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Modi AD, Parekh A, Patel ZH. Methods for evaluating gait associated dynamic balance and coordination in rodents. Behav Brain Res 2024; 456:114695. [PMID: 37783346 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114695] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Balance is the dynamic and unconscious control of the body's centre of mass to maintain postural equilibrium. Regulated by the vestibular system, head movement and acceleration are processed by the brain to adjust joints. Several conditions result in a loss of balance, including Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Menière's Disease and cervical spondylosis, all of which are caused by damage to certain parts of the vestibular pathways. Studies about the impairment of the vestibular system are challenging to carry out in human trials due to smaller study sizes limiting applications of the results and a lacking understanding of the human balance control mechanism. In contrast, more controlled research can be performed in animal studies which have fewer confounding factors than human models and allow specific conditions that affect balance to be replicated. Balance control can be studied using rodent balance-related behavioural tests after spinal or brain lesions, such as the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) Locomotor Scale, Foot Fault Scoring System, Ledged Beam Test, Beam Walking Test, and Ladder Beam Test, which are discussed in this review article along with their advantages and disadvantages. These tests can be performed in preclinical rodent models of femoral nerve injury, stroke, spinal cord injury and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshat D Modi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto, Scarborough, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada; Department of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada.
| | - Anavi Parekh
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Zeenal H Patel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto, Scarborough, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Scarborough, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
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2
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Zhang Z, Song Z, Luo L, Zhu Z, Zuo X, Ju C, Wang X, Ma Y, Wu T, Yao Z, Zhou J, Chen B, Ding T, Wang Z, Hu X. Photobiomodulation inhibits the expression of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans after spinal cord injury via the Sox9 pathway. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:180-189. [PMID: 37488865 PMCID: PMC10479858 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.374136] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Both glial cells and glia scar greatly affect the development of spinal cord injury and have become hot spots in research on spinal cord injury treatment. The cellular deposition of dense extracellular matrix proteins such as chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans inside and around the glial scar is known to affect axonal growth and be a major obstacle to autogenous repair. These proteins are thus candidate targets for spinal cord injury therapy. Our previous studies demonstrated that 810 nm photobiomodulation inhibited the formation of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans after spinal cord injury and greatly improved motor function in model animals. However, the specific mechanism and potential targets involved remain to be clarified. In this study, to investigate the therapeutic effect of photobiomodulation, we established a mouse model of spinal cord injury by T9 clamping and irradiated the injury site at a power density of 50 mW/cm2 for 50 minutes once a day for 7 consecutive days. We found that photobiomodulation greatly restored motor function in mice and downregulated chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan expression in the injured spinal cord. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that photobiomodulation inhibited the expression of proteoglycan-related genes induced by spinal cord injury, and versican, a type of proteoglycan, was one of the most markedly changed molecules. Immunofluorescence staining showed that after spinal cord injury, versican was present in astrocytes in spinal cord tissue. The expression of versican in primary astrocytes cultured in vitro increased after inflammation induction, whereas photobiomodulation inhibited the expression of versican. Furthermore, we found that the increased levels of p-Smad3, p-P38 and p-Erk in inflammatory astrocytes were reduced after photobiomodulation treatment and after delivery of inhibitors including FR 180204, (E)-SIS3, and SB 202190. This suggests that Smad3/Sox9 and MAPK/Sox9 pathways may be involved in the effects of photobiomodulation. In summary, our findings show that photobiomodulation modulates the expression of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, and versican is one of the key target molecules of photobiomodulation. MAPK/Sox9 and Smad3/Sox9 pathways may play a role in the effects of photobiomodulation on chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan accumulation after spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhiwen Song
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Liang Luo
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhijie Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Zuo
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Cheng Ju
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xuankang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yangguang Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Tingyu Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhou Yao
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Beiyu Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Tan Ding
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xueyu Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China
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Sato SD, Hiroi Y, Zoppo D, Buonaccorsi J, Miehm JD, van Emmerik REA. Spatiotemporal gait changes in people with multiple sclerosis with different disease progression subtypes. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2022; 100:105818. [PMID: 36435079 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2022.105818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gait impairment is common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), but less is known about gait differences between MS disease progression subtypes. The objective here was to examine differences in spatiotemporal gait in MS and between relapsing-remitting and progressive subtypes during the timed-25-ft-walk test. Our specific aims were to investigate (1) spatiotemporal, (2) spatiotemporal variability, and (3) gait modulation differences between healthy controls and MS subtypes at preferred and fast walking speed. METHODS This study included 27 controls, 18 relapsing-remitting MS, and 13 progressive MS participants. Participants wore six inertial sensors and walked overground without walking aids at preferred and fast-as-possible speeds. FINDINGS Both MS groups had significantly lower walking speed than controls, with a trend towards lower preferred gait speed in progressive compared to relapsing-remitting MS (ES = 0.502). Although most spatiotemporal gait parameters differed between controls and MS groups, differences were not significant between MS subtypes in these parameters and their variability, with low to moderate effect sizes during preferred and fast walking. Both MS groups showed reduced modulation in gait compared to controls and no significant differences between MS subtypes. INTERPRETATION Gait in MS is altered compared to controls. Although gait may change with progressive MS, the overall small differences in the gait parameters between the MS subtypes observed in this sample suggests that those with the progressive form of MS who are independently ambulatory and without further clinically meaningful changes in gait speed may not show gait decrements greater than the relapsing-remitting form of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumire D Sato
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA; Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Yeun Hiroi
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Danielle Zoppo
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - John Buonaccorsi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Jules D Miehm
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Richard E A van Emmerik
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA; Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
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4
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Efficacy and safety of different drug treatments in patients with spinal-cord injury-related neuropathic pain: a network meta-analysis. Spinal Cord 2022; 60:943-953. [DOI: 10.1038/s41393-022-00804-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Mohammadzada F, Zipser CM, Easthope CA, Halliday DM, Conway BA, Curt A, Schubert M. Mind your step: Target walking task reveals gait disturbance in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2022; 19:36. [PMID: 35337335 PMCID: PMC8957135 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-022-01013-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Walking over obstacles requires precise foot placement while maintaining balance control of the center of mass (CoM) and the flexibility to adapt the gait patterns. Most individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) are capable of overground walking on level ground; however, gait stability and adaptation may be compromised. CoM control was investigated during a challenging target walking (TW) task in individuals with iSCI compared to healthy controls. The hypothesis was that individuals with iSCI, when challenged with TW, show a lack of gait pattern adaptability which is reflected by an impaired adaptation of CoM movement compared to healthy controls. Methods A single-center controlled diagnostic clinical trial with thirteen participants with iSCI (0.3–24 years post injury; one subacute and twelve chronic) and twelve healthy controls was conducted where foot and pelvis kinematics were acquired during two conditions: normal treadmill walking (NW) and visually guided target walking (TW) with handrail support, during which participants stepped onto projected virtual targets synchronized with the moving treadmill surface. Approximated CoM was calculated from pelvis markers and used to calculate CoM trajectory length and mean CoM Euclidean distance TW-NW (primary outcome). Nonparametric statistics, including spearman rank correlations, were performed to evaluate the relationship between clinical parameter, outdoor mobility score, performance, and CoM parameters (secondary outcome). Results Healthy controls adapted to TW by decreasing anterior–posterior and vertical CoM trajectory length (p < 0.001), whereas participants with iSCI reduced CoM trajectory length only in the vertical direction (p = 0.002). Mean CoM Euclidean distance TW-NW correlated with participants’ neurological level of injury (R = 0.76, p = 0.002) and CoM trajectory length (during TW) correlated with outdoor mobility score (R = − 0.64, p = 0.026). Conclusions This study demonstrated that reduction of CoM movement is a common strategy to cope with TW challenge in controls, but it is impaired in individuals with iSCI. In the iSCI group, the ability to cope with gait challenges worsened the more rostral the level of injury. Thus, the TW task could be used as a gait challenge paradigm in ambulatory iSCI individuals. Trial registration Registry number/ ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03343132, date of registration 2017/11/17. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12984-022-01013-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freschta Mohammadzada
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Neurophysiology, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Carl Moritz Zipser
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Neurophysiology, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chris A Easthope
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Neurophysiology, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland.,Cereneo Foundation, Center for Interdisciplinary Research, 6354, Vitznau, Switzerland
| | - David M Halliday
- Department of Electronic Engineering, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.,York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK
| | - Bernard A Conway
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0NW, UK
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Neurophysiology, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Schubert
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Neurophysiology, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
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Naro A, Billeri L, Balletta T, Lauria P, Onesta MP, Calabrò RS. Finding the Way to Improve Motor Recovery of Patients with Spinal Cord Lesions: A Case-Control Pilot Study on a Novel Neuromodulation Approach. Brain Sci 2022; 12:119. [PMID: 35053862 PMCID: PMC8773706 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12010119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Robot-assisted rehabilitation (RAR) and non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) are interventions that, both individually and combined, can significantly enhance motor performance after spinal cord injury (SCI). We sought to determine whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with active transvertebral direct current stimulation (tvDCS) (namely, NIBS) in association with RAR (RAR + NIBS) improves lower extremity motor function more than RAR alone in subjects with motor incomplete SCI (iSCI). Fifteen adults with iSCI received one daily session of RAR+NIBS in the early afternoon, six sessions weekly, for eight consecutive weeks. Outcome measures included the 6 min walk test (6MWT), the 10 m walk test (10MWT), the timed up and go (TUG) to test mobility and balance, the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI II), the Functional Independence Measure-Locomotion (FIM-L), the manual muscle testing for lower extremity motor score (LEMS), the modified Ashworth scale for lower limbs (MAS), and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. The data of these subjects were compared with those of 20 individuals matched for clinical and demographic features who previously received the same amount or RAR without NIBS (RAR - NIBS). All patients completed the trial, and none reported any side effects either during or following the training. The 10MWT improved in both groups, but the increase was significantly greater following RAR + NIBS than RAR - NIBS. The same occurred for the FIM-L, LEMS, and WISCI II. No significant differences were appreciable concerning the 6MWT and TUG. Conversely, RAR - NIBS outperformed RAR + NIBS regarding the MAS and VAS. Pairing tvDCS with rTMS during RAR can improve lower extremity motor function more than RAR alone can do. Future research with a larger sample size is recommended to determine longer-term effects on motor function and activities of daily living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Naro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo Piemonte, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.N.); (L.B.); (T.B.); (P.L.)
| | - Luana Billeri
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo Piemonte, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.N.); (L.B.); (T.B.); (P.L.)
| | - Tina Balletta
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo Piemonte, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.N.); (L.B.); (T.B.); (P.L.)
| | - Paola Lauria
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo Piemonte, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.N.); (L.B.); (T.B.); (P.L.)
| | | | - Rocco Salvatore Calabrò
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo Piemonte, Via Palermo, SS 113, Ctr. Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (A.N.); (L.B.); (T.B.); (P.L.)
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7
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Boakye M, Morehouse J, Ethridge J, Burke DA, Khattar NK, Kumar C, Manouchehri N, Streijger F, Reed R, Magnuson DS, Sherwood L, Kwon BK, Howland DR. Treadmill-Based Gait Kinematics in the Yucatan Mini Pig. J Neurotrauma 2020; 37:2277-2291. [PMID: 32605423 PMCID: PMC9836690 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Yucatan miniature pigs (YMPs) are similar to humans in spinal cord size as well as physiological and neuroanatomical features, making them a useful model for human spinal cord injury. However, little is known regarding pig gait kinematics, especially on a treadmill. In this study, 12 healthy YMPs were assessed during bipedal and/or quadrupedal stepping on a treadmill at six speeds (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 km/h). Kinematic parameters, including limb coordination and proximal and distal limb angles, were measured. Findings indicate that YMPs use a lateral sequence footfall pattern across all speeds. Stride and stance durations decreased with increasing speed whereas swing duration showed no significant change. Across all speeds assessed, no significant differences were noted between hindlimb stepping parameters for bipedal or quadrupedal gait with the exception of distal limb angular kinematics. Specifically, significant differences were observed between locomotor tasks during maximum flexion (quadrupedal > bipedal), total excursion (bipedal > quadrupedal), and the phase relationship between the timing of maximum extension between the right and left hindlimbs (bipedal > quadrupedal). Speed also impacted maximum flexion and right-left phase relationships given that significant differences were found between the fastest speed (3.5 km/h) relative to each of the other speeds. This study establishes a methodology for bipedal and quadrupedal treadmill-based kinematic testing in healthy YMPs. The treadmill approach used was effective in recruiting primarily the spinal circuitry responsible for the basic stepping patterns as has been shown in cats. We recommend 2.5 km/h (0.7 m/sec) as a target walking gait for pre-clinical studies using YMPs, which is similar to that used in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell Boakye
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Johnny Morehouse
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jay Ethridge
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Darlene A. Burke
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Nicolas K. Khattar
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Chitra Kumar
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Neda Manouchehri
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Department of Orthopedics, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Femke Streijger
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Department of Orthopedics, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Robert Reed
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - David S.K. Magnuson
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Leslie Sherwood
- Research Resources Facilities, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Brian K. Kwon
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries, Department of Orthopedics, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Department of Orthopedics, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dena R. Howland
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
- Research Service, Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
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8
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Robotic Rehabilitation in Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study on End-Effectors and Neurophysiological Outcomes. Ann Biomed Eng 2020; 49:732-745. [PMID: 32918105 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-020-02611-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Robot-aided gait training (RAGT) has been implemented to provide patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) with a physiological limb activation during gait, cognitive engagement, and an appropriate stimulation of peripheral receptors, which are essential to entrain neuroplasticity mechanisms supporting functional recovery. We aimed at assessing whether RAGT by means of an end-effector device equipped with body weight support could improve functional ambulation in patients with subacute, motor incomplete SCI. In this pilot study, 15 patients were provided with six RAGT sessions per week for eight consecutive weeks. The outcome measures were muscle strength, ambulation, going upstairs, and disease burden. Furthermore, we estimated the activation patterns of lower limb muscles during RAGT by means of surface electromyography and the resting state networks' functional connectivity (RSN-FC) before and after RAGT. Patients achieved a clinically significant improvement in the clinical outcome measures substantially up to six months post-treatment. These data were paralleled by an improvement in the stair-climbing cycle and a potentiating of frequency-specific and area-specific RSN-FC patterns. Therefore, RAGT, by means of an end-effector device equipped with body weight support, is promising in improving gait in patients with subacute, motor incomplete SCI, and it could produce additive benefit for the neuromuscular reeducation to gait in SCI when combined with conventional physiotherapy.
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9
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Popp WL, Schneider S, Bär J, Bösch P, Spengler CM, Gassert R, Curt A. Wearable Sensors in Ambulatory Individuals With a Spinal Cord Injury: From Energy Expenditure Estimation to Activity Recommendations. Front Neurol 2019; 10:1092. [PMID: 31736845 PMCID: PMC6838774 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inappropriate physical inactivity is a global health problem increasing the risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Wearable sensors show great potential to promote physical activity and thus a healthier lifestyle. While commercial activity trackers are available to estimate energy expenditure (EE) in non-disabled individuals, they are not designed for reliable assessments in individuals with an incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). Furthermore, activity recommendations for this population are currently rather vague and not tailored to their individual needs, and activity guidelines provided for the non-disabled population may not be easily translated for this population. However, especially in iSCI individuals with impaired abilities to stand and walk, the assessment of physical activities and appropriate recommendations for a healthy lifestyle are challenging. Therefore, the study aimed at developing an EE estimation model for iSCI individuals able to walk based on wearable sensor data. Additionally, the data collected within this study was used to translate common activity recommendations for the non-disabled population to easily understandable activity goals for ambulatory individuals with an iSCI. In total, 30 ambulatory individuals with an iSCI were equipped with wearable sensors while performing 12 different physical activities. EE was measured continuously and demographic and anthropometric variables, clinical assessment scores as well as wearable-sensor-derived features were used to develop different EE estimation models. The best EE estimation model comprised the estimation of resting EE using the updated Harris-Benedict equation, classifying activities using a k-nearest neighbor algorithm, and applying a multiple linear regression-based EE estimation model for each activity class. The mean absolute estimation error of this model was 15.2 ± 6.3% and the corresponding mean signed error was −3.4 ± 8.9%. Translating activity recommendations of global health institutions, we suggest a minimum of 2,000–3,000 steps per day for ambulatory individuals with an iSCI. If ambulatory individuals with an iSCI targeted the popular 10,000 steps a day recommendation for the non-disabled population, their equivalent would be around 8,000 steps a day. The combination of the presented dedicated EE estimation model for ambulatory individuals with an iSCI and the translated activity recommendations is an important step toward promoting an active lifestyle in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner L Popp
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.,Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Schneider
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Bär
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Bösch
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.,Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christina M Spengler
- Exercise Physiology Lab, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger Gassert
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
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10
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Zhang L, Zhuang X, Chen Y, Xia H. Intravenous transplantation of olfactory bulb ensheathing cells for a spinal cord hemisection injury rat model. Cell Transplant 2019; 28:1585-1602. [PMID: 31665910 PMCID: PMC6923555 DOI: 10.1177/0963689719883842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular transplantation strategies utilizing intraspinal or intrathecal olfactory
ensheathing cells (OECs) have been reported as beneficial for spinal cord injury (SCI).
However, there are many disadvantages of these methods, including additional trauma to the
spinal cord parenchyma and technical challenges. Therefore, we investigated the
feasibility and potential benefits of intravenous transplantation of OECs in a rat
hemisection SCI model. OECs derived from olfactory bulb tissue were labeled with quantum
dots (QDs), and their biodistribution after intravenous transplantation was tracked using
a fluorescence imaging system. Accumulation of the transplanted OECs was observed in the
injured spinal cord within 10 min, peaked at seven days after cell transplantation, and
decreased gradually thereafter. This time window corresponded to the blood–spinal cord
barrier (BSCB) opening time, which was quantitated with the Evans blue leakage assay.
Using immunohistochemistry, we examined neuronal growth (GAP-43), remyelination (MBP), and
microglia (Iba-1) reactions at the lesion site. Motor function recovery was also measured
using a classic open field test (Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan score). Compared with the
group injected only with QDs, the rats that received OEC transplantation exhibited a
prominent reduction in inflammatory responses, increased neurogenesis and remyelination,
and significant improvement in motor function. We suggest that intravenous injection could
also be an effective method for delivering OECs and improving functional outcomes after
SCI. Moreover, the time course of BSCB disruption provides a clinically relevant
therapeutic window for cell-based intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijian Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.,Ningxia Human Stem Cell Research Institute, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.,Surgery Laboratory, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,Both the authors are co-authors and contributed equally to this article
| | - Xiaoqing Zhuang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.,Both the authors are co-authors and contributed equally to this article
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.,Ningxia Human Stem Cell Research Institute, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Hechun Xia
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.,Ningxia Human Stem Cell Research Institute, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
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11
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Easthope CS, Traini LR, Awai L, Franz M, Rauter G, Curt A, Bolliger M. Overground walking patterns after chronic incomplete spinal cord injury show distinct response patterns to unloading. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2018; 15:102. [PMID: 30419945 PMCID: PMC6233558 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-018-0436-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Body weight support (BWS) is often provided to incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) patients during rehabilitation to enable gait training before full weight-bearing is recovered. Emerging robotic devices enable BWS during overground walking, increasing task-specificity of the locomotor training. However, in contrast to a treadmill setting, there is little information on how unloading is integrated into overground locomotion. We investigated the effect of a transparent multi-directional BWS system on overground walking patterns at different levels of unloading in individuals with chronic iSCI (CiSCI) compared to controls. METHODS Kinematics of 12 CiSCI were analyzed at six different BWS levels from 0 to 50% body weight unloading during overground walking at 2kmh- 1 and compared to speed-matched controls. RESULTS In controls, temporal parameters, single joint trajectories, and intralimb coordination responded proportionally to the level of unloading, while spatial parameters remained unaffected. In CiSCI, unloading induced similar changes in temporal parameters. CiSCI, however, did not adapt their intralimb coordination or single joint trajectories to the level of unloading. CONCLUSIONS The findings revealed that continuous, dynamic unloading during overground walking results in subtle and proportional gait adjustments corresponding to changes in body load. CiSCI demonstrated diminished responses in specific domains of gait, indicating that their altered neural processing impeded the adjustment to environmental constraints. CiSCI retain their movement patterns under overground unloading, indicating that this is a viable locomotor therapy tool that may also offer a potential window on the diminished neural control of intralimb coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Renato Traini
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, CH-8008, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lea Awai
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, CH-8008, Zürich, Switzerland.,Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, University College London, London, UK
| | - Martina Franz
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, CH-8008, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Georg Rauter
- BIROMED-Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, CH-8008, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Bolliger
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, CH-8008, Zürich, Switzerland
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12
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Bolliger M, Blight AR, Field-Fote EC, Musselman K, Rossignol S, Barthélemy D, Bouyer L, Popovic MR, Schwab JM, Boninger ML, Tansey KE, Scivoletto G, Kleitman N, Jones LAT, Gagnon DH, Nadeau S, Haupt D, Awai L, Easthope CS, Zörner B, Rupp R, Lammertse D, Curt A, Steeves J. Lower extremity outcome measures: considerations for clinical trials in spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2018; 56:628-642. [PMID: 29700477 PMCID: PMC6131138 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-018-0097-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN This is a focused review article. OBJECTIVES To identify important concepts in lower extremity (LE) assessment with a focus on locomotor outcomes and provide guidance on how existing outcome measurement tools may be best used to assess experimental therapies in spinal cord injury (SCI). The emphasis lies on LE outcomes in individuals with complete and incomplete SCI in Phase II-III trials. METHODS This review includes a summary of topics discussed during a workshop focusing on LE function in SCI, conceptual discussion of corresponding outcome measures and additional focused literature review. RESULTS There are a number of sensitive, accurate, and responsive outcome tools measuring both quantitative and qualitative aspects of LE function. However, in trials with individuals with very acute injuries, a baseline assessment of the primary (or secondary) LE outcome measure is often not feasible. CONCLUSION There is no single outcome measure to assess all individuals with SCI that can be used to monitor changes in LE function regardless of severity and level of injury. Surrogate markers have to be used to assess LE function in individuals with severe SCI. However, it is generally agreed that a direct measurement of the performance for an appropriate functional activity supersedes any surrogate marker. LE assessments have to be refined so they can be used across all time points after SCI, regardless of the level or severity of spinal injury. SPONSORS Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, Spinal Cord Outcomes Partnership Endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Bolliger
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Swiss Center for Clinical Movement Analysis (SCMA), Zurich, Switzerland.
| | | | - Edelle C Field-Fote
- Shepherd Center, Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Biological Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Division of Physical Therapy, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kristin Musselman
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Serge Rossignol
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Dorothy Barthélemy
- School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, and Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation (CRIR), Institut universitaire sur la réadaptation en déficience physique de Montréal (IURDPM) du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Laurent Bouyer
- Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Milos R Popovic
- Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jan M Schwab
- Department of Neurology, Spinal Cord Injury Division and Departments of Neuroscience and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Neurological Institute, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michael L Boninger
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh & Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Keith E Tansey
- Methodist Rehabilitation Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center and Jackson VA Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Giorgio Scivoletto
- Spinal Cord Unit and Spinal Rehabilitation (SpiRe) laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione S. Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Dany H Gagnon
- School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal and Pathokinesiology Laboratory, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation, Institut universitaire sur la réadaptation en déficience physique de Montréal, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Nadeau
- School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal and Pathokinesiology Laboratory, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation, Institut universitaire sur la réadaptation en déficience physique de Montréal, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Dirk Haupt
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lea Awai
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chris S Easthope
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Björn Zörner
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ruediger Rupp
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dan Lammertse
- Craig Hospital, Englewood, Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Colorado, USA
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Center for Clinical Movement Analysis (SCMA), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John Steeves
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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13
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Wei RH, Zhao C, Rao JS, Zhao W, Zhou X, Tian PY, Song W, Ji R, Zhang AF, Yang ZY, Li XG. The kinematic recovery process of rhesus monkeys after spinal cord injury. Exp Anim 2018; 67:431-440. [PMID: 29769463 PMCID: PMC6219880 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.18-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
After incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), neural circuits may be plastically
reconstructed to some degree, resulting in extensive functional locomotor recovery. The
present study aimed to observe the post-SCI locomotor recovery of rhesus monkey hindlimbs
and compare the recovery degrees of different hindlimb parts, thus revealing the recovery
process of locomotor function. Four rhesus monkeys were chosen for thoracic hemisection
injury. The hindlimb locomotor performance of these animals was recorded before surgery,
as well as 6 and 12 weeks post-lesion. Via principal component analysis, the relevant
parameters of the limb endpoint, pelvis, hindlimb segments, and joints were processed and
analyzed. Twelve weeks after surgery, partial kinematic recovery was observed at the limb
endpoint, shank, foot, and knee joints, and the locomotor performance of the ankle joint
even recovered to the pre-lesion level; the elevation angle of the thigh and hip joints
showed no obvious recovery. Generally, different parts of a monkey hindlimb had different
spontaneous recovery processes; specifically, the closer the part was to the distal end,
the more extensive was the locomotor function recovery. Therefore, we speculate that
locomotor recovery may be attributed to plastic reconstruction of the motor circuits that
are mainly composed of corticospinal tract. This would help to further understand the
plasticity of motor circuits after spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Han Wei
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, P.R. China
| | - Can Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, P.R. China.,Beijing International Cooperation Bases for Science and Technology on Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, P.R. China.,School of Instrument Science and Opto-Electronic Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Sheng Rao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, P.R. China.,Beijing International Cooperation Bases for Science and Technology on Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, P.R. China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, P.R. China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Capital Medical University, No. 10 Xitoutiao Road, Youanmenwai, Xicheng District, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Xia Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, P.R. China
| | - Peng-Yu Tian
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, P.R. China
| | - Wei Song
- Rehabilitation Engineering Research Institute, China Rehabilitation Research Center, No. 10 Jiaomenbei Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100068, P.R. China
| | - Run Ji
- Human Biomechanics Laboratory, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, No. 1 Ronghuazhong Road, Daxing District, Beijing 100176, P.R. China
| | - Ai-Feng Zhang
- Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yongan Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Zhao-Yang Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, P.R. China.,Department of Neurobiology, Capital Medical University, No. 10 Xitoutiao Road, Youanmenwai, Xicheng District, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Guang Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, P.R. China.,Beijing International Cooperation Bases for Science and Technology on Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, P.R. China.,Department of Neurobiology, Capital Medical University, No. 10 Xitoutiao Road, Youanmenwai, Xicheng District, Beijing 100191, P.R. China
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14
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Mignardot JB, Le Goff CG, van den Brand R, Capogrosso M, Fumeaux N, Vallery H, Anil S, Lanini J, Fodor I, Eberle G, Ijspeert A, Schurch B, Curt A, Carda S, Bloch J, von Zitzewitz J, Courtine G. A multidirectional gravity-assist algorithm that enhances locomotor control in patients with stroke or spinal cord injury. Sci Transl Med 2018; 9:9/399/eaah3621. [PMID: 28724575 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aah3621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Gait recovery after neurological disorders requires remastering the interplay between body mechanics and gravitational forces. Despite the importance of gravity-dependent gait interactions and active participation for promoting this learning, these essential components of gait rehabilitation have received comparatively little attention. To address these issues, we developed an adaptive algorithm that personalizes multidirectional forces applied to the trunk based on patient-specific motor deficits. Implementation of this algorithm in a robotic interface reestablished gait dynamics during highly participative locomotion within a large and safe environment. This multidirectional gravity-assist enabled natural walking in nonambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury or stroke and enhanced skilled locomotor control in the less-impaired subjects. A 1-hour training session with multidirectional gravity-assist improved locomotor performance tested without robotic assistance immediately after training, whereas walking the same distance on a treadmill did not ameliorate gait. These results highlight the importance of precise trunk support to deliver gait rehabilitation protocols and establish a practical framework to apply these concepts in clinical routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Mignardot
- Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Clinical Neuroscience, University Hospital of Vaud (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Camille G Le Goff
- Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Clinical Neuroscience, University Hospital of Vaud (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rubia van den Brand
- Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Clinical Neuroscience, University Hospital of Vaud (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marco Capogrosso
- Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Clinical Neuroscience, University Hospital of Vaud (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Fumeaux
- Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Heike Vallery
- Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Selin Anil
- Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Carda
- Clinical Neuroscience, University Hospital of Vaud (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Neurorehabilitation, CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jocelyne Bloch
- Clinical Neuroscience, University Hospital of Vaud (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Neurosurgery, CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joachim von Zitzewitz
- Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Grégoire Courtine
- Center for Neuroprosthetics and Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland. .,Neurosurgery, CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
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15
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Filli L, Sutter T, Easthope CS, Killeen T, Meyer C, Reuter K, Lörincz L, Bolliger M, Weller M, Curt A, Straumann D, Linnebank M, Zörner B. Profiling walking dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: characterisation, classification and progression over time. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4984. [PMID: 29563533 PMCID: PMC5862880 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22676-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gait dysfunction is a common and relevant symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to profile gait pathology in gait-impaired patients with MS using comprehensive 3D gait analysis and clinical walking tests. Thirty-seven patients with MS walked on the treadmill at their individual, sustainable speed while 20 healthy control subjects walked at all the different patient's paces, allowing for comparisons independent of walking velocity. Kinematic analysis revealed pronounced restrictions in knee and ankle joint excursion, increased gait variability and asymmetry along with impaired dynamic stability in patients. The most discriminative single gait parameter, differentiating patients from controls with an accuracy of 83.3% (χ2 test; p = 0.0001), was reduced knee range of motion. Based on hierarchical cluster and principal component analysis, three principal pathological gait patterns were identified: a spastic-paretic, an ataxia-like, and an unstable gait. Follow-up assessments after 1 year indicated deterioration of walking function, particularly in patients with spastic-paretic gait patterns. Our findings suggest that impaired knee/ankle control is common in patients with MS. Personalised gait profiles and clustering algorithms may be promising tools for stratifying patients and to inform patient-tailored exercise programs. Responsive, objective outcome measures are important for monitoring disease progression and treatment effects in MS trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linard Filli
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Tabea Sutter
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christopher S Easthope
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tim Killeen
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Meyer
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katja Reuter
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lilla Lörincz
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Bolliger
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Straumann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Linnebank
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, Helios-Klinik Hagen-Ambrock, /University Witten/Herdecke, Ambrocker Weg 60, 58091, Hagen, Germany
| | - Björn Zörner
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
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16
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Matsushima A, Yoshida K, Genno H, Ikeda SI. Principal component analysis for ataxic gait using a triaxial accelerometer. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2017; 14:37. [PMID: 28464831 PMCID: PMC5414235 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-017-0249-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is quite difficult to evaluate ataxic gait quantitatively in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of ataxic gait using a triaxial accelerometer and to develop a novel biomarker of integrated gate parameters for ataxic gait. Methods Sixty-one patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) or multiple system atrophy with predominant cerebellar ataxia (MSA-C) and 57 healthy control subjects were enrolled. The subjects were instructed to walk 10 m for a total of 12 times on a flat floor at their usual walking speed with a triaxial accelerometer attached to their back. Gait velocity, cadence, step length, step regularity, step symmetry, and degree of body sway were evaluated. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze the multivariate gait parameters. The Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) was evaluated on the same day of the 10-m walk trial. Results PCA divided the gait parameters into four principal components in the controls and into two principal components in the patients. The four principal components in the controls were similar to those found in earlier studies. The second principal component in the patients had relevant factor loading values for gait velocity, step length, regularity, and symmetry in addition to the degree of body sway in the medio-lateral direction. The second principal component score (PCS) in the patients was significantly correlated with disease duration and the SARA score of gait (ρ = −0.363, p = 0.004; ρ = −0.574, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions PCA revealed the main component of ataxic gait. The PCS of the main component was significantly different between the patients and controls, and it was well correlated with disease duration and the SARA score of gait in the patients. We propose that this score provides a novel method to assess the severity of ataxic gait quantitatively using a triaxial accelerometer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Matsushima
- Department of Neurology and Rheumatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,JA Nagano Koseiren Kakeyu-Misayama Rehabilitation Center Kakeyu Hospital, Ueda, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Yoshida
- Division of Neurogenetics, Department of Brain Disease Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.
| | | | - Shu-Ichi Ikeda
- Department of Neurology and Rheumatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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17
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Awai L, Franz M, Easthope CS, Vallery H, Curt A, Bolliger M. Preserved gait kinematics during controlled body unloading. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2017; 14:25. [PMID: 28376829 PMCID: PMC5381061 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-017-0239-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Body weight supported locomotor training was shown to improve walking function in neurological patients and is often performed on a treadmill. However, walking on a treadmill does not mimic natural walking for several reasons: absent self-initiation, less active retraction of leg required and altered afferent input. The superiority of overground training has been suggested in humans and was shown in rats demonstrating greater plasticity especially in descending pathways compared to treadmill training. We therefore developed a body weight support system allowing unrestricted overground walking with minimal interfering forces to train neurological patients. The present study investigated the influence of different amounts of body weight support on gait in healthy individuals. Methods Kinematic and electromyographic data of 19 healthy individuals were recorded during overground walking at different levels of body weight support (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50%). Upper body inclination, lower body joint angles and multi-joint coordination as well as time-distance parameters were calculated. Continuous data were analyzed with regard to distinct changes within a gait cycle across all unloading conditions. Results Temporal gait parameters were most sensitive to changes in body unloading while spatial variables (step length, joint angles) showed modest responses when unloaded by as much as 50% body weight. The activation of the gastrocnemius muscle showed a gradual decrease with increasing unloading while the biceps femoris muscle showed increased activity levels at 50% unloading. These changes occurred during stance phase while swing phase activity remained unaltered. Conclusions Healthy individuals were able to keep their walking kinematics strikingly constant even when unloaded by half of their body weight, suggesting that the weight support system permits a physiological gait pattern. However, maintaining a given walking speed using close-to-normal kinematics while being unloaded was achieved by adapting muscle activity patterns. Interestingly, the required propulsion to maintain speed was not achieved by means of increased gastrocnemius activity at push-off, but rather through elevated biceps femoris activity while retracting the leg during stance phase. It remains to be investigated to what extent neurological patients with gait disorders are able to adapt their gait pattern in response to body unloading.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Awai
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, 33 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | - M Franz
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - C S Easthope
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - H Vallery
- Department of BioMechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - A Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Bolliger
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Forchstrasse 340, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
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18
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Huie JR, Morioka K, Haefeli J, Ferguson AR. What Is Being Trained? How Divergent Forms of Plasticity Compete To Shape Locomotor Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2017; 34:1831-1840. [PMID: 27875927 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2016.4562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating syndrome that produces dysfunction in motor and sensory systems, manifesting as chronic paralysis, sensory changes, and pain disorders. The multi-faceted and heterogeneous nature of SCI has made effective rehabilitative strategies challenging. Work over the last 40 years has aimed to overcome these obstacles by harnessing the intrinsic plasticity of the spinal cord to improve functional locomotor recovery. Intensive training after SCI facilitates lower extremity function and has shown promise as a tool for retraining the spinal cord by engaging innate locomotor circuitry in the lumbar cord. As new training paradigms evolve, the importance of appropriate afferent input has emerged as a requirement for adaptive plasticity. The integration of kinematic, sensory, and loading force information must be closely monitored and carefully manipulated to optimize training outcomes. Inappropriate peripheral input may produce lasting maladaptive sensory and motor effects, such as central pain and spasticity. Thus, it is important to closely consider the type of afferent input the injured spinal cord receives. Here we review preclinical and clinical input parameters fostering adaptive plasticity, as well as those producing maladaptive plasticity that may undermine neurorehabilitative efforts. We differentiate between passive (hindlimb unloading [HU], limb immobilization) and active (peripheral nociception) forms of aberrant input. Furthermore, we discuss the timing of initiating exposure to afferent input after SCI for promoting functional locomotor recovery. We conclude by presenting a candidate rapid synaptic mechanism for maladaptive plasticity after SCI, offering a pharmacological target for restoring the capacity for adaptive spinal plasticity in real time.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Russell Huie
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California , San Francisco, California
| | - Kazuhito Morioka
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California , San Francisco, California
| | - Jenny Haefeli
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California , San Francisco, California
| | - Adam R Ferguson
- 1 Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California , San Francisco, California.,2 San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center , San Francisco, California
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Field-Fote EC, Yang JF, Basso DM, Gorassini MA. Supraspinal Control Predicts Locomotor Function and Forecasts Responsiveness to Training after Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurotrauma 2016; 34:1813-1825. [PMID: 27673569 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2016.4565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Restoration of walking ability is an area of great interest in the rehabilitation of persons with spinal cord injury. Because many cortical, subcortical, and spinal neural centers contribute to locomotor function, it is important that intervention strategies be designed to target neural elements at all levels of the neuraxis that are important for walking ability. While to date most strategies have focused on activation of spinal circuits, more recent studies are investigating the value of engaging supraspinal circuits. Despite the apparent potential of pharmacological, biological, and genetic approaches, as yet none has proved more effective than physical therapeutic rehabilitation strategies. By making optimal use of the potential of the nervous system to respond to training, strategies can be developed that meet the unique needs of each person. To complement the development of optimal training interventions, it is valuable to have the ability to predict future walking function based on early clinical presentation, and to forecast responsiveness to training. A number of clinical prediction rules and association models based on common clinical measures have been developed with the intent, respectively, to predict future walking function based on early clinical presentation, and to delineate characteristics associated with responsiveness to training. Further, a number of variables that are correlated with walking function have been identified. Not surprisingly, most of these prediction rules, association models, and correlated variables incorporate measures of volitional lower extremity strength, illustrating the important influence of supraspinal centers in the production of walking behavior in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edelle C Field-Fote
- 1 Shepherd Center, Crawford Research Institute and Division of Physical Therapy, Emory University , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jaynie F Yang
- 2 Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - D Michele Basso
- 3 School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio
| | - Monica A Gorassini
- 4 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Maggioni S, Melendez-Calderon A, van Asseldonk E, Klamroth-Marganska V, Lünenburger L, Riener R, van der Kooij H. Robot-aided assessment of lower extremity functions: a review. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2016; 13:72. [PMID: 27485106 PMCID: PMC4969661 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-016-0180-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The assessment of sensorimotor functions is extremely important to understand the health status of a patient and its change over time. Assessments are necessary to plan and adjust the therapy in order to maximize the chances of individual recovery. Nowadays, however, assessments are seldom used in clinical practice due to administrative constraints or to inadequate validity, reliability and responsiveness. In clinical trials, more sensitive and reliable measurement scales could unmask changes in physiological variables that would not be visible with existing clinical scores.In the last decades robotic devices have become available for neurorehabilitation training in clinical centers. Besides training, robotic devices can overcome some of the limitations in traditional clinical assessments by providing more objective, sensitive, reliable and time-efficient measurements. However, it is necessary to understand the clinical needs to be able to develop novel robot-aided assessment methods that can be integrated in clinical practice.This paper aims at providing researchers and developers in the field of robotic neurorehabilitation with a comprehensive review of assessment methods for the lower extremities. Among the ICF domains, we included those related to lower extremities sensorimotor functions and walking; for each chapter we present and discuss existing assessments used in routine clinical practice and contrast those to state-of-the-art instrumented and robot-aided technologies. Based on the shortcomings of current assessments, on the identified clinical needs and on the opportunities offered by robotic devices, we propose future directions for research in rehabilitation robotics. The review and recommendations provided in this paper aim to guide the design of the next generation of robot-aided functional assessments, their validation and their translation to clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Maggioni
- Sensory-Motor Systems (SMS) Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS), Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST), ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Hocoma AG, Volketswil, Switzerland.
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Alejandro Melendez-Calderon
- Hocoma AG, Volketswil, Switzerland
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Edwin van Asseldonk
- Laboratory of Biomechanical Engineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Verena Klamroth-Marganska
- Sensory-Motor Systems (SMS) Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS), Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST), ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Robert Riener
- Sensory-Motor Systems (SMS) Lab, Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS), Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST), ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Herman van der Kooij
- Laboratory of Biomechanical Engineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
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