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Fusco A, Padua L. Learning via imagery - merging techniques to improve the outcomes: a commentary on Frank et al. (2023). PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024:10.1007/s00426-024-01974-5. [PMID: 38833020 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-024-01974-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
In their article, Frank and colleagues review the effectiveness of motor imagery in learning motor skills, proposing a perceptual-cognitive theory that may facilitate learning. Imagery effectiveness could be enhanced by different techniques, influencing neurophysiological processes. Identifying individuals who could benefit from MI is crucial, and incorporating MI into strong motor representations may lead to better outcomes. Combining MI with other treatments like virtual reality and brain stimulation can further enhance its effectiveness. The purpose of this commentary is to analyze these interventions in light of their potential to influence perceptual-cognitive states in order to strengthen imagery practice and achieve the desired outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Fusco
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy.
| | - Luca Padua
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, 00168, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopaedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, 00168, Italy
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Muñoz-García D, Serrano JI, Ferrer-Peña R, d'Eudeville V, Brero M, Boisson M, Del Castillo MD. Visually-Induced Motor Imagery Effects on Motor Adaptation to Reverse Steering Cycling. A Randomized Controlled Trial. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2024; 95:458-465. [PMID: 37826855 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2023.2252479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: First, testing an intervention of neuromodulation based on motor imagery and action observation as a promoter of motor adaptation of a complex motor task involving balance. Second, determining what prior balance factors can affect the motor adaptation task. Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was performed. Forty-eight healthy subjects were recruited. The balance of all participants during gait and standing was assessed before adapting to the complex, multi-limb motor task of riding an inverse steering bicycle (ISB). Two interventions were carried out interleaved among trials of adaptation to the motor task: the experimental group (n = 24) was asked to perform neuromodulation (EN) by watching first-person ISB riding through immersive VR glasses and, simultaneously, mentally mimicking the movements. The control group (CG) was asked to watch a slideshow video of steady landscape images. Results: The results showed that the EN group did not improve the motor adaptation rate and induced higher adaptation times with respect to the CG. However, while the motor adaptation success showed a significant dependence on the prior proprioceptive participation in balance in the CG, the EN group did not present any relationship between the prior balance profile and motor adaptation outcome. Conclusions: Results point to a benefit of the visually guided neuromodulation for the motor adaptation of the subjects with low participation of proprioception in balance. Moreover, the results from the control group would allow to disclose prognostic factors about the success of the motor adaptation, and also prescription criteria for the proposed neuromodulation based on the balance profile.
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Park D. Effect of using an 8-figure shoulder brace on arm swing angle and gait parameters in chronic stroke patients: a pilot randomized controlled study. Top Stroke Rehabil 2024; 31:293-300. [PMID: 37651200 DOI: 10.1080/10749357.2023.2253626] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 8-figure shoulder brace during treadmill training (8-FSBTT) intervention can stabilize the shoulder joint, improve the upright of the thoracic spine, induces a change in the angle of the arm during walking, and consequently improve walking ability in stroke patients. OBJECTIVES Our objective is to compare the effects of a 4-week program of 8-FSBTT with those of only treadmill training (OT) on arm swing angle, and gait parameters (gait speed, cadence, and both side stride lengths) in chronic stroke patients. METHODS Participants were randomized to either the 8-FSBTT (n = 11) or OT (n = 11) group. Patients in both groups underwent standard physiotherapy for 30 min per session. In addition, 8-FSBTT and OT interventions were performed 10 min, 5 times per week for 4 weeks. Arm swing angle, gait speed, cadence, and both side stride lengths were measured after 4 weeks of training. RESULTS After 4 weeks of training, the 8-FSBTT group showed significant improvement in all outcome measures compared with baseline (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Arm swing angle, gait speed, cadence, and both side stride lengths showed greater improvement in the 8-FSBTT group compared to the OT group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that 8-FSBTT training, combined with standard physiotherapy, improved Arm swing angle, gait speed, cadence, and both side stride lengths in the chronic stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghwan Park
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences, Kyungnam University, Changwon, South Korea
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Peters J, Abou L, Wong E, Dossou MS, Sosnoff JJ, Rice LA. Smartphone-based gait and balance assessment in survivors of stroke: a systematic review. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2024; 19:177-187. [PMID: 35584288 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2022.2072527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gait and balance impairments are associated with falls and reduced quality of life among survivors of stroke (SS). Effective methods to assess these impairments at-home and in-clinic can help reduce fall risks and improve functional outcomes. Smartphone technology may be able to evaluate these impairments. This review aims to summarize the validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of smartphone applications for determining gait and balance disorders in SS. METHOD Database search through PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and SportDiscuss was conducted to retrieve studies that explored the use of smartphone-based applications for assessing gait and balance disorders in SS. Two independent reviewers screened potential articles to determine eligibility for inclusion. Eligible studies were summarized for participant and study characteristics, validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of smartphone assessments. Methodological quality assessment of studies was performed using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool. RESULTS Seven cross-sectional studies were included in the review. Quality assessment revealed all studies had low risk of bias. Three of the included studies examined the validity, four examined the reliability, and two examined the specificity and sensitivity of smartphone-based application assessments of gait and balance in SS. Studies revealed that smartphones were valid, reliable, specific, and sensitive. Six of the seven included studies intended their use for SS and one study for clinicians. CONCLUSION Preliminary evidence supports that smartphone-based gait and balance assessments are valid, reliable, sensitive, and specific in SS in laboratory settings. Future research is needed to test smartphone-based gait and balance assessments in home settings and determine optimal wear sites for assessments.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONSmartphone-based gait and balance assessments are feasible, valid and reliable for survivors of strokeThe findings may guide future research to standardize the use of smartphone to assess gait and balance in this population.The remote use of smartphone-based assessments to predict fall risk in survivors of stroke needs to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Peters
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Libak Abou
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Ellyce Wong
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | - Jacob J Sosnoff
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, School of Health Professions, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Illinois Multiple Sclerosis Research Collaborative, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Laura A Rice
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Illinois Multiple Sclerosis Research Collaborative, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Chen J, Xia Y, Zhou X, Vidal Rosas E, Thomas A, Loureiro R, Cooper RJ, Carlson T, Zhao H. fNIRS-EEG BCIs for Motor Rehabilitation: A Review. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1393. [PMID: 38135985 PMCID: PMC10740927 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10121393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor impairment has a profound impact on a significant number of individuals, leading to a substantial demand for rehabilitation services. Through brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), people with severe motor disabilities could have improved communication with others and control appropriately designed robotic prosthetics, so as to (at least partially) restore their motor abilities. BCI plays a pivotal role in promoting smoother communication and interactions between individuals with motor impairments and others. Moreover, they enable the direct control of assistive devices through brain signals. In particular, their most significant potential lies in the realm of motor rehabilitation, where BCIs can offer real-time feedback to assist users in their training and continuously monitor the brain's state throughout the entire rehabilitation process. Hybridization of different brain-sensing modalities, especially functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG), has shown great potential in the creation of BCIs for rehabilitating the motor-impaired populations. EEG, as a well-established methodology, can be combined with fNIRS to compensate for the inherent disadvantages and achieve higher temporal and spatial resolution. This paper reviews the recent works in hybrid fNIRS-EEG BCIs for motor rehabilitation, emphasizing the methodologies that utilized motor imagery. An overview of the BCI system and its key components was introduced, followed by an introduction to various devices, strengths and weaknesses of different signal processing techniques, and applications in neuroscience and clinical contexts. The review concludes by discussing the possible challenges and opportunities for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Chen
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-engineering (HUBIN), Aspire CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), Stanmore, London HA7 4LP, UK; (J.C.); (Y.X.); (X.Z.); (A.T.)
| | - Yunjia Xia
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-engineering (HUBIN), Aspire CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), Stanmore, London HA7 4LP, UK; (J.C.); (Y.X.); (X.Z.); (A.T.)
- DOT-HUB, Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK; (E.V.R.); (R.J.C.)
| | - Xinkai Zhou
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-engineering (HUBIN), Aspire CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), Stanmore, London HA7 4LP, UK; (J.C.); (Y.X.); (X.Z.); (A.T.)
| | - Ernesto Vidal Rosas
- DOT-HUB, Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK; (E.V.R.); (R.J.C.)
- Digital Health and Biomedical Engineering, School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Alexander Thomas
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-engineering (HUBIN), Aspire CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), Stanmore, London HA7 4LP, UK; (J.C.); (Y.X.); (X.Z.); (A.T.)
- Aspire CREATe, Department of Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Science, University College London (UCL), Stanmore, London HA7 4LP, UK; (R.L.); (T.C.)
| | - Rui Loureiro
- Aspire CREATe, Department of Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Science, University College London (UCL), Stanmore, London HA7 4LP, UK; (R.L.); (T.C.)
| | - Robert J. Cooper
- DOT-HUB, Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK; (E.V.R.); (R.J.C.)
| | - Tom Carlson
- Aspire CREATe, Department of Orthopaedics & Musculoskeletal Science, University College London (UCL), Stanmore, London HA7 4LP, UK; (R.L.); (T.C.)
| | - Hubin Zhao
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-engineering (HUBIN), Aspire CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London (UCL), Stanmore, London HA7 4LP, UK; (J.C.); (Y.X.); (X.Z.); (A.T.)
- DOT-HUB, Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering, University College London (UCL), London WC1E 6BT, UK; (E.V.R.); (R.J.C.)
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Sánchez-González JL, Díez-Villoria E, Pérez-Robledo F, Sanz-Esteban I, Llamas-Ramos I, Llamas-Ramos R, de la Fuente A, Bermejo-Gil BM, Canal-Bedia R, Martín-Nogueras AM. Synergy of Muscle and Cortical Activation through Vojta Reflex Locomotion Therapy in Young Healthy Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3203. [PMID: 38137425 PMCID: PMC10740470 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vojta Therapy is a neurorehabilitation therapy that allows to activate reflex movement patterns. The scientific literature has shown its ability to generate muscle contractions. The activation of brain neural networks has also been proven. However, the relationship between these processes has not yet been demonstrated. For this reason, the aim of this study is to verify brain activation produced by recording with near-infrared spectroscopy and its relationship with muscle activation produced in the abdominal muscles recorded with surface electromyography. METHODS A total sample of 27 healthy subjects over 18 years of age was recruited. An experimental study on a cohort was conducted. Two experimental conditions were considered: stimuli according to the Vojta protocol, and a control non-stimuli condition. Abdominal muscle activation was measured using surface electromyography, and the activation of the motor cortex was assessed with near-infrared spectroscopy. RESULTS In relation to the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration (HbO), an interaction between the stimulation phase and group was observed. Specifically, the Vojta stimulation group exhibited an increase in concentration from the baseline phase to the first resting period in the right hemisphere, contralateral to the stimulation area. This rise coincided with an enhanced wavelet coherence between the HbO concentration and the electromyography (EMG) signal within a gamma frequency band (very low frequency) during the first resting period. CONCLUSIONS The results underscore the neurophysiological effects on the brain following tactile stimulation via Vojta Therapy, highlighting increased activity in pivotal areas essential for sensory processing, motor planning, and control. This activation, particularly evident in the Vojta stimulation group, aligns with previous findings, suggesting that tactile stimuli can not only evoke the intention to move but can also initiate actual muscle contractions, emphasizing the therapy's potential in enhancing innate locomotion and rolling movements in patients with neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Luis Sánchez-González
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.S.-G.); (I.L.-R.); (R.L.-R.); (B.M.B.-G.); (A.M.M.-N.)
| | - Emiliano Díez-Villoria
- Centro de Atención Integral al Autismo-InFoAutismo, INICO-Instituto Universitario de Integración en la Comunidad and Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (E.D.-V.); (R.C.-B.)
| | - Fátima Pérez-Robledo
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.S.-G.); (I.L.-R.); (R.L.-R.); (B.M.B.-G.); (A.M.M.-N.)
| | - Ismael Sanz-Esteban
- Physical Therapy and Health Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Inés Llamas-Ramos
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.S.-G.); (I.L.-R.); (R.L.-R.); (B.M.B.-G.); (A.M.M.-N.)
- University Hospital of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rocío Llamas-Ramos
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.S.-G.); (I.L.-R.); (R.L.-R.); (B.M.B.-G.); (A.M.M.-N.)
| | - Antonio de la Fuente
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla and León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Avenida Alfonso X El Sabio s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Beatriz María Bermejo-Gil
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.S.-G.); (I.L.-R.); (R.L.-R.); (B.M.B.-G.); (A.M.M.-N.)
| | - Ricardo Canal-Bedia
- Centro de Atención Integral al Autismo-InFoAutismo, INICO-Instituto Universitario de Integración en la Comunidad and Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (E.D.-V.); (R.C.-B.)
| | - Ana María Martín-Nogueras
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain; (J.L.S.-G.); (I.L.-R.); (R.L.-R.); (B.M.B.-G.); (A.M.M.-N.)
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla and León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
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Couto AGB, Vaz MAP, Pinho L, Félix J, Moreira J, Pinho F, Mesquita IA, Mesquita Montes A, Crasto C, Sousa ASP. Interlimb Coordination during Double Support Phase of Gait in People with and without Stroke. J Mot Behav 2023; 56:195-210. [PMID: 37990958 DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2023.2282088] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to identify differences between participants with and without stroke regarding the ipsilesional and contralesional lower limbs kinematics, kinetics, muscle activity and their variability during double support phase of gait. Eleven post-stroke and thirteen healthy participants performed 10 gait trials at a self-selected speed while being monitored by an optoelectronic motion capture system, two force plates and an electromyographic system. The following outcomes were evaluated during the double support: the time and the joint position; the external mechanical work on the centre of mass; and the relative electromyographic activity. Both, contralesional/ipsilesional and dominant/non-dominant of participants with and without stroke, respectively, were evaluated during double support phase of gait in trailing or leading positions. The average value of each parameter and the coefficient of variation of the 10 trials were analysed. Post-stroke participants present bilateral decreased mechanical work on the centre of mass and increased variability, decreased contralesional knee and ankle flexion in trailing position, increased ipsilesional knee flexion in leading position and increased variability. Increased relative muscle activity was observed in post-stroke participants with decreased variability. Mechanical work on the centre of mass seems to be the most relevant parameter to identify interlimb coordination impairments in post-stroke subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana G B Couto
- Department of Physiotherapy and Research Center and Projects (NIP), Santa Maria Health School, Porto, Portugal
- Center for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário A P Vaz
- Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Porto Biomechanics Laboratory (LABIOMEP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana Pinho
- Center for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- College of Health Sciences - Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperative for Higher, Polytechnic and University Education, Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
- Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Félix
- Department of Physics and Center for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Juliana Moreira
- Department of Physiotherapy and Center for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisco Pinho
- College of Health Sciences - Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave and Health and Human Movement Unit (H2M), Cooperative for Higher, Polytechnic and University Education, Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
| | - Inês Albuquerque Mesquita
- Research Center and Projects (NIP), Santa Maria Health School, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Functional Sciences and Center for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - António Mesquita Montes
- Department of Physiotherapy and Center for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Research Center and Projects (NIP), Santa Maria Health School, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carlos Crasto
- Department of Physiotherapy and Center for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Research Center and Projects (NIP), Santa Maria Health School, Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia S P Sousa
- Department of Physiotherapy and Center for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
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Massardi S, Briem K, Veneman JF, Torricelli D, Moreno JC. Re-defining wearable robots: a multidisciplinary approach towards a unified terminology. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023; 20:149. [PMID: 37936173 PMCID: PMC10631060 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01269-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective communication is especially important in the wearable robots (WRs) community, which encloses a great variety of devices across different application domains, e.g., healthcare, occupational, and consumer. In this paper we present a vocabulary of terms with the aim to create a common understanding of terms and concepts among the different fields of expertise relevant in the WRs community. Our goal is to develop shared documentation that could serve as a reference to facilitate the use of accepted definitions in the field. The presented vocabulary is the result of different focus group discussions among experts in the field. The resulting document was then validated by presenting it to the WR community through an online survey. The results of the survey highlight a strong agreement in terms of acceptance of the vocabulary, its usefulness, and applicability of the proposed definitions as well as an overall appreciation for its purpose and target. This work represents a pilot study providing unique material for the WR community, encouraging the use of shared agreed definitions. The reported version of the vocabulary has been made available as a live document in a github repository, for public commenting and further improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Massardi
- Cajal Institute, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (DIMI), University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Kristín Briem
- Centre of Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Diego Torricelli
- Cajal Institute, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan C Moreno
- Cajal Institute, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Amrani El Yaakoubi N, McDonald C, Lennon O. Prediction of Gait Kinematics and Kinetics: A Systematic Review of EMG and EEG Signal Use and Their Contribution to Prediction Accuracy. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1162. [PMID: 37892892 PMCID: PMC10604078 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10101162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human-machine interfaces hold promise in enhancing rehabilitation by predicting and responding to subjects' movement intent. In gait rehabilitation, neural network architectures utilize lower-limb muscle and brain activity to predict continuous kinematics and kinetics during stepping and walking. This systematic review, spanning five databases, assessed 16 papers meeting inclusion criteria. Studies predicted lower-limb kinematics and kinetics using electroencephalograms (EEGs), electromyograms (EMGs), or a combination with kinematic data and anthropological parameters. Long short-term memory (LSTM) and convolutional neural network (CNN) tools demonstrated highest accuracies. EEG focused on joint angles, while EMG predicted moments and torque joints. Useful EEG electrode locations included C3, C4, Cz, P3, F4, and F8. Vastus Lateralis, Rectus Femoris, and Gastrocnemius were the most commonly accessed muscles for kinematic and kinetic prediction using EMGs. No studies combining EEGs and EMGs to predict lower-limb kinematics and kinetics during stepping or walking were found, suggesting a potential avenue for future development in this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Olive Lennon
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (N.A.E.Y.)
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Borda L, Gozzi N, Preatoni G, Valle G, Raspopovic S. Automated calibration of somatosensory stimulation using reinforcement learning. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023; 20:131. [PMID: 37752607 PMCID: PMC10523674 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01246-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification of the electrical stimulation parameters for neuromodulation is a subject-specific and time-consuming procedure that presently mostly relies on the expertise of the user (e.g., clinician, experimenter, bioengineer). Since the parameters of stimulation change over time (due to displacement of electrodes, skin status, etc.), patients undergo recurrent, long calibration sessions, along with visits to the clinics, which are inefficient and expensive. To address this issue, we developed an automatized calibration system based on reinforcement learning (RL) allowing for accurate and efficient identification of the peripheral nerve stimulation parameters for somatosensory neuroprostheses. METHODS We developed an RL algorithm to automatically select neurostimulation parameters for restoring sensory feedback with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). First, the algorithm was trained offline on a dataset comprising 49 subjects. Then, the neurostimulation was then integrated with a graphical user interface (GUI) to create an intuitive AI-based mapping platform enabling the user to autonomously perform the sensation characterization procedure. We assessed the algorithm against the performance of both experienced and naïve and of a brute force algorithm (BFA), on 15 nerves from five subjects. Then, we validated the AI-based platform on six neuropathic nerves affected by distal sensory loss. RESULTS Our automatized approach demonstrated the ability to find the optimal values of neurostimulation achieving reliable and comfortable elicited sensations. When compared to alternatives, RL outperformed the naïve and BFA, significantly decreasing the time for mapping and the number of delivered stimulation trains, while improving the overall quality. Furthermore, the RL algorithm showed performance comparable to trained experimenters. Finally, we exploited it successfully for eliciting sensory feedback in neuropathic patients. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated that the AI-based platform based on a RL algorithm can automatically and efficiently calibrate parameters for somatosensory nerve stimulation. This holds promise to avoid experts' employment in similar scenarios, thanks to the merging between AI and neurotech. Our RL algorithm has the potential to be used in other neuromodulation fields requiring a mapping process of the stimulation parameters. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrial.gov (Identifier: NCT04217005).
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Borda
- Laboratory for Neuroengineering, Department of Health Science and Technology, Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Noemi Gozzi
- Laboratory for Neuroengineering, Department of Health Science and Technology, Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Greta Preatoni
- Laboratory for Neuroengineering, Department of Health Science and Technology, Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giacomo Valle
- Laboratory for Neuroengineering, Department of Health Science and Technology, Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stanisa Raspopovic
- Laboratory for Neuroengineering, Department of Health Science and Technology, Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland.
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11
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Vidaurre C, Irastorza-Landa N, Sarasola-Sanz A, Insausti-Delgado A, Ray AM, Bibián C, Helmhold F, Mahmoud WJ, Ortego-Isasa I, López-Larraz E, Lozano Peiteado H, Ramos-Murguialday A. Challenges of neural interfaces for stroke motor rehabilitation. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1070404. [PMID: 37789905 PMCID: PMC10543821 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1070404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 85% of stroke survivors suffer from different degrees of disability for the rest of their lives. They will require support that can vary from occasional to full time assistance. These conditions are also associated to an enormous economic impact for their families and health care systems. Current rehabilitation treatments have limited efficacy and their long-term effect is controversial. Here we review different challenges related to the design and development of neural interfaces for rehabilitative purposes. We analyze current bibliographic evidence of the effect of neuro-feedback in functional motor rehabilitation of stroke patients. We highlight the potential of these systems to reconnect brain and muscles. We also describe all aspects that should be taken into account to restore motor control. Our aim with this work is to help researchers designing interfaces that demonstrate and validate neuromodulation strategies to enforce a contingent and functional neural linkage between the central and the peripheral nervous system. We thus give clues to design systems that can improve or/and re-activate neuroplastic mechanisms and open a new recovery window for stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Vidaurre
- TECNALIA, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), San Sebastian, Spain
- Ikerbasque Science Foundation, Bilbao, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Andreas M. Ray
- Institute for Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Carlos Bibián
- Institute for Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Florian Helmhold
- Institute for Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Wala J. Mahmoud
- Institute for Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Iñaki Ortego-Isasa
- TECNALIA, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Eduardo López-Larraz
- Institute for Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Bitbrain, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Ander Ramos-Murguialday
- TECNALIA, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), San Sebastian, Spain
- Institute for Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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12
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Wang W, Shi B, Wang D, Wang J, Liu G. Enhanced lower-limb motor imagery by kinesthetic illusion. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1077479. [PMID: 37409102 PMCID: PMC10319417 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1077479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-computer interface (BCI) based on lower-limb motor imagery (LMI) enables hemiplegic patients to stand and walk independently. However, LMI ability is usually poor for BCI-illiterate (e.g., some stroke patients), limiting BCI performance. This study proposed a novel LMI-BCI paradigm with kinesthetic illusion(KI) induced by vibratory stimulation on Achilles tendon to enhance LMI ability. Sixteen healthy subjects were recruited to carry out two research contents: (1) To verify the feasibility of induced KI by vibrating Achilles tendon and analyze the EEG features produced by KI, research 1 compared the subjective feeling and brain activity of participants during rest task with and without vibratory stimulation (V-rest, rest). (2) Research 2 compared the LMI-BCI performance with and without KI (KI-LMI, no-LMI) to explore whether KI enhances LMI ability. The analysis methods of both experiments included classification accuracy (V-rest vs. rest, no-LMI vs. rest, KI-LMI vs. rest, KI-LMI vs. V-rest), time-domain features, oral questionnaire, statistic analysis and brain functional connectivity analysis. Research 1 verified that induced KI by vibrating Achilles tendon might be feasible, and provided a theoretical basis for applying KI to LMI-BCI paradigm, evidenced by oral questionnaire (Q1) and the independent effect of vibratory stimulation during rest task. The results of research 2 that KI enhanced mesial cortex activation and induced more intensive EEG features, evidenced by ERD power, topographical distribution, oral questionnaire (Q2 and Q3), and brain functional connectivity map. Additionally, the KI increased the offline accuracy of no-LMI/rest task by 6.88 to 82.19% (p < 0.001). The simulated online accuracy was also improved for most subjects (average accuracy for all subjects: 77.23% > 75.31%, and average F1_score for all subjects: 76.4% > 74.3%). The LMI-BCI paradigm of this study provides a novel approach to enhance LMI ability and accelerates the practical applications of the LMI-BCI system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhen Wang
- Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Bin Shi
- Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Brain-Computer Interface Technology, School of Electrical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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13
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Catalán JM, Trigili E, Nann M, Blanco-Ivorra A, Lauretti C, Cordella F, Ivorra E, Armstrong E, Crea S, Alcañiz M, Zollo L, Soekadar SR, Vitiello N, García-Aracil N. Hybrid brain/neural interface and autonomous vision-guided whole-arm exoskeleton control to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023; 20:61. [PMID: 37149621 PMCID: PMC10164333 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01185-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aging of the population and the progressive increase of life expectancy in developed countries is leading to a high incidence of age-related cerebrovascular diseases, which affect people's motor and cognitive capabilities and might result in the loss of arm and hand functions. Such conditions have a detrimental impact on people's quality of life. Assistive robots have been developed to help people with motor or cognitive disabilities to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) independently. Most of the robotic systems for assisting on ADLs proposed in the state of the art are mainly external manipulators and exoskeletal devices. The main objective of this study is to compare the performance of an hybrid EEG/EOG interface to perform ADLs when the user is controlling an exoskeleton rather than using an external manipulator. METHODS Ten impaired participants (5 males and 5 females, mean age 52 ± 16 years) were instructed to use both systems to perform a drinking task and a pouring task comprising multiple subtasks. For each device, two modes of operation were studied: synchronous mode (the user received a visual cue indicating the sub-tasks to be performed at each time) and asynchronous mode (the user started and finished each of the sub-tasks independently). Fluent control was assumed when the time for successful initializations ranged below 3 s and a reliable control in case it remained below 5 s. NASA-TLX questionnaire was used to evaluate the task workload. For the trials involving the use of the exoskeleton, a custom Likert-Scale questionnaire was used to evaluate the user's experience in terms of perceived comfort, safety, and reliability. RESULTS All participants were able to control both systems fluently and reliably. However, results suggest better performances of the exoskeleton over the external manipulator (75% successful initializations remain below 3 s in case of the exoskeleton and bellow 5s in case of the external manipulator). CONCLUSIONS Although the results of our study in terms of fluency and reliability of EEG control suggest better performances of the exoskeleton over the external manipulator, such results cannot be considered conclusive, due to the heterogeneity of the population under test and the relatively limited number of participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Catalán
- Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Group of the Bioengineering Institute, Miguel Hernandez University, 03202, Elche, Spain.
| | - Emilio Trigili
- BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56025, Pontedera, Italy.
- Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Marius Nann
- Clinical Neurotechnology Laboratory, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Belin, Germany
| | - Andrea Blanco-Ivorra
- Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Group of the Bioengineering Institute, Miguel Hernandez University, 03202, Elche, Spain
| | - Clemente Lauretti
- Laboratory of Biomedical Robotics and Biomicrosystems, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Cordella
- Laboratory of Biomedical Robotics and Biomicrosystems, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Ivorra
- University Institute for Human-Centered Technology Research (Human-Tech), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Simona Crea
- BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
- IRCCS, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariano Alcañiz
- University Institute for Human-Centered Technology Research (Human-Tech), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Loredana Zollo
- Laboratory of Biomedical Robotics and Biomicrosystems, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Surjo R Soekadar
- Clinical Neurotechnology Laboratory, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Belin, Germany
| | - Nicola Vitiello
- BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
- IRCCS, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolás García-Aracil
- Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Group of the Bioengineering Institute, Miguel Hernandez University, 03202, Elche, Spain
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14
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Barroso FO, Torricelli D, Moreno JC. Neurorobotics and neuroprostheses: Towards a new anatomy. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023; 306:706-709. [PMID: 36715240 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25157] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The idea of this Special Issue arose from the technological advances in bionic, robotic, and neural rehabilitation systems and the common need to comprehend in detail how human anatomical structures can be replicated or controlled. Motor control theories, among others, include the generalized control program theory, the equilibrium point hypothesis, or the optimal control approach in which neural commands to the muscles are a result of the central nervous system solving an optimization problem for a specific cost function. No matter the alternative interpretation selected to replicate biological control of human movements, artificial "anatomies" should consider not only motor capabilities from the central nervous system but integrate bioinspired mechanical features (such as compliance) in artificial limbs. The development of wearable robotics and neuroprosthetic systems for human movement compensation and control is naturally inspired by human anatomy and biology. Cutting-edge technological advances in the field of biomedical and neural engineering are bringing us more and more close to a new artificial anatomy with which humans could augment their motor capabilities or replace them after they are compromised. Either augmentative/assistive or rehabilitation technologies in the near future will require engineering solutions based on novel approaches to create usable neurorobotic and neuroprosthetic systems for the most relevant societal needs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diego Torricelli
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan C Moreno
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
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15
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Asín-Prieto G, Oliveira Barroso F, Martínez-Expósito A, Urendes E, Gonzalez-Vargas J, Moreno JC. Mechanical disturbances applied by motorized ankle foot orthosis to adapt ankle muscles activation—A validation study. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1079027. [PMID: 37008040 PMCID: PMC10060880 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1079027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Reduced function of ankle muscles usually leads to impaired gait. Motorized ankle foot orthoses (MAFOs) have shown potential to improve neuromuscular control and increase volitional engagement of ankle muscles. In this study, we hypothesize that specific disturbances (adaptive resistance-based perturbations to the planned trajectory) applied by a MAFO can be used to adapt the activity of ankle muscles. The first goal of this exploratory study was to test and validate two different ankle disturbances based on plantarflexion and dorsiflexion resistance while training in standing still position. The second goal was to assess neuromuscular adaptation to these approaches, namely, in terms of individual muscle activation and co-activation of antagonists.Methods: Two ankle disturbances were tested in ten healthy subjects. For each subject, the dominant ankle followed a target trajectory while the contralateral leg was standing still: a) dorsiflexion torque during the first part of the trajectory (Stance Correlate disturbance—StC), and b) plantarflexion torque during the second part of the trajectory (Swing Correlate disturbance—SwC). Electromyography was recorded from the tibialis anterior (TAnt) and gastrocnemius medialis (GMed) during MAFO and treadmill (baseline) trials.Results: GMed (plantarflexor muscle) activation decreased in all subjects during the application of StC, indicating that dorsiflexion torque did not enhance GMed activity. On the other hand, TAnt (dorsiflexor muscle) activation increased when SwC was applied, indicating that plantarflexion torque succeeded in enhancing TAnt activation. For each disturbance paradigm, there was no antagonist muscle co-activation accompanying agonist muscle activity changes.Conclusion: We successfully tested novel ankle disturbance approaches that can be explored as potential resistance strategies in MAFO training. Results from SwC training warrant further investigation to promote specific motor recovery and learning of dorsiflexion in neural-impaired patients. This training can potentially be beneficial during intermediate phases of rehabilitation prior to overground exoskeleton-assisted walking. Decreased activation of GMed during StC might be attributed to the unloaded body weight in the ipsilateral side, which typically decreases activation of anti-gravity muscles. Neural adaptation to StC needs to be studied thoroughly in different postures in futures studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Asín-Prieto
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Gogoa Mobility Robots, Abadiño, Spain
| | - Filipe Oliveira Barroso
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Filipe Oliveira Barroso,
| | - Aitor Martínez-Expósito
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eloy Urendes
- Departamento de Tecnologías de la Información, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan C. Moreno
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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16
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Couto AGB, Vaz MAP, Pinho L, Félix J, Moreira J, Pinho F, Mesquita IA, Montes AM, Crasto C, Sousa ASP. Repeatability and Temporal Consistency of Lower Limb Biomechanical Variables Expressing Interlimb Coordination during the Double-Support Phase in People with and without Stroke Sequelae. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:2526. [PMID: 36904730 PMCID: PMC10007500 DOI: 10.3390/s23052526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Reliable biomechanical methods to assess interlimb coordination during the double-support phase in post-stroke subjects are needed for assessing movement dysfunction and related variability. The data obtained could provide a significant contribution for designing rehabilitation programs and for their monitorisation. The present study aimed to determine the minimum number of gait cycles needed to obtain adequate values of repeatability and temporal consistency of lower limb kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic parameters during the double support of walking in people with and without stroke sequelae. Eleven post-stroke and thirteen healthy participants performed 20 gait trials at self-selected speed in two separate moments with an interval between 72 h and 7 days. The joint position, the external mechanical work on the centre of mass, and the surface electromyographic activity of the tibialis anterior, soleus, gastrocnemius medialis, rectus femoris, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, and gluteus maximus muscles were extracted for analysis. Both the contralesional and ipsilesional and dominant and non-dominant limbs of participants with and without stroke sequelae, respectively, were evaluated either in trailing or leading positions. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used for assessing intra-session and inter-session consistency analysis. For most of the kinematic and the kinetic variables studied in each session, two to three trials were required for both groups, limbs, and positions. The electromyographic variables presented higher variability, requiring, therefore, a number of trials ranging from 2 to >10. Globally, the number of trials required inter-session ranged from 1 to >10 for kinematic, from 1 to 9 for kinetic, and 1 to >10 for electromyographic variables. Thus, for the double support analysis, three gait trials were required in order to assess the kinematic and kinetic variables in cross-sectional studies, while for longitudinal studies, a higher number of trials (>10) were required for kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana G. B. Couto
- Department of Physiotherapy, Santa Maria Health School, 4049-024 Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Research Centre and Projects (NIP), Santa Maria Health School, 4049-024 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário A. P. Vaz
- Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Porto Biomechanics Laboratory (LABIOMEP), University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Liliana Pinho
- Centre for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- College of Health Sciences—Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperative for Higher, Polytechnic and University Education, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
- Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Félix
- Centre for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Physics, School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Juliana Moreira
- Centre for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisco Pinho
- College of Health Sciences—Escola Superior de Saúde do Vale do Ave, Cooperative for Higher, Polytechnic and University Education, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
- Human Movement Unit (H2M), Cooperative for Higher, Polytechnic and University Education, 4760-409 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
| | - Inês Albuquerque Mesquita
- Centre for Rehabilitation Research (CIR), School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Research Centre and Projects (NIP), Santa Maria Health School, 4049-024 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Functional Sciences, School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - António Mesquita Montes
- Department of Physiotherapy, Santa Maria Health School, 4049-024 Porto, Portugal
- Research Centre and Projects (NIP), Santa Maria Health School, 4049-024 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carlos Crasto
- Department of Physiotherapy, Santa Maria Health School, 4049-024 Porto, Portugal
- Research Centre and Projects (NIP), Santa Maria Health School, 4049-024 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia S. P. Sousa
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health of Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
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Maje AU, Ibrahim AA. Effectiveness of an 8-week overground walking with paretic lower limb loading on spatiotemporal gait parameters and motor function among chronic stroke survivors: a protocol for randomised controlled trial. Trials 2023; 24:124. [PMID: 36803399 PMCID: PMC9942389 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-07057-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-stroke gait deviations contribute to significant functional disability, impaired walking ability and poor quality of life. Prior studies suggest that gait training with paretic lower limb loading may improve gait parameters and walking ability in post-stroke. However, most gait training methods used in these studies are not readily available, and studies using cheaper methods are limited. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to describe a protocol for a randomised controlled trial on the effectiveness of an 8-week overground walking with paretic lower limb loading on spatiotemporal gait parameters and motor function among chronic stroke survivors. METHODS This is a two-center, single-blind, two-arm parallel randomised controlled trial. Forty-eight stroke survivors with mild to moderate disability will be recruited from two tertiary facilities and randomly assigned into two intervention arms; overground walking with paretic lower limb loading or overground walking without paretic lower limb loading in a 1:1 ratio. All interventions will be administered thrice weekly for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes will be step length and gait speed whereas the secondary outcomes will include step length symmetry ratio, stride length, stride length symmetry ratio, stride width, cadence and motor function. All outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 4, 8 and 20 weeks after the start of intervention. DISCUSSION This will be the first randomised controlled trial to report the effects of overground walking with paretic lower limb loading on spatiotemporal gait parameters and motor function among chronic stroke survivors from low-resource setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05097391. Registered on 27 October 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulhamid U. Maje
- Department of Physiotherapy, Muhammadu Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, Hospitals Management Board, P.M.B 3160, Kano, Kano State Nigeria ,grid.411585.c0000 0001 2288 989XDepartment of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University, P.M.B 3011, Kano, Kano State Nigeria
| | - Aminu A. Ibrahim
- grid.510479.eDepartment of Physiotherapy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Skyline University Nigeria, Kano, Kano State Nigeria
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18
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Yoo HJ, Bae CR, Jeong H, Ko MH, Kang YK, Pyun SB. Clinical efficacy of overground powered exoskeleton for gait training in patients with subacute stroke: A randomized controlled pilot trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e32761. [PMID: 36705351 PMCID: PMC9875981 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the efficacy and usefulness of 12 sessions of overground robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in subacute stroke patients. METHODS In this pilot study, 17 subacute stroke survivors were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 9) and control (n = 8) groups. In addition to the conventional stroke neurorehabilitation program, the intervention group received 30 minutes of overground exoskeletal RAGT, while the control group received 30 minutes of conventional gait training by a physiotherapist. All interventions were performed in 12 sessions (3 times/week for 4 weeks). The primary aim was to assess ambulation ability using the functional ambulation category (FAC). The 10-m walk test, Berg Balance Scale, timed-up-and-go Timed-up-and-go, Fugl-Meyer assessment of lower extremity, pulmonary function test, the Korean version of the modified Barthel index, and Euro quality of life-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) were assessed. All outcomes were evaluated both before and after the intervention. RESULTS The Berg Balance Scale, Korean version of the modified Barthel index, and EQ-5D scores (P < .05) improved significantly in both groups. Only those in the RAGT group improved significantly in the FAC, timed-up-and-go, and 10-m walk test (P < .05). In the FAC and EQ-5D, the intervention group showed greater improvement than the control group (P < .05). CONCLUSION We found that 4 weeks of overground RAGT combined with conventional training may improve walking independence and quality of life in patients with subacute stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Joon Yoo
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Cho Rong Bae
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeonsoon Jeong
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myoung-Hwan Ko
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Jeonbuk National University College of Medicine, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Yoon-Kyoo Kang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Bom Pyun
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Convergence Research Center, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- * Correspondence: Sung-Bom Pyun, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 73, Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea (e-mail: )
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Kato T, Sasaki A, Nakazawa K. Short-and long-latency afferent inhibition of the human leg motor cortex by H-reflex subthreshold electrical stimulation at the popliteal fossa. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:249-261. [PMID: 36481937 PMCID: PMC9870969 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06497-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In humans, peripheral sensory stimulation inhibits subsequent motor evoked potentials (MEPs) induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation; this process is referred to as short- or long-latency afferent inhibition (SAI or LAI, respectively), depending on the inter-stimulus interval (ISI) length. Although upper limb SAI and LAI have been well studied, lower limb SAI and LAI remain under-investigated. Here, we examined the time course of the soleus (SOL) muscle MEP following electrical tibial nerve (TN) stimulation at the popliteal fossa at ISIs of 20-220 ms. When the conditioning stimulus intensity was three-fold the perceptual threshold, MEP amplitudes were inhibited at an ISI of 220 ms, but not at shorter ISIs. TN stimulation just below the Hoffman (H)-reflex threshold intensity inhibited MEP amplitudes at ISIs of 30, 35, 100, 180 and 200 ms. However, the relationship between MEP inhibition and the P30 latency of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) did not show corresponding ISIs at the SEP P30 latency that maximizes MEP inhibition. To clarify whether the site of afferent-induced MEP inhibition occurs at the cortical or spinal level, we examined the time course of SOL H-reflex following TN stimulation. H-reflex amplitudes were not significantly inhibited at ISIs where MEP inhibition occurred but at an ISI of 120 ms. Our findings indicate that stronger peripheral sensory stimulation is required for lower limb than for upper limb SAI and LAI and that lower limb SAI and LAI are of cortical origin. Moreover, the direct pathway from the periphery to the primary motor cortex may contribute to lower limb SAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Kato
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XGraduate School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 153-8902 Tokyo, Japan ,grid.54432.340000 0001 0860 6072Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, 102-0083 Japan
| | - Atsushi Sasaki
- grid.54432.340000 0001 0860 6072Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, 102-0083 Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Graduate School of Engineering Science, Department of Mechanical Science and Bioengineering, Osaka University, Osaka, 560-8531 Japan
| | - Kimitaka Nakazawa
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XGraduate School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 153-8902 Tokyo, Japan
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20
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Alatawi SF. A Comparison of Three Common Rehabilitation Interventions Used to Improve Cardiovascular Fitness after Stroke: An Overview of the Literature. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:4350851. [PMID: 37082188 PMCID: PMC10113054 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4350851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Background One of the most frequent consequences of stroke is a reduction in heart function. After a stroke, one of the main aims of physiotherapy practice is to improve cardiovascular fitness (CVF). This paper is aimed at identifying the best effective intervention of improving the cardiovascular fitness (CVF) after stroke while focusing on body weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT), over gait training (OGT), and therapeutic exercise. Methods Different electronic databases were searched until July 2022. Controlled randomized trials examining the effects of BWSTT, OGT, and therapeutic exercise to improve CVF on an ambulatory person with stroke, written in English and reporting cardiovascular fitness or at least one of its indicators, such as peak oxygen consumption (VO2), gait speed, gait energy expenditure, and functional independence measure for locomotion (FIM-L), were included. The quality of the methodology was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results The research yielded 3854 relevant studies, of which 22 met the eligibility criteria. The primary indicators of the CVF, VO2 and energy expenditure, were used to examine the CVF in only three studies, while the rest used other indicators of the CVF. There was a lack of sufficient evidence to establish the superiority of one intervention over another. However, it appears that utilizing BWSTT to improve the CVF after stroke is effective. Conclusion Physiotherapy has the potential to enhance the CVF of stroke patients. However, effective interventions and long-term effects remain debatable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salem F. Alatawi
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia
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21
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Hulleck AA, Menoth Mohan D, Abdallah N, El Rich M, Khalaf K. Present and future of gait assessment in clinical practice: Towards the application of novel trends and technologies. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:901331. [PMID: 36590154 PMCID: PMC9800936 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2022.901331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite being available for more than three decades, quantitative gait analysis remains largely associated with research institutions and not well leveraged in clinical settings. This is mostly due to the high cost/cumbersome equipment and complex protocols and data management/analysis associated with traditional gait labs, as well as the diverse training/experience and preference of clinical teams. Observational gait and qualitative scales continue to be predominantly used in clinics despite evidence of less efficacy of quantifying gait. Research objective This study provides a scoping review of the status of clinical gait assessment, including shedding light on common gait pathologies, clinical parameters, indices, and scales. We also highlight novel state-of-the-art gait characterization and analysis approaches and the integration of commercially available wearable tools and technology and AI-driven computational platforms. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted within PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, and ScienceDirect for all articles published until December 2021 using a set of keywords, including normal and pathological gait, gait parameters, gait assessment, gait analysis, wearable systems, inertial measurement units, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, insole sensors, electromyography sensors. Original articles that met the selection criteria were included. Results and significance Clinical gait analysis remains highly observational and is hence subjective and largely influenced by the observer's background and experience. Quantitative Instrumented gait analysis (IGA) has the capability of providing clinicians with accurate and reliable gait data for diagnosis and monitoring but is limited in clinical applicability mainly due to logistics. Rapidly emerging smart wearable technology, multi-modality, and sensor fusion approaches, as well as AI-driven computational platforms are increasingly commanding greater attention in gait assessment. These tools promise a paradigm shift in the quantification of gait in the clinic and beyond. On the other hand, standardization of clinical protocols and ensuring their feasibility to map the complex features of human gait and represent them meaningfully remain critical challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Aziz Hulleck
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dhanya Menoth Mohan
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nada Abdallah
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Marwan El Rich
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kinda Khalaf
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,Health Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,Correspondence: Kinda Khalaf
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22
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Bibliometric analysis on Brain-computer interfaces in a 30-year period. APPL INTELL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10489-022-04226-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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23
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Usman JS, Gbiri CAO, Olawale OA. Predictors of ambulatory recovery and walking proficiency in community-dwelling stroke survivors: a cross-sectional study. BULLETIN OF FACULTY OF PHYSICAL THERAPY 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43161-022-00097-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Although the major goal of rehabilitation is to return a stroke survivor (SSv) to as close to their pre-stroke functioning, limitation in ambulatory recovery and walking proficiency is the major impediment. Despite the importance of walking to the outcomes in stroke, factors predicting its recovery remain unclear. This study therefore was aimed at exploring the predictors of ambulatory recovery and walking proficiency in community-dwelling SSv.
Methods
This study involved 164 (83females) SSv from four tertiary health institutions in Nigeria. Ambulatory level and status was assessed using Functional Ambulatory Classification, motor function using the Fugl-Myer Assessment scale (lower limb), and ambulatory/waking endurance using the 6-min walk test. Ambulatory capability was assessed using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, ambulatory self-confidence using the Ambulatory Self-Confidence Questionnaire, and functional ambulatory profile using the Modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile. Mobility was assessed using the Modified Rivermead Mobility Index, functional mobility using Time Up and Go, balance using the Berg Balance Scale, and cognitive function using the modified Mini-Mental State Examination. Spatial indexes were assessed using the Footprint method and temporal variables using a stopwatch and gait speed on a 10-m walkway. Data was analyzed using multiple regression analysis at p ≤ 0.05.
Results
Participants (mean age = 54.3±11.36 years) have had stroke for 12.9 ± 17.39 months and spent 9.82 ± 13.19 months in hospital admissions. More (65.2%) had ischemic stroke with 54.3% of them having left hemispheric stroke. The predictors of ambulatory onset in SSv were stroke duration and length of stay in hospital admission contributing 40.3% (β = 0.403) and 17.6% (β = 0.176) respectively to the variance. Mobility (β = 0.249, p < 0.001), gait speed (β = 0.185, p = 0.012), paretic double-limb support time (β = 0.155, p = 0.03), balance (β = 0.334, p < 0.001), and cognition (β = 0.155, p = 0.01) were predictors of ambulatory self-confidence contributing 59.5% to the variance. Balance (β = 0.363, p < 0.001) and mobility (β = 0.155, p = 0.015) were predictors of ambulatory capability contributing 52.9% to the variance. Balance (β = −0.489, p < 0.001), paretic double-limb support time (β = 0.223, p = 0.003), gait speed (β = −0.181, p = 0.022), and paretic swing phase duration (β = 0.177, p = 0.01) were predictors of functional ambulatory profile (p < 0.05) contributing 52.9% to the variance. Gait speed (β = −0.648, p < 0.001) and step length (β = −0.157, p = 0.003) were predictors of walking endurance contributing 76.5% to the variance.
Conclusion
Ambulatory recovery and walking proficiency depend on the interplay among duration of stroke and length of hospitalization on the one hand and balance performance, cognitive function, and the spatiotemporal integrity of the affected limb on the other hand.
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Asín-Prieto G, Mercante S, Rojas R, Navas M, Gomez D, Toledo M, Martínez-Expósito A, Moreno JC. Post-stroke rehabilitation of the ankle joint with a low cost monoarticular ankle robotic exoskeleton: Preliminary results. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1015201. [PMID: 36507258 PMCID: PMC9733705 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1015201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Stroke generates a high rate of disability and, in particular, ankle spasticity is a sequelae that interferes with the execution of daily activities. Robotic devices have been proposed to offer rehabilitation treatments to recover control of ankle muscles and hence to improve gait function. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of passive stretching, combined with active and resisted movement, accompanied by visual feedback, by means of playful interactive software using a low-cost monoarticular robot (MEXO) in patients with stroke sequelae and spastic ankle. Methods: An open, uncontrolled, non-randomised, quasi-experimental study of 6 weeks duration has been completed. A protocol has been defined to determine the usability, safety and potential benefits of supplementary treatment with the MEXO interactive system in a group of patients. Nine volunteer patients with sequelae of stroke who met the inclusion criteria were included. They received conventional treatment and in addition also received treatment with the MEXO monoarticular robot three times a week during 6 weeks. Each session consisted of 10 min of passive stretching followed by 20 min of active movement training with visual feedback (10 min active without resistance, 10 min with resistance) and a final phase with 10 min of passive stretching. The following variables were measured pre- and post-treatment: joint range of motion and ankle muscle strength, monopodal balance, muscle tone, gait ability and satisfaction with the use of assistive technology. Results: Statistically significant improvements were obtained in joint range measured by goniometry and in balance measured by monopodal balance test. Also in walking capacity, through the measurement of travelled distance. Discussion and significance: Device usability and patient safety were tested. Patients improved joint range and monopodal balance. The MEXO exoskeleton might be a good alternative for the treatment of spastic ankle joint in people with a stroke sequela.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Asín-Prieto
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute, CSIC—Spanish National Research Council, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Raúl Rojas
- J. N. Lencinas Hospital, Mendoza, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Aitor Martínez-Expósito
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute, CSIC—Spanish National Research Council, Madrid, Spain,Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan C. Moreno
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute, CSIC—Spanish National Research Council, Madrid, Spain,*Correspondence: Juan C. Moreno,
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Jochumsen M, Hougaard BI, Kristensen MS, Knoche H. Implementing Performance Accommodation Mechanisms in Online BCI for Stroke Rehabilitation: A Study on Perceived Control and Frustration. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:9051. [PMID: 36501753 PMCID: PMC9738420 DOI: 10.3390/s22239051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are successfully used for stroke rehabilitation, but the training is repetitive and patients can lose the motivation to train. Moreover, controlling the BCI may be difficult, which causes frustration and leads to even worse control. Patients might not adhere to the regimen due to frustration and lack of motivation/engagement. The aim of this study was to implement three performance accommodation mechanisms (PAMs) in an online motor imagery-based BCI to aid people and evaluate their perceived control and frustration. Nineteen healthy participants controlled a fishing game with a BCI in four conditions: (1) no help, (2) augmented success (augmented successful BCI-attempt), (3) mitigated failure (turn unsuccessful BCI-attempt into neutral output), and (4) override input (turn unsuccessful BCI-attempt into successful output). Each condition was followed-up and assessed with Likert-scale questionnaires and a post-experiment interview. Perceived control and frustration were best predicted by the amount of positive feedback the participant received. PAM-help increased perceived control for poor BCI-users but decreased it for good BCI-users. The input override PAM frustrated the users the most, and they differed in how they wanted to be helped. By using PAMs, developers have more freedom to create engaging stroke rehabilitation games.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Jochumsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Bastian Ilsø Hougaard
- Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology, Aalborg University, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mathias Sand Kristensen
- Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology, Aalborg University, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Hendrik Knoche
- Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology, Aalborg University, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
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Identification of Functional Cortical Plasticity in Children with Cerebral Palsy Associated to Robotic-Assisted Gait Training: An fNIRS Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11226790. [PMID: 36431267 PMCID: PMC9692288 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11226790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurologic condition that causes gait limitations, spasticity, and impaired balance and coordination. Robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) has become a common rehabilitation tool employed to improve the gait pattern of people with neurological impairments. However, few studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of RAGT in children with CP and its neurological effects through portable neuroimaging techniques, such as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The aim of the study is to evaluate the neurophysiological processes elicited by RAGT in children with CP through fNIRS, which was acquired during three sessions in one month. The repeated measure ANOVA was applied to the β-values delivered by the General Linear Model (GLM) analysis used for fNIRS data analysis, showing significant differences in the activation of both prefrontal cortex (F (1.652, 6.606) = 7.638; p = 0.022), and sensorimotor cortex (F (1.294, 5.175) = 11.92; p = 0.014) during the different RAGT sessions. In addition, a cross-validated Machine Learning (ML) framework was implemented to estimate the gross motor function measure (GMFM-88) from the GLM β-values, obtaining an estimation with a correlation coefficient r = 0.78. This approach can be used to tailor clinical treatment to each child, improving the effectiveness of rehabilitation for children with CP.
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27
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Yoshikawa A, Ohtaki H, Miyamoto K, Kim S, Hase K, Yoshida M, Kamijo S, Kamimura S, Koiwa N, Izumizaki M. Mild-intensity running exercise recovered motor function by improvement of ankle mobility after unilateral brain injury of mice using three-dimensional kinematic analysis techniques. Brain Res 2022; 1798:148160. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Stroke survivor perceptions of using an exoskeleton during acute gait rehabilitation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14185. [PMID: 35986162 PMCID: PMC9391354 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18188-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) devices allow intensive high repetition of the gait cycle in individuals with locomotor disability, with reduced therapist effort. In addition to usual rehabilitation, RAGT post-stroke improves the likelihood of regaining independent walking, with maximum efficacy identified in the acute and subacute phases of stroke. This study explores the usability and acceptance of RAGT among persons with stroke in an acute hospital setting and examines users’ perceptions of two different modes of robotic assistance provided during rehabilitation. A mixed-methods approach comprised semi-structed interviews of end-user perspectives of RAGT in an acute hospital setting following stroke and two 10-point Likert scales rating how comfortable and how natural robotic gait felt using different assistance modes. Content analysis of qualitative data was undertaken with results synthesised by common meaning units. Quantitative data were reported using summary statistics, with Spearmann’s correlation co-efficient examining the relationship between Likert scale ratings and measures of participants’ stroke related disability. Ten individuals (6 men; 4 women; mean age of 64.5. ± 13 years) were recruited in an acute hospital setting following admission with a stroke diagnosis. Content analysis of interview transcripts identified discussion units centring around positive aspects of how helpful the device was, negative aspects related to set-up time, weight of the device and multiple instructions delivered during use. Initially participants identified that the device could look intimidating, and they feared falling in the device but they subsequently identified the correct mindset for using the device is to trust the technology and not be afraid. Mean ratings for device comfort (7.94 ± 1.4) and how natural walking felt (7.05 ± 1.9) were favourable. Interestingly, a strong relationship was identified, whereby the higher the level of disability, the more natural participants rated walking in the device during maximal assistance mode (rho = 0.62; p = 0.138). This study suggests individuals in the early phases of stroke perceive RAGT to be acceptable and helpful in the main, with some associated negative aspects. Walking in the device was rated as comfortable and natural. Those with greater disability rated the assisted walking as more natural.
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The Design and Control of a Footplate-Based Gait Robo-Assisted System for Lower Limb Actuator. MACHINES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/machines10070546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Stroke causes disability in the lower-limb symmetry gait pattern in affected patients. The patients would not be able to regain their usual walking ability independently unless they benefit from rehabilitation therapies. Footplate-based gait robo-assisted systems can help patients to conduct effective training/exercising while tracking their progress of recovery and can dramatically reduce the clinical labor costs of physiotherapy. In the sense of simulation and not the design of the mechanical structure, this study aims to perform a combination of dynamic and control simulation of a five degrees-of-freedom footplate-based gait robo-assisted system established according to the Stewart platform structure for use in lower limb rehabilitation of stroke patients. The effectiveness and performance of the proposed mechanism were assessed through a clinical gait pattern of a healthy male individual. The proposed robo-assisted system enables the simulation of the hip and knee flexion/extension as well as the ankle dorsiflexion/plantar flexion of stroke patients to reproduce their typical symmetry gait pattern. The results were interpreted as the dynamic movement characteristics of the right and left thigh, leg, and foot compared to the clinical gait pattern with a mean percentage error of 6.70% to show the effectiveness and accuracy of the developed robo-assisted system for lower limb actuation in the simulation process.
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30
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Adjustable Parameters and the Effectiveness of Adjunct Robot-Assisted Gait Training in Individuals with Chronic Stroke. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138186. [PMID: 35805845 PMCID: PMC9265951 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The aims of this study were (1) to compare the effect of robot-assisted gait orthosis (RAGO) plus conventional physiotherapy with the effect of conventional therapy alone on functional outcomes, including balance, walking ability, muscle strength, daily activity, and cognition, in chronic stroke patients, and (2) to determine the association of adjustable parameters of RAGO on functional outcomes. Adjustable parameters of RAGO included guidance force, treadmill speed, and body-weight support. This retrospective cohort study enrolled 32 patients with chronic stroke. Of these, 16 patients received RAGO plus conventional physiotherapy (RAGO group), and 16 patients received conventional physiotherapy alone (control group). Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, walking ability using the Functional Ambulation Category, muscle strength using the Motricity Index, daily activity using the Barthel Index, and cognition using the Mini-Mental State Examination. The scores were assessed before and after training. The Mini–Mental State Examination and the Berg Balance Scale increased significantly in both groups, whereas improvements in the Motricity Index and the Barthel Index were only observed in the RAGO group after intervention. During RAGO training, reducing guidance force and body-weight support assistance was associated with improvements in the Barthel Index, whereas higher treadmill walking speed was associated with improvements in the Berg Balance Scale. Our study found that RAGO combination therapy resulted in improvements in more functional outcomes than did conventional training alone. The adjustable parameters of the RAGO training were partly associated with training outcomes.
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Hayami N, Williams HE, Shibagaki K, Vette AH, Suzuki Y, Nakazawa K, Nomura T, Milosevic M. Development and Validation of a Closed-Loop Functional Electrical Stimulation-Based Controller for Gait Rehabilitation Using a Finite State Machine Model. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2022; 30:1642-1651. [PMID: 35709114 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2022.3183571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) can be used to initiate lower limb muscle contractions and has been widely applied in gait rehabilitation. Establishing the correct timing of FES activation during each phase of the gait (walking) cycle remains challenging as most FES systems rely on open-loop control, whereby the controller receives no feedback about joint kinematics and instead relies on predetermined/timed muscle stimulation. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a closed-loop FES-based control solution for gait rehabilitation using a finite state machine (FSM) model. A two-phased study approach was taken: (1) Experimentally-Informed Study: A neuromuscular-derived FSM model was developed to drive closed-loop FES-based control for gait rehabilitation. The finite states were determined using electromyography and joint kinematics data of 12 non-disabled adults, collected during treadmill walking. The gait cycles were divided into four states, namely: swing-to-stance, push off, pre-swing, and toe up. (2) Simulation Study: A closed-loop FES-based control solution that employed the resulting FSM model, was validated through comparisons of neuro-musculo-skeletal computer simulations of impaired versus healthy gait. This closed-loop controller yielded steadier simulated impaired gait, in comparison to an open-loop alternative. The simulation results confirmed that accurate timing of FES activation during the gait cycle, as informed by kinematics data, is important to natural gait retraining. The closed-loop FES-based solution, introduced in this study, contributes to the repository of gait rehabilitation control options and offers the advantage of being simplistic to implement. Furthermore, this control solution is expected to integrate well with powered exoskeleton technologies.
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Brain Asymmetry and Its Effects on Gait Strategies in Hemiplegic Patients: New Rehabilitative Conceptions. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12060798. [PMID: 35741683 PMCID: PMC9220897 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12060798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain asymmetry is connected with motor performance, suggesting that hemiparetic patients have different gait patterns depending on the side of the lesion. This retrospective cohort study aims to further investigate the difference between right and left hemiplegia in order to assess whether the injured side can influence the patient’s clinical characteristics concerning gait, thus providing insights for new personalized rehabilitation strategies. The data from 33 stroke patients (17 with left and 16 with right hemiplegia) were retrospectively compared with each other and with a control group composed of 20 unaffected age-matched individuals. The 3D gait analysis was used to assess kinematic data and spatio-temporal parameters. Compared to left hemiplegic patients, right hemiplegic patients showed worse spatio-temporal parameters (p < 0.05) and better kinematic parameters (p < 0.05). Both pathological groups were characterized by abnormal gait parameters in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). These findings show an association between the side of the lesion—right or left—and the different stroke patients’ gait patterns: left hemiplegic patients show better spatio-temporal parameters, whereas right hemiplegic patients show better segmentary motor performances. Therefore, further studies may develop and assess new personalized rehabilitation strategies considering the injured hemisphere and brain asymmetry.
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Lorusso M, Tramontano M, Casciello M, Pece A, Smania N, Morone G, Tamburella F. Efficacy of Overground Robotic Gait Training on Balance in Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12060713. [PMID: 35741599 PMCID: PMC9221355 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12060713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Strokes often lead to a deficit in motor control that contributes to a reduced balance function. Impairments in the balance function severely limit the activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke survivors. The present systematic review and meta-analysis primarily aims to explore the efficacy of overground robot-assisted gait training (o-RAGT) on balance recovery in individuals with stroke. In addition, the efficacy on ADL is also investigated. This systematic review identified nine articles investigating the effects of o-RAGT on balance, four of which also assessed ADL. The results of the meta-analysis suggest that o-RAGT does not increase balance and ADL outcomes more than conventional therapy in individuals after stroke. The data should not be overestimated due to the low number of studies included in the meta-analysis and the wide confidence intervals. Subgroup analyses to investigate the influence of participant’s characteristics and training dosage were not performed due to lack of data availability. Further well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate the efficacy of o-RAGT on balance in individuals with stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lorusso
- Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.L.); (M.C.); (F.T.)
| | - Marco Tramontano
- Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.L.); (M.C.); (F.T.)
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Matteo Casciello
- Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.L.); (M.C.); (F.T.)
| | - Andrea Pece
- Ospedale Israelitico di Roma, Via Fulda 14, 00148 Rome, Italy;
| | - Nicola Smania
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, University Hospital of Verona, 37124 Verona, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Morone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Federica Tamburella
- Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.L.); (M.C.); (F.T.)
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Kim SC, Cho SH. Effects of H-Reflex Onset Latency on Gait in Elderly and Hemiplegic Individuals. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58060716. [PMID: 35743979 PMCID: PMC9228972 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58060716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The Hoffmann’s reflex (H-reflex) is important in electrodiagnostic testing because it improves sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing radiculopathies. Although quantitative electromyography (EMG) measurements for H-reflex amplitudes during the gait cycle have been performed in both hemiplegic and healthy individuals, research on the H-wave latency in these individuals during the gait cycle is lacking. Materials and Methods: The H-reflex latency of the soleus muscle was investigated in hemiplegic stroke patients and healthy elderly persons in this observational analytical study. Two groups of individuals participated in this study: healthy adults (n = 25) and stroke patients with hemiplegia (n = 25) were compared. An MP150 with Ag-Ag/Cl electrodes was utilized to record and analyse electromyography measurements. All individuals could walk independently indoors. Stimuli were administered to elicit the H-reflex in the four gait phases as the participant walked. Results: Stroke patients had a significantly shorter latency than did healthy patients in the mid-swing, mid-stance, and toe-off phases of the gait cycle; heel-strike latency did not significantly differ. Conclusions: These results can be used as diagnostic data to help account for patient characteristics or measure the recovery extent for treatment planning and gait training in hemiplegic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon-Chil Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Daegu 42601, Korea;
| | - Sung-Hyoun Cho
- Department of Physical Therapy, Nambu University, 23 Cheomdanjungang-ro, Gwangju 62271, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-10-3060-1330
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35
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Gil-Castillo J, Barria P, Aguilar Cárdenas R, Baleta Abarza K, Andrade Gallardo A, Biskupovic Mancilla A, Azorín JM, Moreno JC. A Robot-Assisted Therapy to Increase Muscle Strength in Hemiplegic Gait Rehabilitation. Front Neurorobot 2022; 16:837494. [PMID: 35574230 PMCID: PMC9100587 DOI: 10.3389/fnbot.2022.837494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examines the feasibility of using a robot-assisted therapy methodology based on the Bobath concept to perform exercises applied in conventional therapy for gait rehabilitation in stroke patients. The aim of the therapy is to improve postural control and movement through exercises based on repetitive active-assisted joint mobilization, which is expected to produce strength changes in the lower limbs. As therapy progresses, robotic assistance is gradually reduced and the patient's burden increases with the goal of achieving a certain degree of independence. The relationship between force and range of motion led to the analysis of both parameters of interest. The study included 23 volunteers who performed 24 sessions, 2 sessions per week for 12 weeks, each lasting about 1 h. The results showed a significant increase in hip abduction and knee flexion strength on both sides, although there was a general trend of increased strength in all joints. However, the range of motion at the hip and ankle joints was reduced. The usefulness of this platform for transferring exercises from conventional to robot-assisted therapies was demonstrated, as well as the benefits that can be obtained in muscle strength training. However, it is suggested to complement the applied therapy with exercises for the maintenance and improvement of the range of motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Gil-Castillo
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricio Barria
- Research and Development Unit, Rehabilitation Center Club de Leones Cruz del Sur, Punta Arenas, Chile
- Electrical Engineering Department, Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile
- Systems Engineering and Automation Department, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Elche, Spain
| | | | - Karim Baleta Abarza
- Research and Development Unit, Rehabilitation Center Club de Leones Cruz del Sur, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Asterio Andrade Gallardo
- Research and Development Unit, Rehabilitation Center Club de Leones Cruz del Sur, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | | | - José M. Azorín
- Systems Engineering and Automation Department, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Elche, Spain
| | - Juan C. Moreno
- Neural Rehabilitation Group, Cajal Institute, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Juan C. Moreno
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Fusco A, Giovannini S, Castelli L, Coraci D, Gatto DM, Reale G, Pastorino R, Padua L. Virtual Reality and Lower Limb Rehabilitation: Effects on Motor and Cognitive Outcome-A Crossover Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092300. [PMID: 35566424 PMCID: PMC9103855 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in the motor and cognitive rehabilitation of patients with severe acquired brain injury (sABI) is unclear. This randomized, controlled, crossover, single-blinded, pilot study investigates the cognitive and motor effects of lower limb robotic therapy with and without VR visual feedback in a group of patients with ABI. A total of 23 patients with ABI were randomized into two groups: one group (VR-NVR) underwent a 2-week rehabilitation for the lower limbs training with a robotic device (Omego®) with VR feedback, followed by 2 weeks without VR; the other group (NVR-VR) performed the protocol in the opposite order. Patients were evaluated at baseline, after two and four weeks of treatment using the Level of Cognitive Functioning scale (LCF), Disability Rating Scale (DRS), and Motricity Index for Lower Limb (MI-LL) in the most affected limb. At the end of the intervention, both groups significantly improved in all the outcomes. A significant difference was found between VR treatment versus non-VR treatment for LCF (p = 0.024) and for DRS (p = 0.043) after the second week, while no significant differences were found in the group NVR-VR at T1. Our study indicates how the combination of robotic treatment with VR is effective in enhancing the recovery of cognitive function in patients with ABI, also improving disability and muscular function. Further, VR seems to enhance the early recovery process of motor and cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Fusco
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.F.); (D.M.G.); (G.R.); (L.P.)
| | - Silvia Giovannini
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopaedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- UOS Riabilitazione Post-Acuzie, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopaedic and Head-Neck Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Letizia Castelli
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.F.); (D.M.G.); (G.R.); (L.P.)
- Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopaedic and Head-Neck Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-3015-4382
| | - Daniele Coraci
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| | - Dario Mattia Gatto
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.F.); (D.M.G.); (G.R.); (L.P.)
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopaedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Reale
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.F.); (D.M.G.); (G.R.); (L.P.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Pastorino
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health—Public Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Luca Padua
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.F.); (D.M.G.); (G.R.); (L.P.)
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopaedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
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37
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Carratalá-Tejada M, Cuesta-Gómez A, Ortiz-Gutiérrez R, Molina-Rueda F, Luna-Oliva L, Miangolarra-Page JC. Reflex Locomotion Therapy for Balance, Gait, and Fatigue Rehabilitation in Subjects with Multiple Sclerosis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11030567. [PMID: 35160020 PMCID: PMC8836377 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11030567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluates the effects of a rehabilitation program based on reflex locomotion therapy (RLT) on balance, gait, and fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Twenty-three patients diagnosed with MS participated in this study. Reversal design was carried out. The assessment tools included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the instrumental analysis of the gait recorded by Vicon Motion System®. We analyzed spatio-temporal parameters and kinematic variables of the hip, knee, and ankle joints. Additionally, the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) was administrated. We did find a significant improvement in balance and gait tools after the RLT period. Regarding instrumental analysis, the statistical analysis of spatio-temporal parameters showed a significant improvement in stride length, double support, and velocity after the RLT period. Concerning kinematic parameters, the analysis showed improvements in hip and knee range of motion (ROM) after RLT period. RLT could improve gait and balance in patients with MS. The patients reported a high level of satisfaction with the therapy received.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Carratalá-Tejada
- Motion Analysis, Ergonomics, Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory (LAMBECOM), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain; (M.C.-T.); (A.C.-G.); (L.L.-O.); (J.C.M.-P.)
| | - Alicia Cuesta-Gómez
- Motion Analysis, Ergonomics, Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory (LAMBECOM), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain; (M.C.-T.); (A.C.-G.); (L.L.-O.); (J.C.M.-P.)
| | - Rosa Ortiz-Gutiérrez
- Department of Physical Therapy and Nursing, Universidad Internacional Nebrija, 28015 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Francisco Molina-Rueda
- Motion Analysis, Ergonomics, Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory (LAMBECOM), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain; (M.C.-T.); (A.C.-G.); (L.L.-O.); (J.C.M.-P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Laura Luna-Oliva
- Motion Analysis, Ergonomics, Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory (LAMBECOM), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain; (M.C.-T.); (A.C.-G.); (L.L.-O.); (J.C.M.-P.)
| | - Juan Carlos Miangolarra-Page
- Motion Analysis, Ergonomics, Biomechanics and Motor Control Laboratory (LAMBECOM), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Madrid, Spain; (M.C.-T.); (A.C.-G.); (L.L.-O.); (J.C.M.-P.)
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, University Hospital of Fuenlabrada, 28942 Madrid, Spain
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38
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Cesar GM, Buster TW, Mohammadzadeh Gonabadi A, M Burnfield J. Kinematic and muscle demand similarities between pediatric-modified motor-assisted elliptical training at fast speed and fast overground walking: Real-world implications for pediatric gait rehabilitation. J Electromyogr Kinesiol 2022; 63:102639. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2022.102639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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39
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The effects of action observation training as an add-on rehabilitation strategy on the walking ability of patients with chronic stroke. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2022; 29:33-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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40
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Biswas A, Natarajan M, Subramanian SK, Solomon JM. Development and feasibility testing of action observation training videos in acute stroke survivors: Preliminary findings. F1000Res 2022; 11:524. [PMID: 36891251 PMCID: PMC9986771 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.118969.2] [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] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Action observation training (AOT) is used for lower limb (LL) stroke rehabilitation in subacute and chronic stages, but concise information regarding the types of activities to be used and the feasibility of administration in the acute stroke population is unknown. The aim of this study was to develop and validate videos of appropriate activities for LL AOT and test administrative feasibility in acute stroke. Method: A video inventory of LL activities was created after a literature survey and expert scrutiny. Five stroke rehabilitation experts validated the videos per domains of relevance, comprehension, clarity, camera position and brightness. LL AOT was then tested on ten individuals with acute stroke for uncovering barriers for clinical use in a feasibility study. Participants watched the activities and attempted imitation of the same. Determination of administrative feasibility was undertaken via participant interviews. Results: Suitable LL activities for stroke rehabilitation were identified. Content validation of videos led to improvements in selected activities and video quality. Expert scrutiny led to further video processing to include different perspectives of view and speeds of projected movements. Barriers identified included inability to imitate actions shown in videos and increased distractibility for some participants. Conclusion: A video catalogue of LL activities was developed and validated. AOT was deemed safe and feasible for acute stroke rehabilitation and may be used in future research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunima Biswas
- Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Manikandan Natarajan
- Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.,Centre for Comprehensive Stroke Rehabilitation and Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Sandeep K Subramanian
- Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.,Departments of Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies and Rehabilitation Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - John M Solomon
- Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.,Centre for Comprehensive Stroke Rehabilitation and Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
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41
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Shin H, Agyeman R, Rafiq M, Chang MC, Choi GS. Automated segmentation of chronic stroke lesion using efficient U-Net architecture. Biocybern Biomed Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbe.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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42
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Shushtari M, Nasiri R, Arami A. Online Reference Trajectory Adaptation: A Personalized Control Strategy for Lower Limb Exoskeletons. IEEE Robot Autom Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1109/lra.2021.3115572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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43
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Rhyu HS, Rhi SY. THE EFFECTS OF TRAINING ON DIFFERENT SURFACES, ON BALANCE AND GAIT PERFORMANCE IN STROKE HEMIPLEGIA. REV BRAS MED ESPORTE 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/1517-8692202127062020_0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Although many studies have focused on balance exercises for elderly or stroke patients, no comprehensive studies have investigated the use of training on different surfaces (TDS) with analysis of gait performance in elderly male stroke patients. The active properties of balance and subjective reporting of functional gait ability were used to identify the effects of TDS. Static balance (SB), dynamic balance (DB) and gait analysis was measured in 30 elderly stroke patients. The patients were divided into the TDS group (n=15) and a control group (CG, n=15). Fifteen elderly stroke patients underwent TDS five times a week for 12 weeks. The data was analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Significant differences were observed between the two groups (TDS and Control): SB (p < 0.0001), DB (OSI: p < 0.0001, APSI: p < 0.001, MLSI: p < 0.004) and gait analysis (right: temporal step time: p < 0.0001, temporal cycle time: p < 0.001, temporal double support time: p < 0.0001; left: temporal step time: p < 0.0001, temporal cycle time: p < 0.0001, temporal double support time: p < 0.0001). TDS in elderly male stroke patients suggests that the characteristics of gait performance in these patients may be improved by increasing static balance, dynamic balance and gait velocity. It is hoped that the results of this trial will provide new information on the effects of TDS on balance stability and gait ability in stroke patients, through changes in stability of the lower extremities. Level III, Case-control Study.
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Poveda-García A, Moret-Tatay C, Gómez-Martínez M. The Association between Mental Motor Imagery and Real Movement in Stroke. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9111568. [PMID: 34828614 PMCID: PMC8620455 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9111568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Stroke is the main cause of disability in adults; the most common and long-term sequela is upper-limb hemiparesis. Many studies support the idea that mental motor imagery, which is related to the visualization of movement patterns, activates the same areas of the cortex as if the movement occurred. Objectives: This study aims to examine the capacity to elaborate mental motor images, as well as its relationship to loss of movement in the upper limbs after a stroke. Method: An observational study, in a sample of 39 adults who suffered a stroke, was carried out. The upper limb movement and functionality, cognitive disorders, the ability to visualize mental images, and activities of daily living were examined. Results: The results depicted a statistically significant correlation between the ability to visualize upper limb mental motor images with movement, functionality, and strength. In addition, a correlation between visual–spatial skills and mental visualization of motor ability and upper limb movement was found. Conclusions: These results suggest that the rehabilitation approach focused on the improvement of mental motor imagery could be of interest for the upper limb rehabilitation of movement and functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Poveda-García
- Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, San Agustín 3, Esc. A, Entresuelo 1, 46002 València, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Carmen Moret-Tatay
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Avenida de la Ilustración, Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain;
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze Salute Mentale e Organi di Senso, La Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Miguel Gómez-Martínez
- Departamento de Terapia Ocupacional, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, 28023 Madrid, Spain;
- Occupational Thinks Research Group, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, 28023 Madrid, Spain
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45
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Leme B, Tan CK, Nunez E, Hirokawa M, Suzuki K, Kadone H. A Sensorized Overground Body Weight Support System for Assessing Gait Parameters During Walking Rehabilitation. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2021; 2021:4936-4939. [PMID: 34892315 DOI: 10.1109/embc46164.2021.9630543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although the needs of individuals undertaking gait rehabilitation sessions may appear similar, they present facets that may assist therapists to come up with more targeted treatment. However, acquiring such aspects is a major problem for rehabilitation personnel due to time constraints and/or complexity. In this paper, we propose an alternative method for estimating gait parameters for individuals requiring Body Weight Support (BWS) during gait training. Results show that the proposed device is able to acquire step length and the amount of body weight unloaded with relatively high accuracy. This reduces the need to set up external sensors to measure patients. Moreover, it can provide gait parameters for patients evaluation which can be used for more personalized treatment.Clinical relevance - Tracking patient progress during therapy is an important part of personalized therapy. The proposed device is a simple, low-cost method of collecting gait parameters from patients, without the use of expensive motion tracking and force sensors.
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46
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Guzik A, Drużbicki M, Perenc L, Wolan-Nieroda A, Turolla A, Kiper P. Establishing the Minimal Clinically Important Differences for Sagittal Hip Range of Motion in Chronic Stroke Patients. Front Neurol 2021; 12:700190. [PMID: 34539552 PMCID: PMC8443407 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.700190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many researchers have pointed out that decreased sagittal range of motion (ROM) in the affected hip joint is a common consequence of stroke, and it adversely affects walking performance and walking speed. Nevertheless, the minimal clinically important differences (MCID) in hip-related kinematic gait parameters post-stroke have not yet been determined. The present study aimed to define MCID values for hip ROM in the sagittal plane i.e., flexion-extension (FE), for the affected and unaffected sides at a chronic stage post-stroke. Fifty participants with hemiparesis due to stroke were enrolled for the study. Four statistical methods were used to calculate MCID. According to the anchor-based approach, the mean change in hip FE ROM achieved by the MCID group on the affected/unaffected side amounted to 5.81°/2.86° (the first MCID estimate). The distribution-based analyses established that the standard error of measurement in the no-change group amounted to 1.56°/1.04° (the second MCID estimate). Measurements based on the third method established that a change of 4.09°/0.61° in the hip ROM corresponded to a 1.85-point change in the Barthel Index. The optimum cutoff value, based on ROC curve analysis, corresponded to 2.9/2.6° of change in the hip sagittal ROM for the affected/unaffected side (the fourth MCID estimate). To our knowledge, this is the first study to use a comprehensive set of statistical methods to determine the MCID for hip sagittal ROM for the affected and unaffected sides at a chronic stage post-stroke. According to our findings, the MCID of the hip FE ROM for the affected side amounts to 5.81° and for the unaffected side to 2.86°, in patients with chronic stroke. This indicator is extremely important because it allows clinical practitioners to assess the effects of interventions administered to patients, and to interpret the significance of improvements in sagittal kinematic parameters of the hip; ultimately, it may facilitate the process of designing effective gait reeducation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Guzik
- Department of Physiotherapy, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Mariusz Drużbicki
- Department of Physiotherapy, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Lidia Perenc
- Department of Physiotherapy, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Andżelina Wolan-Nieroda
- Department of Physiotherapy, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Andrea Turolla
- Laboratory of Kinematics and Robotics IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Venice, Italy
| | - Paweł Kiper
- Azienda Unità Locale Socio Sanitaria 3 Serenissima Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Venice, Italy
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Ravindran A, Rieke JD, Zapata JDA, White KD, Matarasso A, Yusufali MM, Rana M, Gunduz A, Modarres M, Sitaram R, Daly JJ. Four methods of brain pattern analyses of fMRI signals associated with wrist extension versus wrist flexion studied for potential use in future motor learning BCI. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254338. [PMID: 34403422 PMCID: PMC8370644 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In stroke survivors, a treatment-resistant problem is inability to volitionally differentiate upper limb wrist extension versus flexion. When one intends to extend the wrist, the opposite occurs, wrist flexion, rendering the limb non-functional. Conventional therapeutic approaches have had limited success in achieving functional recovery of patients with chronic and severe upper extremity impairments. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) neurofeedback is an emerging strategy that has shown potential for stroke rehabilitation. There is a lack of information regarding unique blood-oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) cortical activations uniquely controlling execution of wrist extension versus uniquely controlling wrist flexion. Therefore, a first step in providing accurate neural feedback and training to the stroke survivor is to determine the feasibility of classifying (or differentiating) brain activity uniquely associated with wrist extension from that of wrist flexion, first in healthy adults. APPROACH We studied brain signal of 10 healthy adults, who performed wrist extension and wrist flexion during fMRI data acquisition. We selected four types of analyses to study the feasibility of differentiating brain signal driving wrist extension versus wrist flexion, as follows: 1) general linear model (GLM) analysis; 2) support vector machine (SVM) classification; 3) 'Winner Take All'; and 4) Relative Dominance. RESULTS With these four methods and our data, we found that few voxels were uniquely active during either wrist extension or wrist flexion. SVM resulted in only minimal classification accuracies. There was no significant difference in activation magnitude between wrist extension versus flexion; however, clusters of voxels showed extension signal > flexion signal and other clusters vice versa. Spatial patterns of activation differed among subjects. SIGNIFICANCE We encountered a number of obstacles to obtaining clear group results in healthy adults. These obstacles included the following: high variability across healthy adults in all measures studied; close proximity of uniquely active voxels to voxels that were common to both the extension and flexion movements; in general, higher magnitude of signal for the voxels common to both movements versus the magnitude of any given uniquely active voxel for one type of movement. Our results indicate that greater precision in imaging will be required to develop a truly effective method for differentiating wrist extension versus wrist flexion from fMRI data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniruddh Ravindran
- J. Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jake D. Rieke
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jose Daniel Alcantara Zapata
- J. Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Keith D. White
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Avi Matarasso
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - M. Minhal Yusufali
- J. Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Mohit Rana
- Laboratory for Brain-Machine Interfaces and Neuromodulation, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Aysegul Gunduz
- J. Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Mo Modarres
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Ranganatha Sitaram
- Laboratory for Brain-Machine Interfaces and Neuromodulation, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Department of Psychiatry and Division of Neuroscience, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Janis J. Daly
- J. Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States of America
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Choo YJ, Chang MC. Effectiveness of an ankle-foot orthosis on walking in patients with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15879. [PMID: 34354172 PMCID: PMC8342539 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95449-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the effectiveness of ankle–foot orthosis (AFO) use in improving gait biomechanical parameters such as walking speed, mobility, and kinematics in patients with stroke with gait disturbance. We searched the MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Cochrane, Embase, and Scopus databases and retrieved studies published until June 2021. Experimental and prospective studies were included that evaluated biomechanics or kinematic parameters with or without AFO in patients with stroke. We analyzed gait biomechanical parameters, including walking speed, mobility, balance, and kinematic variables, in studies involving patients with and without AFO use. The criteria of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions were used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies, and the level of evidence was evaluated using the Research Pyramid model. Funnel plot analysis and Egger’s test were performed to confirm publication bias. A total of 19 studies including 434 participants that reported on the immediate or short-term effectiveness of AFO use were included in the analysis. Significant improvements in walking speed (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.50; 95% CI 0.34–0.66; P < 0.00001; I2, 0%), cadence (SMD, 0.42; 95% CI 0.22–0.62; P < 0.0001; I2, 0%), step length (SMD, 0.41; 95% CI 0.18–0.63; P = 0.0003; I2, 2%), stride length (SMD, 0.43; 95% CI 0.15–0.71; P = 0.003; I2, 7%), Timed up-and-go test (SMD, − 0.30; 95% CI − 0.54 to − 0.07; P = 0.01; I2, 0%), functional ambulation category (FAC) score (SMD, 1.61; 95% CI 1.19–2.02; P < 0.00001; I2, 0%), ankle sagittal plane angle at initial contact (SMD, 0.66; 95% CI 0.34–0.98; P < 0.0001; I2, 0%), and knee sagittal plane angle at toe-off (SMD, 0.39; 95% CI 0.04–0.73; P = 0.03; I2, 46%) were observed when the patients wore AFOs. Stride time, body sway, and hip sagittal plane angle at toe-off were not significantly improved (p = 0.74, p = 0.07, p = 0.07, respectively). Among these results, the FAC score showed the most significant improvement, and stride time showed the lowest improvement. AFO improves walking speed, cadence, step length, and stride length, particularly in patients with stroke. AFO is considered beneficial in enhancing gait stability and ambulatory ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo Jin Choo
- Production R&D Division Advanced Interdisciplinary Team, Medical Device Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Cheol Chang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 317-1, Daemyungdong, Namku, Daegu, 705-717, Republic of Korea.
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49
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Kaushik P, Ali M, Salman M, Tabassum H, Parvez S. Harnessing the mitochondrial integrity for neuroprotection: Therapeutic role of piperine against experimental ischemic stroke. Neurochem Int 2021; 149:105138. [PMID: 34284077 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke (IS) is a rapidly increasing global burden and is associated with severe neurological decline and mortality. There is urgent requirement of the efforts, aimed to identify therapeutic strategies that are effective in clinic to promote significant recovery from IS. Studies have shown that mitochondria mediated neuroprotection can be a competent target against ischemic damage. Therefore, we examined whether mitochondrial impairment is regulated by Piperine (PIP), an alkaloid of Piper Longum, which has neuroprotective activity against ischemic brain injury. In this study, transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) surgery was performed on male Wistar rats for 90 min followed by 22.5 h of reperfusion for mimicking the IS condition. This study consisted of three groups: sham, tMCAO and tMCAO + PIP (10 mg/kg b.wt., p.o/day for 15 days), and studied for behavioral tests, infarct volume, brain pathological changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation alongwith cell survival status. PIP pre-treatment showed reduction in neurological alterations and infarct volume. In addition, PIP pre-treatment suppressed the mitochondrial dysfunction and might have anti-apoptotic potential by preventing Cytochrome c (Cyt c) release from mitochondria to cytoplasm and caspase 3 activation. It also regulates pro-apoptotic, Bax and anti-apoptotic, Bcl-2 proteins accompanied by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) positive cells in cortex region. Quantitative Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) results also showed that PIP reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory protein, interleukin-1 β (IL-1β) and enhanced cell survival by restoring the activity of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its transcription protein, cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). Taken together, PIP reduced the mitochondrial dysfunction, neurological impairment, and enhanced neuronal survival. In conclusion, our findings reinforce PIP as an effective neuroprotective agent and provide important evidence about its role as a potential target to serve as a promising therapy for treatment of IS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Kaushik
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Mubashshir Ali
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Mohd Salman
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Heena Tabassum
- Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Indian Council of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, V. Ramalingaswamy Bhawan, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Suhel Parvez
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India.
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50
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Tamburella F, Lorusso M, Tagliamonte NL, Bentivoglio F, Bigioni A, Pisotta I, Lancini M, Pasinetti S, Ghidelli M, Masciullo M, Saraceni VM, Molinari M. Load Auditory Feedback Boosts Crutch Usage in Subjects With Central Nervous System Lesions: A Pilot Study. Front Neurol 2021; 12:700472. [PMID: 34295303 PMCID: PMC8290055 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.700472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Crutches are the most common walking aids prescribed to improve mobility in subjects with central nervous system (CNS) lesions. To increase adherence to the appropriate level of crutch usage, providing load-related auditory feedback (aFB) may be a useful approach. We sensorized forearm crutches and developed a custom software to provide aFB information to both user and physical therapist (PhT). Aim: Evaluate aFB effects on load control during gait by a self-controlled case series trial. Methods: A single experimental session was conducted enrolling 12 CNS lesioned participants. Load on crutch was recorded during 10 Meter Walk Test performed with and without aFB. In both cases, crutch load data, and gait speed were recorded. Usability and satisfaction questionnaires were administered to participants and PhTs involved. Results: Reliable data were obtained from eight participants. Results showed that compared to the no FB condition, aFB yielded a significant reduction in the mean load on the crutches during gait (p = 0.001). The FB did not influence gait speed or fatigue (p > 0.05). The experience questionnaire data indicated a positive experience regarding the use of aFB from both participants' and PhTs' perspectives. Conclusion: aFB significantly improves compliance with crutch use and does not affect gait speed or fatigue by improving the load placed on crutches. The FB is perceived by users as helpful, safe, and easy to learn, and does not interfere with attention or concentration while walking. Furthermore, the PhTs consider the system to be useful, easy to learn and reliable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Tamburella
- Spinal Rehabilitation Laboratory (SPIRE Lab), Neurorehabilitation 1 Department, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Robotic Neurorehabilitation (NEUROROBOT Lab), Neurorehabilitation 1 Department, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Lorusso
- Spinal Rehabilitation Laboratory (SPIRE Lab), Neurorehabilitation 1 Department, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Robotic Neurorehabilitation (NEUROROBOT Lab), Neurorehabilitation 1 Department, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Nevio Luigi Tagliamonte
- Spinal Rehabilitation Laboratory (SPIRE Lab), Neurorehabilitation 1 Department, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Robotic Neurorehabilitation (NEUROROBOT Lab), Neurorehabilitation 1 Department, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Advanced Robotics and Human-Centered Technologies Research Unit, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bentivoglio
- Advanced Robotics and Human-Centered Technologies Research Unit, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bigioni
- Spinal Rehabilitation Laboratory (SPIRE Lab), Neurorehabilitation 1 Department, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Robotic Neurorehabilitation (NEUROROBOT Lab), Neurorehabilitation 1 Department, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Iolanda Pisotta
- Spinal Rehabilitation Laboratory (SPIRE Lab), Neurorehabilitation 1 Department, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Robotic Neurorehabilitation (NEUROROBOT Lab), Neurorehabilitation 1 Department, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Lancini
- Deptartment of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Simone Pasinetti
- Deptartment of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Ghidelli
- Deptartment of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marcella Masciullo
- Spinal Rehabilitation Laboratory (SPIRE Lab), Neurorehabilitation 1 Department, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Robotic Neurorehabilitation (NEUROROBOT Lab), Neurorehabilitation 1 Department, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Molinari
- Spinal Rehabilitation Laboratory (SPIRE Lab), Neurorehabilitation 1 Department, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Laboratory of Robotic Neurorehabilitation (NEUROROBOT Lab), Neurorehabilitation 1 Department, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
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