard upper extremity rehabilitation and in-clinic CI therapy. The study design also enables evaluation of the effect of therapist contact time on treatment outcomes within a therapist-as-consultant model of gaming and technology-based rehabilitation.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02631850.

Influência da terapia de restrição e indução do movimento no desempenho funcional de pacientes com acidente vascular encefálico: um ensaio clínico randomizado

RESUMO A terapia de restrição e indução ao movimento (TRIM) pode auxiliar na recuperação de pacientes com sequelas pós-acidente vascular encefálico. Objetivou-se avaliar se a TRIM modificada interfere no equilíbrio e na mobilidade funcional de indivíduos na fase crônica pós-AVE. Foi realizado um ensaio clínico, randomizado, cego, com 19 pacientes na fase crônica pós-AVE. O grupo 1, “sem restrição”, foi submetido apenas ao treinamento específico do membro superior (MS) parético (shaping). O grupo 2, “com restrição”, foi submetido ao treinamento específico do MS parético (shaping) e restrição no MS não parético. O treinamento foi realizado três vezes por semana, durante quatro semanas consecutivas. Os voluntários foram avaliados antes e imediatamente após as sessões com a Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg (EEB), Timed Up and Go (TUG), avaliação da velocidade da marcha e de subir e descer escada. O teste de Mann-Whitney mostrou que o equilíbrio (EEB) apresentou melhora significativa (p=0,014) no grupo que utilizou a restrição, na análise intragrupo. Houve melhora na velocidade da marcha (p=0,050) na análise intergrupos. Concluiu-se que a TRIM modificada influenciou no equilíbrio e na velocidade da marcha do grupo submetido ao treinamento específico do MS parético e restrição no MS não parético.

Literature Review on the Effects of tDCS Coupled with Robotic Therapy in Post Stroke Upper Limb Rehabilitation

Today neurological diseases such as stroke represent one of the leading cause of long-term disability. Many research efforts have been focused on designing new and effective rehabilitation strategies. In particular, robotic treatment for upper limb stroke rehabilitation has received significant attention due to its ability to provide high-intensity and repetitive movement therapy with less effort than traditional methods. In addition, the development of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has also demonstrated the capability of modulating brain excitability thus increasing motor performance. The combination of these two methods is expected to enhance functional and motor recovery after stroke; to this purpose, the current trends in this research field are presented and discussed through an in-depth analysis of the state-of-the-art. The heterogeneity and the restricted number of collected studies make difficult to perform a systematic review. However, the literature analysis of the published data seems to demonstrate that the association of tDCS with robotic training has the same clinical gain derived from robotic therapy alone. Future studies should investigate combined approach tailored to the individual patient's characteristics, critically evaluating the brain areas to be targeted and the induced functional changes.

Effectiveness of Bilateral Arm Training for Improving Extremity Function and Activities of Daily Living Performance in Hemiplegic Patients

BACKGROUND

Bilateral movement therapy, which encourages simultaneous use of the limbs on both the affected and nonaffected sides, is known to help in motor function recovery in hemiplegic patients. However, studies on the effectiveness of bilateral arm training for improving upper limb function and activities of daily living (ADL) performance in hemiplegic stroke patients are lacking. The present study investigated the effectiveness of bilateral arm training for improving upper limb function and ADL performance in hemiplegic stroke patients.

METHODS

The study included 30 hemiplegic stroke patients. The patients were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). All patients received a uniform general occupational therapy session lasting 30 minutes 5 times a week for 8 weeks. The experimental group received an additional session of bilateral arm training lasting 30 minutes, and the control group received an additional session of general occupational therapy lasting 30 minutes. The Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), Box and Block Test (BBT), and modified Barthel index (MBI) were used for evaluation.

RESULTS

In both the experimental and control groups, the FMA, BBT, and MBI scores were significantly higher after the intervention than before the intervention (P <.05). The changes in the FMA, BBT, and MBI scores were greater in the experimental group than in the control group (P <.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral arm training along with general occupational therapy might be more effective than occupational therapy alone for improving upper limb function and ADL performance in hemiplegic stroke patients.

Constraint-induced movement therapy as a rehabilitation intervention for upper extremity in stroke patients: systematic review and meta-analysis

Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is a neurorehabilitation technique designed to improve upper extremity motor functions after stroke. This review aimed to investigate evidence of the effect of CIMT on upper extremity in stroke patients and to identify optimal methods to apply CIMT. Four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINHAL, and PEDro) and reference lists of relevant articles and reviews were searched. Randomized clinical trials that studied the effect of CIMT on upper extremity outcomes in stroke patients compared with other rehabilitative techniques, usual care, or no intervention were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro score. The following data were extracted for each trial: patients' characteristics, sample size, eligibility criteria, protocols of CIMT and control groups, outcome measurements, and the PEDro score. A total of 38 trials were identified according to the inclusion criteria. The trials included were heterogeneous in CIMT protocols, time since stroke, and duration and frequency of treatment. The pooled meta-analysis of 36 trials found a heterogeneous significant effect of CIMT on upper extremity. There was no significant effect of CIMT at different durations of follow-up. The majority of included articles did not fulfill powered sample size and quality criteria. The effect of CIMT changed in terms of sample size and quality features of the articles included. These meta-analysis findings indicate that evidence for the superiority of CIMT in comparison with other rehabilitative interventions is weak. Information on the optimal dose of CIMT and optimal time to start CIMT is still limited.

Brain-computer interfaces in the completely locked-in state and chronic stroke

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) use brain activity to control external devices, facilitating paralyzed patients to interact with the environment. In this chapter, we discuss the historical perspective of development of BCIs and the current advances of noninvasive BCIs for communication in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and for restoration of motor impairment after severe stroke. Distinct techniques have been explored to control a BCI in patient population especially electroencephalography (EEG) and more recently near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) because of their noninvasive nature and low cost. Previous studies demonstrated successful communication of patients with locked-in state (LIS) using EEG- and invasive electrocorticography-BCI and intracortical recordings when patients still showed residual eye control, but not with patients with complete LIS (ie, complete paralysis). Recently, a NIRS-BCI and classical conditioning procedure was introduced, allowing communication in patients in the complete locked-in state (CLIS). In severe chronic stroke without residual hand function first results indicate a possible superior motor rehabilitation to available treatment using BCI training. Here we present an overview of the available studies and recent results, which open new doors for communication, in the completely paralyzed and rehabilitation in severely affected stroke patients. We also reflect on and describe possible neuronal and learning mechanisms responsible for BCI control and perspective for future BMI research for communication in CLIS and stroke motor recovery.

Bilateral robotic priming before task-oriented approach in subacute stroke rehabilitation: a pilot randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the treatment effects of bilateral robotic priming combined with the task-oriented approach on motor impairment, disability, daily function, and quality of life in patients with subacute stroke.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Occupational therapy clinics in medical centers.

SUBJECTS

Thirty-one subacute stroke patients were recruited.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomly assigned to receive bilateral priming combined with the task-oriented approach (i.e., primed group) or to the task-oriented approach alone (i.e., unprimed group) for 90 minutes/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. The primed group began with the bilateral priming technique by using a bimanual robot-aided device.

MAIN MEASURES

Motor impairments were assessed by the Fugal-Meyer Assessment, grip strength, and the Box and Block Test. Disability and daily function were measured by the modified Rankin Scale, the Functional Independence Measure, and actigraphy. Quality of life was examined by the Stroke Impact Scale.

RESULTS

The primed and unprimed groups improved significantly on most outcomes over time. The primed group demonstrated significantly better improvement on the Stroke Impact Scale strength subscale ( p = 0.012) and a trend for greater improvement on the modified Rankin Scale ( p = 0.065) than the unprimed group.

CONCLUSION

Bilateral priming combined with the task-oriented approach elicited more improvements in self-reported strength and disability degrees than the task-oriented approach by itself. Further large-scale research with at least 31 participants in each intervention group is suggested to confirm the study findings.

Effects of virtual reality-based rehabilitation on distal upper extremity function and health-related quality of life: a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation has been reported to have beneficial effects on upper extremity function in stroke survivors; however, there is limited information about its effects on distal upper extremity function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of VR-based rehabilitation combined with standard occupational therapy on distal upper extremity function and HRQoL, and compare the findings to those of amount-matched conventional rehabilitation in stroke survivors.

METHODS

The present study was a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. The study included 46 stroke survivors who were randomized to a Smart Glove (SG) group or a conventional intervention (CON) group. In both groups, the interventions were targeted to the distal upper extremity and standard occupational therapy was administered. The primary outcome was the change in the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FM) scores, and the secondary outcomes were the changes in the Jebsen-Taylor hand function test (JTT), Purdue pegboard test, and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) version 3.0 scores. The outcomes were assessed before the intervention, in the middle of the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 1 month after the intervention.

RESULTS

The improvements in the FM (FM-total, FM-prox, and FM-dist), JTT (JTT-total and JTT-gross), and SIS (composite and overall SIS, SIS-social participation, and SIS-mobility) scores were significantly greater in the SG group than in the CON group.

CONCLUSIONS

VR-based rehabilitation combined with standard occupational therapy might be more effective than amount-matched conventional rehabilitation for improving distal upper extremity function and HRQoL.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered under the title "Effects of Novel Game Rehabilitation System on Upper Extremity Function of Patients With Stroke" and can be located in https://clinicaltrials.gov with the study identifier NCT02029651 .

Validity and Responsiveness of the Revised Nottingham Sensation Assessment for Outcome Evaluation in Stroke Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE. This study establishes the concurrent validity, predictive validity, and responsiveness of the Revised Nottingham Sensation Assessment (rNSA) during rehabilitation for people with stroke.

METHOD. The study recruited 147 patients with stroke. The main assessment used was the rNSA, and outcome measures were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment sensory subscale (FMA–S) and motor subscale (FMA–M) and the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) scale.

RESULTS. Correlation coefficients were good to excellent between the rNSA and the FMA–S. The rNSA proprioception measure was a predictor for the FMA–S. The rNSA stereognosis and tactile-pinprick measures for the proximal upper limb were predictors for the FMA–M and the NEADL scale, respectively. Responsiveness was moderate to large for three subscales of the rNSA (standardized response mean = .51–.83).

CONCLUSION. This study may support the concurrent validity, predictive validity, and responsiveness of the rNSA for people with stroke.

Constraint-induced movement therapy for upper extremities in people with stroke

BACKGROUND

In people who have had a stroke, upper limb paresis affects many activities of daily life. Reducing disability is therefore a major aim of rehabilitative interventions. Despite preserving or recovering movement ability after stroke, sometimes people do not fully realise this ability in their everyday activities. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is an approach to stroke rehabilitation that involves the forced use and massed practice of the affected arm by restraining the unaffected arm. This has been proposed as a useful tool for recovering abilities in everyday activities.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy of CIMT, modified CIMT (mCIMT), or forced use (FU) for arm management in people with hemiparesis after stroke.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group trials register (last searched June 2015), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2015), MEDLINE (1966 to January 2015), EMBASE (1980 to January 2015), CINAHL (1982 to January 2015), and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro; January 2015).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised control trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing CIMT, mCIMT or FU with other rehabilitative techniques, or none.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

One author identified trials from the results of the electronic searches according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, three review authors independently assessed methodological quality and risk of bias, and extracted data. The primary outcome was disability.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 42 studies involving 1453 participants. The trials included participants who had some residual motor power of the paretic arm, the potential for further motor recovery and with limited pain or spasticity, but tended to use the limb little, if at all. The majority of studies were underpowered (median number of included participants was 29) and we cannot rule out small-trial bias. Eleven trials (344 participants) assessed disability immediately after the intervention, indicating a non-significant standard mean difference (SMD) 0.24 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.05 to 0.52) favouring CIMT compared with conventional treatment. For the most frequently reported outcome, arm motor function (28 studies involving 858 participants), the SMD was 0.34 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.55) showing a significant effect (P value 0.004) in favour of CIMT. Three studies involving 125 participants explored disability after a few months of follow-up and found no significant difference, SMD -0.20 (95% CI -0.57 to 0.16) in favour of conventional treatment.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

CIMT is a multi-faceted intervention where restriction of the less affected limb is accompanied by increased exercise tailored to the person's capacity. We found that CIMT was associated with limited improvements in motor impairment and motor function, but that these benefits did not convincingly reduce disability. This differs from the result of our previous meta-analysis where there was a suggestion that CIMT might be superior to traditional rehabilitation. Information about the long-term effects of CIMT is scarce. Further trials studying the relationship between participant characteristics and improved outcomes are required.

Proximal Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scores Predict Clinically Important Upper Limb Improvement After 3 Stroke Rehabilitative Interventions

OBJECTIVE

To identify the baseline motor characteristics of the patients who responded to 3 prominent intervention programs.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

SETTING

Outpatient rehabilitation clinics.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals with chronic stroke (N=174).

INTERVENTIONS

Participants received 30 hours of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), robot-assisted therapy, or mirror therapy (MT).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the change score of the Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (UE-FMA). The potential predicting variables were baseline proximal, distal, and total UE-FMA and Action Research Arm Test scores. We combined polynomial regression analyses and the minimal clinically important difference to stratify the patients as responders and nonresponders for each intervention approach.

RESULTS

Baseline proximal UE-FMA scores significantly predicted clinically important improvement on the primary outcome measure after all 3 interventions. Participants with baseline proximal UE-FMA scores of approximately <30 benefited significantly from CIMT and robot-assisted therapy, whereas participants with scores between 21 and 35 demonstrated significant improvement after MT. Baseline distal and total UE-FMA and Action Research Arm Test scores could also predict upper limb improvement after CIMT and MT, but not after robot-assisted therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

This study could inform clinicians about the selection of suitable rehabilitation approaches to help patients achieve clinically meaningful improvement in upper extremity function.

Constraint-induced movement therapy after stroke

Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) was developed to overcome upper limb impairments after stroke and is the most investigated intervention for the rehabilitation of patients. Original CIMT includes constraining of the non-paretic arm and task-oriented training. Modified versions also apply constraining of the non-paretic arm, but not as intensive as original CIMT. Behavioural strategies are mostly absent for both modified and original CIMT. With forced use therapy, only constraining of the non-paretic arm is applied. The original and modified types of CIMT have beneficial effects on motor function, arm-hand activities, and self-reported arm-hand functioning in daily life, immediately after treatment and at long-term follow-up, whereas there is no evidence for the efficacy of constraint alone (as used in forced use therapy). The type of CIMT, timing, or intensity of practice do not seem to affect patient outcomes. Although the underlying mechanisms that drive modified and original CIMT are still poorly understood, findings from kinematic studies suggest that improvements are mainly based on adaptations through learning to optimise the use of intact end-effectors in patients with some voluntary motor control of wrist and finger extensors after stroke.

The visual amplification of goal-oriented movements counteracts acquired non-use in hemiparetic stroke patients

BACKGROUND

Stroke-induced impairments result from both primary and secondary causes, i.e. damage to the brain and the acquired non-use of the impaired limbs. Indeed, stroke patients often under-utilize their paretic limb despite sufficient residual motor function. We hypothesize that acquired non-use can be overcome by reinforcement-based training strategies.

METHODS

Hemiparetic stroke patients (n = 20, 11 males, 9 right-sided hemiparesis) were asked to reach targets appearing in either the real world or in a virtual environment. Sessions were divided into 3 phases: baseline, intervention and washout. During the intervention the movement of the virtual representation of the patients' paretic limb was amplified towards the target.

RESULTS

We found that the probability of using the paretic limb during washout was significantly higher in comparison to baseline. Patients showed generalization of these results by displaying a more substantial workspace in real world task. These gains correlated with changes in effector selection patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

The amplification of the movement of the paretic limb in a virtual environment promotes the use of the paretic limb in stroke patients. Our findings indicate that reinforcement-based therapies may be an effective approach for counteracting learned non-use and may modulate motor performance in the real world.

The effects of task-oriented versus repetitive bilateral arm training on upper limb function and activities of daily living in stroke patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of task-oriented bilateral arm training and repetitive bilateral arm training on upper limb function and activities of daily living in stroke patients. [Subjects] Forty patients with hemiplegia resulting from stroke were divided into a task orientied bilateral arm training group (n=20) and a repetitive bilateral arm training group (n=20). [Methods] The task-oriented group underwent bilateral arm training with 5 functional tasks, and the repetitive group underwent bilateral arm training with rhythmin auditory cueing for 30 minutes/day, 5 times/week, for 12 weeks. [Results] The upper limb function and the ability to perform activities of daily living improved significantly in both groups. Although there were significant differences between the groups, the task-oriented group showed greater improvement in upper limb function and activities of daily living. [Conclusion] We recommend bilateral arm training as well as adding functional task training as a clinical intervention to improve upper limb function activities of daily living in patients with hemiplegia.

Concurrent and Predictive Validity of Arm Kinematics With and Without a Trunk Restraint During a Reaching Task in Individuals With Stroke

OBJECTIVE

To examine the concurrent and predictive validity of measurements of kinematic variables during reaching tasks with and without a trunk constraint in individuals with stroke.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trials.

SETTINGS

Hospitals and a laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals with stroke (N=95) enrolled in previous and ongoing clinical trials.

INTERVENTIONS

Upper limb training protocols were 90 to 120 minutes of intervention every weekday for 3 to 4 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Functional capacity was assessed using the Action Research Arm Test and motor impairment using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the Upper Extremity. Movement kinematics were measured during a reaching task with and without a trunk constraint. We derived 5 endpoint control variables and 3 joint recruitment variables for estimating concurrent and predictive validity.

RESULTS

The adjusted R(2) values for the constraint tasks ranged from .24 to .38 and for the unconstraint tasks from .29 to .40. Movement time was the most prominent kinematic variable for the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the Upper Extremity before and after the intervention (P<.05). For the Action Research Arm Test, movement time and endpoint displacement were the most significant variables before and after the intervention, respectively (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Measuring kinematic performance during an unconstrained task is appropriate and possibly sufficient to represent motor impairment and functional capacity of individuals with stroke. Movement time is the dominant variable associated with motor impairment and functional capacity, and endpoint displacement is unique in reflecting functional capacity of individuals with stroke.

Constraint-induced movement therapy: trial sequential analysis applied to Cochrane collaboration systematic review results

BACKGROUND

Trial sequential analysis (TSA) may establish when firm evidence about the efficacy of interventions is reached in a cumulative meta-analysis, combining a required information size with adjusted thresholds for conservative statistical significance. Our aim was to demonstrate TSA results on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included in a Cochrane systematic review on the effectiveness of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) for stroke patients.

METHODS

We extracted data on the functional independence measure (FIM) and the action research arm test (ARAT) from RCTs that compared CIMT versus other rehabilitative techniques. Mean differences (MD) were analyzed using a random-effects model. We calculated the information size and the cumulative Z-statistic, applying the O'Brien-Fleming monitoring boundaries.

RESULTS

We included data from 14 RCTs. In the conventional meta-analysis (seven trials, 233 patients), the effect of CIMT on FIM was reported as significant (MD 2.88, 95% CI 0.08 to 5.68; P = 0.04). The diversity-adjusted required information size was 142 patients, and the cumulative Z-score did not cross the trial sequential monitoring boundary for benefit (adjusted 95% CI -0.02 to 5.78). The effect of CIMT on ARAT (nine trials, 199 patients) was reported as significant (MD 7.78, 95% CI 1.19 to 14.37; P = 0.02). However, the diversity-adjusted required information size was 252 patients, and the Z-score did not cross the trial sequential monitoring boundary for benefit (adjusted 95% CI -0.06 to 15.62).

CONCLUSIONS

Although conventional meta-analyses of CIMT reached statistical significance, their overall results remain inconclusive and might be spurious. Researchers should not be overconfident on CIMT efficacy based on the results of meta-analyses and derived recommendations.

Efficacy and task structure of bimanual training post stroke: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Bimanual training has been shown to be as effective as, but not superior to, unimanual paretic upper extremity (UE) training interventions in improving paretic UE function and use post stroke. However, it is still unclear whether different training interventions or task structures within bimanual interventions may differentially affect the outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this review were to (1) systematically determine the efficacy of bimanual training in relation to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model components and (2) explore the structure of current bimanual training interventions.

METHOD

A systematic review was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eleven studies were accepted for review.

RESULTS

Three main types of bimanual training emerged: functional task training (FTT), bilateral training with rhythmic auditory cues (BATRAC), and robot-assisted training (RAT). Bimanual training is generally efficacious overall in improving paretic UE movement in individuals with subacute and/or chronic stroke as compared with other interventions. FTT, BATRAC, and RAT showed no significant differences compared with conventional therapy. Bimanual training may have greater proximal control benefits but fewer benefits in terms of subjects' perceived amount and quality of use as compared with constraint-induced movement therapy.

CONCLUSION

There were not enough data to draw any conclusions about the effects of bimanual task symmetry or commonality of goal.

Performance assessment of a brain-computer interface driven hand orthosis

Stroke survivors are typically affected by hand motor impairment. Despite intensive rehabilitation and spontaneous recovery, improvements typically plateau a year after a stroke. Therefore, novel approaches capable of restoring or augmenting lost motor behaviors are needed. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) may offer one such approach by using neurophysiological activity underlying hand movements to control an upper extremity orthosis. To test the performance of such a system, we developed an electroencephalogram-based BCI controlled electrically actuated hand orthosis. Six able-bodied participants voluntarily grasped/relaxed one hand to elicit BCI-mediated closing/opening of the orthosis mounted on the opposite hand. Following a short training/calibration procedure, participants demonstrated real-time, online control of the orthosis by following computer cues. Their performances resulted in an average of 1.15 (standard deviation: 0.85) false alarms and 0.22 (0.36) omissions per minute. Analysis of signals from electrogoniometers mounted on both hands revealed an average correlation between voluntary and BCI-mediated movements of 0.58 (0.13), with all but one online performance being statistically significant. This suggests that a BCI driven hand orthosis is feasible, and therefore should be tested in stroke individuals with hand weakness. If proven viable, this technology may provide a novel approach to the neuro-rehabilitation of hand function after stroke.