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Moore RT, Piitz MA, Singh N, Dukelow SP, Cluff T. The independence of impairments in proprioception and visuomotor adaptation after stroke. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2024; 21:81. [PMID: 38762552 PMCID: PMC11102216 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-024-01360-7] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proprioceptive impairments are common after stroke and are associated with worse motor recovery and poor rehabilitation outcomes. Motor learning may also be an important factor in motor recovery, and some evidence in healthy adults suggests that reduced proprioceptive function is associated with reductions in motor learning. It is unclear how impairments in proprioception and motor learning relate after stroke. Here we used robotics and a traditional clinical assessment to examine the link between impairments in proprioception after stroke and a type of motor learning known as visuomotor adaptation. METHODS We recruited participants with first-time unilateral stroke and controls matched for overall age and sex. Proprioceptive impairments in the more affected arm were assessed using robotic arm position- (APM) and movement-matching (AMM) tasks. We also assessed proprioceptive impairments using a clinical scale (Thumb Localization Test; TLT). Visuomotor adaptation was assessed using a task that systematically rotated hand cursor feedback during reaching movements (VMR). We quantified how much participants adapted to the disturbance and how many trials they took to adapt to the same levels as controls. Spearman's rho was used to examine the relationship between proprioception, assessed using robotics and the TLT, and visuomotor adaptation. Data from healthy adults were used to identify participants with stroke who were impaired in proprioception and visuomotor adaptation. The independence of impairments in proprioception and adaptation were examined using Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS Impairments in proprioception (58.3%) and adaptation (52.1%) were common in participants with stroke (n = 48; 2.10% acute, 70.8% subacute, 27.1% chronic stroke). Performance on the APM task, AMM task, and TLT scores correlated weakly with measures of visuomotor adaptation. Fisher's exact tests demonstrated that impairments in proprioception, assessed using robotics and the TLT, were independent from impairments in visuomotor adaptation in our sample. CONCLUSION Our results suggest impairments in proprioception may be independent from impairments in visuomotor adaptation after stroke. Further studies are needed to understand factors that influence the relationship between motor learning, proprioception and other rehabilitation outcomes throughout stroke recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T Moore
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Mark A Piitz
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nishita Singh
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sean P Dukelow
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Tyler Cluff
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Adar S, Demircan A, Akçin Aİ, Dündar Ü, Toktaş H, Yeşil H, Eroğlu S, Eyvaz N, Beştaş E, Köseoğlu Toksoy C. Evaluation of finger strength and spasticity in hemiplegic patients using hand-finger robotic device: A validity and reliability study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36479. [PMID: 38065919 PMCID: PMC10713106 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the validity, reliability, and clinical relevance of Amadeo hand-finger robotic rehabilitation system measurements for evaluating spasticity and strength in hemiplegic patients. In total, 161 participants (107 hemiplegic patients and 54 sex- and age-matched healthy controls) were included in this study. Spasticity was evaluated using the Modified Ashworth Scale, hand motor functions were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Hand Subscale, and hand grip and pinch strength were evaluated using the Jamar hand grip and pinch dynamometer. The Amadeo (Tyromotion) hand-finger robotic rehabilitation system was used to evaluate finger spasticity and strength of the participants. A statistically significant difference was found between the median values of the Modified Ashworth Scale (both clinical and robotic evaluation results) and the mean values of hand flexor and extensor strength measured with the robotic device in patients compared to healthy subjects (P < .01). Statistically, excellent agreement was obtained between the clinical and robotic test-retest results of the scale (P < .01) (intra-class correlation coefficient, ICC = .98-.99; ICC = .98-.99, respectively). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the clinical and robotic device results of the Modified Ashworth Scale (r = .72; P < .01). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the hand strength values measured with the robotic device, Jamar grip, pinch, and Fugl-Meyer Assessment Hand Subscale scores (P < .01) in the patient group. Hand finger spasticity and strength measurements of the Amadeo hand-finger robotic rehabilitation system were valid, reliable, and clinically correlated in stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevda Adar
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Ali Demircan
- Ataturk Vocational School of Health Services, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Ali İzzet Akçin
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Ümit Dündar
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Hasan Toktaş
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Hilal Yeşil
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Selma Eroğlu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Nuran Eyvaz
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Ersin Beştaş
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Cansu Köseoğlu Toksoy
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
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van de Ruit M, van der Velden LL, Onneweer B, Benner JL, Haarman CJW, Ribbers GM, Selles RW. System identification: a feasible, reliable and valid way to quantify upper limb motor impairments. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023; 20:67. [PMID: 37231496 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01192-x] [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: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upper limb impairments in a hemiparetic arm are clinically quantified by well-established clinical scales, known to suffer poor validity, reliability, and sensitivity. Alternatively, robotics can assess motor impairments by characterizing joint dynamics through system identification. In this study, we establish the merits of quantifying abnormal synergy, spasticity, and changes in joint viscoelasticity using system identification, evaluating (1) feasibility and quality of parametric estimates, (2) test-retest reliability, (3) differences between healthy controls and patients with upper limb impairments, and (4) construct validity. METHODS Forty-five healthy controls, twenty-nine stroke patients, and twenty cerebral palsy patients participated. Participants were seated with the affected arm immobilized in the Shoulder-Elbow-Perturbator (SEP). The SEP is a one-degree-of-freedom perturbator that enables applying torque perturbations to the elbow while providing varying amounts of weight support to the human arm. Participants performed either a 'do not intervene' or a resist task. Elbow joint admittance was quantified and used to extract elbow viscosity and stiffness. Fifty-four of the participants performed two sessions to establish the test-retest reliability of the parameters. Construct validity was assessed by correlating system identification parameters to parameters extracted using a SEP protocol that objectifies current clinical scales (Re-Arm protocol). RESULTS Feasibility was confirmed by all participants successfully completing the study protocol within ~ 25 min without reporting pain or burden. The parametric estimates were good with a variance-accounted-for of ~ 80%. A fair to excellent test-retest reliability was found ([Formula: see text]) for patients, except for elbow stiffness with full weight support ([Formula: see text]). Compared to healthy controls, patients had a higher elbow viscosity and stiffness during the 'do not intervene' task and lower viscosity and stiffness during the resist task. Construct validity was confirmed by a significant (all [Formula: see text]) but weak to moderate ([Formula: see text]) correlation with parameters from the Re-Arm protocol. CONCLUSIONS This work demonstrates that system identification is feasible and reliable for quantifying upper limb motor impairments. Validity was confirmed by differences between patients and controls and correlations with other measurements, but further work is required to optimize the experimental protocol and establish clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark van de Ruit
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628CD, Delft, The Netherlands.
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Levinia L van der Velden
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bram Onneweer
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Rijndam Rehabilitation, Westersingel 300, 3015 LJ, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joyce L Benner
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia J W Haarman
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Hankamp Rehab, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard M Ribbers
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud W Selles
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Maura RM, Rueda Parra S, Stevens RE, Weeks DL, Wolbrecht ET, Perry JC. Literature review of stroke assessment for upper-extremity physical function via EEG, EMG, kinematic, and kinetic measurements and their reliability. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023; 20:21. [PMID: 36793077 PMCID: PMC9930366 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01142-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Significant clinician training is required to mitigate the subjective nature and achieve useful reliability between measurement occasions and therapists. Previous research supports that robotic instruments can improve quantitative biomechanical assessments of the upper limb, offering reliable and more sensitive measures. Furthermore, combining kinematic and kinetic measurements with electrophysiological measurements offers new insights to unlock targeted impairment-specific therapy. This review presents common methods for analyzing biomechanical and neuromuscular data by describing their validity and reporting their reliability measures. METHODS This paper reviews literature (2000-2021) on sensor-based measures and metrics for upper-limb biomechanical and electrophysiological (neurological) assessment, which have been shown to correlate with clinical test outcomes for motor assessment. The search terms targeted robotic and passive devices developed for movement therapy. Journal and conference papers on stroke assessment metrics were selected using PRISMA guidelines. Intra-class correlation values of some of the metrics are recorded, along with model, type of agreement, and confidence intervals, when reported. RESULTS A total of 60 articles are identified. The sensor-based metrics assess various aspects of movement performance, such as smoothness, spasticity, efficiency, planning, efficacy, accuracy, coordination, range of motion, and strength. Additional metrics assess abnormal activation patterns of cortical activity and interconnections between brain regions and muscle groups; aiming to characterize differences between the population who had a stroke and the healthy population. CONCLUSION Range of motion, mean speed, mean distance, normal path length, spectral arc length, number of peaks, and task time metrics have all demonstrated good to excellent reliability, as well as provide a finer resolution compared to discrete clinical assessment tests. EEG power features for multiple frequency bands of interest, specifically the bands relating to slow and fast frequencies comparing affected and non-affected hemispheres, demonstrate good to excellent reliability for populations at various stages of stroke recovery. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the metrics missing reliability information. In the few studies combining biomechanical measures with neuroelectric signals, the multi-domain approaches demonstrated agreement with clinical assessments and provide further information during the relearning phase. Combining the reliable sensor-based metrics in the clinical assessment process will provide a more objective approach, relying less on therapist expertise. This paper suggests future work on analyzing the reliability of metrics to prevent biasedness and selecting the appropriate analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene M. Maura
- Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID USA
| | | | - Richard E. Stevens
- Engineering and Physics Department, Whitworth University, Spokane, WA USA
| | - Douglas L. Weeks
- College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA USA
| | - Eric T. Wolbrecht
- Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID USA
| | - Joel C. Perry
- Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID USA
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Guo X, Wallace R, Tan Y, Oetomo D, Klaic M, Crocher V. Technology-assisted assessment of spasticity: a systematic review. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2022; 19:138. [PMID: 36494721 PMCID: PMC9733065 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-022-01115-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spasticity is defined as "a motor disorder characterised by a velocity dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes (muscle tone) with exaggerated tendon jerks". It is a highly prevalent condition following stroke and other neurological conditions. Clinical assessment of spasticity relies predominantly on manual, non-instrumented, clinical scales. Technology based solutions have been developed in the last decades to offer more specific, sensitive and accurate alternatives but no consensus exists on these different approaches. METHOD A systematic review of literature of technology-based methods aiming at the assessment of spasticity was performed. The approaches taken in the studies were classified based on the method used as well as their outcome measures. The psychometric properties and usability of the methods and outcome measures reported were evaluated. RESULTS 124 studies were included in the analysis. 78 different outcome measures were identified, among which seven were used in more than 10 different studies each. The different methods rely on a wide range of different equipment (from robotic systems to simple goniometers) affecting their cost and usability. Studies equivalently applied to the lower and upper limbs (48% and 52%, respectively). A majority of studies applied to a stroke population (N = 79). More than half the papers did not report thoroughly the psychometric properties of the measures. Analysis identified that only 54 studies used measures specific to spasticity. Repeatability and discriminant validity were found to be of good quality in respectively 25 and 42 studies but were most often not evaluated (N = 95 and N = 78). Clinical validity was commonly assessed only against clinical scales (N = 33). Sensitivity of the measure was assessed in only three studies. CONCLUSION The development of a large diversity of assessment approaches appears to be done at the expense of their careful evaluation. Still, among the well validated approaches, the ones based on manual stretching and measuring a muscle activity reaction and the ones leveraging controlled stretches while isolating the stretch-reflex torque component appear as the two promising practical alternatives to clinical scales. These methods should be further evaluated, including on their sensitivity, to fully inform on their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinliang Guo
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XUoM and Fourier Intelligence Joint Robotics Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rebecca Wallace
- grid.416153.40000 0004 0624 1200Allied Health Department, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ying Tan
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XUoM and Fourier Intelligence Joint Robotics Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Denny Oetomo
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XUoM and Fourier Intelligence Joint Robotics Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marlena Klaic
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSchool of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vincent Crocher
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XUoM and Fourier Intelligence Joint Robotics Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Department, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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van der Velden LL, Onneweer B, Haarman CJW, Benner JL, Roebroeck ME, Ribbers GM, Selles RW. Development of a single device to quantify motor impairments of the elbow: proof of concept. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2022; 19:77. [PMID: 35864498 PMCID: PMC9306071 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-022-01050-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For patients with post-stroke upper limb impairments, the currently available clinical measurement instruments are inadequate for reliable quantification of multiple impairments, such as muscle weakness, abnormal synergy, changes in elastic joint properties and spasticity. Robotic devices to date have successfully achieved precise and accurate quantification but are often limited to the measurement of one or two impairments. Our primary aim is to develop a robotic device that can effectively quantify four main motor impairments of the elbow. Methods The robotic device, Shoulder Elbow Perturbator, is a one-degree-of-freedom device that can simultaneously manipulate the elbow joint and support the (partial) weight of the human arm. Upper limb impairments of the elbow were quantified based on four experiments on the paretic arm in ten stroke patients (mean age 65 ± 10 yrs, 9 males, post-stroke) and the non-dominant arm in 20 healthy controls (mean age 65 ± 14 yrs, 6 males). The maximum strength of elbow flexor and elbow extensor muscles was measured isometrically at 90-degree elbow flexion. The maximal active extension angle of the elbow was measured under different arm weight support levels to assess abnormal synergy. Torque resistance was analyzed during a slow (6°/s) passive elbow rotation, where the elbow moved from the maximal flexion to maximal extension angle and back, to assess elastic joint properties. The torque profile was evaluated during fast (100°/s) passive extension rotation of the elbow to estimate spasticity. Results The ten chronic stroke patients successfully completed the measurement protocol. The results showed impairment values outside the 10th and 90th percentile reference intervals of healthy controls. Individual patient profiles were determined and illustrated in a radar figure, to support clinicians in developing targeted treatment plans. Conclusion The Shoulder Elbow Perturbator can effectively quantify the four most important impairments of the elbow in stroke patients and distinguish impairment scores of patients from healthy controls. These results are promising for objective and complete quantification of motor impairments of the elbow and monitoring patient prognosis. Our newly developed Shoulder Elbow Perturbator can therefore in the future be employed to evaluate treatment effects by comparing pre- and post-treatment assessments. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12984-022-01050-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levinia Lara van der Velden
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,Rijndam Rehabilitation, Westersingel 300, 3015 LJ, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Bram Onneweer
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Rijndam Rehabilitation, Westersingel 300, 3015 LJ, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Joyce Lisanne Benner
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marij Eugenie Roebroeck
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Rijndam Rehabilitation, Westersingel 300, 3015 LJ, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard Maria Ribbers
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Rijndam Rehabilitation, Westersingel 300, 3015 LJ, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud Willem Selles
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Rijndam Rehabilitation, Westersingel 300, 3015 LJ, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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van der VELDEN LL, BENNER JL, ONNEWEER B, HAARMAN CJW, SELLES RW, RIBBERS GM, ROEBROECK ME. Reliability and Validity of a New Diagnostic Device for Quantifying Hemiparetic Arm Impairments: An Exploratory Study. J Rehabil Med 2022; 54:jrm00283. [PMID: 35362087 PMCID: PMC9131203 DOI: 10.2340/jrm.v54.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess test-retest reliability and validity of a new diagnostic device, the Shoulder Elbow Perturbator, to quantify muscle weakness, abnormal synergy, (muscle activity-related) spasticity, and changes in viscoelastic joint properties of the elbow. SUBJECTS Stroke patients, adults with cerebral palsy and healthy controls. METHODS Test-retest reliability was evaluated using intra-class correlations (ICC) and assessment of measurement error. The device's validity was evaluated by demonstrating differences between patients and healthy controls, and correlations of spasticity and abnormal synergy outcomes using the clinical Modified Tardieu Scale, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and the Test of Arm Selective Control. RESULTS Reliability was excellent, with an ICC > 0.75 for synergy and ICCs > 0.90 for all other impairments, with relatively small measurement errors. Validity was confirmed by group differences between patients and healthy controls for muscle weakness, spasticity, and viscoelastic joint properties, but not for abnormal synergy. Correlation analysis with clinical scales confirmed validity for spasticity, while, for synergy, correlations were found in the patients with stroke, but not those with cerebral palsy. CONCLUSION This new diagnostic device is a reliable and valid instrument to assess multiple upper limb impairments in patients with neurological conditions, supporting its use in clinical practice. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levinia Lara van der VELDEN
- Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rotterdam,Rijndam Rehabilitation, Rotterdam
| | - Joyce Lisanne BENNER
- Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rotterdam
| | - Bram ONNEWEER
- Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rotterdam,Rijndam Rehabilitation, Rotterdam
| | | | - Ruud Willem SELLES
- Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rotterdam,Rijndam Rehabilitation, Rotterdam,Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard Maria RIBBERS
- Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rotterdam,Rijndam Rehabilitation, Rotterdam
| | - Marij Eugenie ROEBROECK
- Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Rotterdam
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van der Velden LL, de Koff MAC, Ribbers GM, Selles RW. The diagnostic levels of evidence of instrumented devices for measuring viscoelastic joint properties and spasticity; a systematic review. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2022; 19:16. [PMID: 35148805 PMCID: PMC8832664 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-022-00996-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many diagnostic robotic devices have been developed to quantify viscoelastic properties and spasticity of patients with upper motor neuron lesions. However, in clinical practice, subjective and nonvalid clinical scales are still commonly used. To understand the limited use of diagnostic robotic devices assessing viscoelastic joint properties and spasticity in clinical practice, we evaluate the diagnostic level of evidence of studies on these devices. METHOD A systematic literature review was performed using multiple databases. Two of the authors independently screened all articles. Studies investigating human subjects diagnosed with stroke or cerebral palsy, measured with a mechanical device to assess viscoelastic joint properties and/or spasticity of an extremity. All articles were assigned a diagnostic level of evidence, which was established with a classification strategy based on the number of participants and the design of the study, from a Level 0 (less than 10 subjects) to a Level IV, reporting the long-term clinical consequences in daily care. RESULTS Fifty-nine articles were included. Most studies measured the upper limb (64%) in stroke patients (81%). The highest level of evidence found was Level IIa (53%); these studies correlated the test values of the robotic device with a clinical test or within subgroups. Level 0 (30%) and Level I (17%; determining the range of values of the robotic test) were also common. None of the studies tested their device for diagnostic accuracy (Level III), clinical added value (Level IV). CONCLUSION The diagnostic evidence needed for implementing robotic devices in clinical practice is lacking. Our findings indicate that more effort should be invested in studying diagnostic accuracy (Level III) or added value for clinical care (Level IV); only these studies can provide clinicians with evidence that robotic devices have added value above the currently-used clinical scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levinia Lara van der Velden
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,Rijndam Rehabilitation, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Gerard Maria Ribbers
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Rijndam Rehabilitation, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud Willem Selles
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Rijndam Rehabilitation, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Pugliese R, Sala R, Regondi S, Beltrami B, Lunetta C. Emerging technologies for management of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: from telehealth to assistive robotics and neural interfaces. J Neurol 2022; 269:2910-2921. [PMID: 35059816 PMCID: PMC8776511 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-10971-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease, is characterized by the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons, which leads to muscle weakness and subsequently paralysis. It begins subtly with focal weakness but spreads relentlessly to involve most muscles, thus proving to be effectively incurable. Typically, death due to respiratory paralysis occurs in 3–5 years. To date, it has been shown that the management of ALS patients is best achieved with a multidisciplinary approach, and with the help of emerging technologies ranging from multidisciplinary teleconsults (for monitoring the dysphagia, respiratory function, and nutritional status) to brain-computer interfaces and eye tracking for alternative augmentative communication, until robotics, it may increase effectiveness. The COVID-19 pandemic created a spasmodic need to accelerate the development and implementation of such technologies in clinical practice, to improve the daily lives of both ALS patients and caregivers. However, despite the remarkable strides that have been made in the field, there are still issues to be addressed. This review will be discussed on the eureka moment of emerging technologies for ALS, used as a blueprint not only for neurodegenerative diseases, examining the current technologies already in place or being evaluated, highlighting the pros and cons for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Riccardo Sala
- NeMO Lab, ASST Niguarda Cà Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Regondi
- NeMO Lab, ASST Niguarda Cà Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy
- NEuroMuscolar Omnicentre, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Christian Lunetta
- NeMO Lab, ASST Niguarda Cà Granda Hospital, Milan, Italy.
- NEuroMuscolar Omnicentre, Milan, Italy.
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Chen Y, Yu S, Cai Q, Huang S, Ma K, Zheng H, Xie L. A spasticity assessment method for voluntary movement using data fusion and machine learning. Biomed Signal Process Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bspc.2020.102353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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11
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Chen Y, Poole MC, Olesovsky SV, Champagne AA, Harrison KA, Nashed JY, Coverdale NS, Scott SH, Cook DJ. Robotic Assessment of Upper Limb Function in a Nonhuman Primate Model of Chronic Stroke. Transl Stroke Res 2021; 12:569-580. [PMID: 33393055 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-020-00859-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and survivors are frequently left with long-term disabilities that diminish their autonomy and result in the need for chronic care. There is an urgent need for the development of therapies that improve stroke recovery, as well as accurate and quantitative tools to measure function. Nonhuman primates closely resemble humans in neuroanatomy and upper limb function and may be crucial in randomized pre-clinical trials for testing the efficacy of stroke therapies. To test the feasibility of robotic assessment of motor function in a NHP model of stroke, two cynomolgus macaques were trained to perform a visually guided reaching task and were also assessed in a passive stretch task using the Kinarm robot. Strokes were then induced in these animals by transiently occluding the middle cerebral artery, and their motor performance on the same tasks was assessed after recovery. Relative to pre-stroke performance, post-stroke hand movements of the affected limb became slower and less accurate. Regression analyses revealed both recovered and compensatory movements to complete movements in different spatial directions. Lastly, we noted decreased range of motion in the elbow joint of the affected limb post-stroke associated with spasticity during passive stretch. Taken together, these studies highlight that sensorimotor deficits in reaching movements following stroke in cynomolgus macaques resemble those in human patients and validate the use of robotic assessment tools in a nonhuman primate model of stroke for identifying and characterizing such deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Chen
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Meredith C Poole
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Shelby V Olesovsky
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Allen A Champagne
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | | | - Joseph Y Nashed
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Nicole S Coverdale
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen H Scott
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Douglas J Cook
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada. .,Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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12
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Seth N, Johnson D, Allen B, Abdullah HA. Upper limb robotic assessment: Pilot study comparing velocity dependent resistance in individuals with acquired brain injury to healthy controls. J Rehabil Assist Technol Eng 2020; 7:2055668320929535. [PMID: 33329901 PMCID: PMC7720336 DOI: 10.1177/2055668320929535] [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: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Assessment of velocity dependent resistance (VDR) can provide insights into spasticity in individuals with upper motor neuron syndrome. This study investigates the relationship between Modified Ashworth scores and a biomechanical based representation of VDR using a rehabilitation robot. Comparisons in VDR are made for the upper limb (UL) between individuals with acquired brain injury and healthy controls for the para-sagittal plane. Methods The system manipulates the individual’s limb through five flexion and extension motions at increasing speeds to obtain force profiles at different velocities. An approximation of VDR is calculated and analyzed statistically against clinical scales and tested for interactions. Results All individuals (aged 18–65), including healthy controls exhibited VDR greater than 0 (P < 0.05). MAS scores were found to be related to VDR (P < 0.05) with an interaction found between MAS Bicep and Tricep scores (P < 0.01). Considering this interaction, evidence of differences in VDR were found between several neighboring assessment score combinations. Conclusion The robot can detect and quantify VDR that captures information relevant to UL spasticity. Results suggests a better categorization of VDR is possible and supports further development of rehabilitation robotics for assisting spasticity assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Seth
- College of Physical and Engineering Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | | | - Brian Allen
- College of Physical and Engineering Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Hussein A Abdullah
- College of Physical and Engineering Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
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13
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Germanotta M, Gower V, Papadopoulou D, Cruciani A, Pecchioli C, Mosca R, Speranza G, Falsini C, Cecchi F, Vannetti F, Montesano A, Galeri S, Gramatica F, Aprile I. Reliability, validity and discriminant ability of a robotic device for finger training in patients with subacute stroke. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2020; 17:1. [PMID: 31900169 PMCID: PMC6942416 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-019-0634-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The majority of stroke survivors experiences significant hand impairments, as weakness and spasticity, with a severe impact on the activity of daily living. To objectively evaluate hand deficits, quantitative measures are needed. The aim of this study is to assess the reliability, the validity and the discriminant ability of the instrumental measures provided by a robotic device for hand rehabilitation, in a sample of patients with subacute stroke. Material and methods In this study, 120 patients with stroke and 40 controls were enrolled. Clinical evaluation included finger flexion and extension strength (using the Medical Research Council, MRC), finger spasticity (using the Modified Ashworth Scale, MAS) and motor control and dexterity during ADL performance (by means of the Frenchay Arm Test, FAT). Robotic evaluations included finger flexion and extension strength, muscle tone at rest, and instrumented MAS and Modified Tardieu Scale. Subjects were evaluated twice, one day apart, to assess the test-retest reliability of the robotic measures, using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). To estimate the response stability, the standard errors of measurement and the minimum detectable change (MDC) were also calculated. Validity was assessed by analyzing the correlations between the robotic metrics and the clinical scales, using the Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient (r). Finally, we investigated the ability of the robotic measures to distinguish between patients with stroke and healthy subjects, by means of Mann-Whitney U tests. Results All the investigated measures were able to discriminate patients with stroke from healthy subjects (p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability was found to be excellent for finger strength (in both flexion and extension) and muscle tone, with ICCs higher than 0.9. MDCs were equal to 10.6 N for finger flexion, 3.4 N for finger extension, and 14.3 N for muscle tone. Conversely, test-retest reliability of the spasticity measures was poor. Finally, finger strength (in both flexion and extension) was correlated with the clinical scales (r of about 0.7 with MRC, and about 0.5 with FAT). Discussion Finger strength (in both flexion and extension) and muscle tone, as provided by a robotic device for hand rehabilitation, are reliable and sensitive measures. Moreover, finger strength is strongly correlated with clinical scales. Changes higher than the obtained MDC in these robotic measures could be considered as clinically relevant and used to assess the effect of a rehabilitation treatment in patients with subacute stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Germanotta
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via di Scandicci, 269, 50143, Florence, Italy.
| | - Valerio Gower
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Piazzale Morandi 6, 20121, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Arianna Cruciani
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Piazzale Morandi 6, 20121, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Rita Mosca
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Piazzale Morandi 6, 20121, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Speranza
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Piazzale Morandi 6, 20121, Milan, Italy
| | - Catuscia Falsini
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via di Scandicci, 269, 50143, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Cecchi
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via di Scandicci, 269, 50143, Florence, Italy
| | - Federica Vannetti
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Via di Scandicci, 269, 50143, Florence, Italy
| | - Angelo Montesano
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Piazzale Morandi 6, 20121, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Galeri
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Piazzale Morandi 6, 20121, Milan, Italy
| | - Furio Gramatica
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Piazzale Morandi 6, 20121, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Aprile
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Piazzale Morandi 6, 20121, Milan, Italy
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Gaprielian P, Scott SH, Lowrey C, Reid S, Pari G, Levy R. Integrated robotics platform with haptic control differentiates subjects with Parkinson's disease from controls and quantifies the motor effects of levodopa. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2019; 16:124. [PMID: 31655612 PMCID: PMC6815040 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-019-0598-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The use of integrated robotic technology to quantify the spectrum of motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) has the potential to facilitate objective assessment that is independent of clinical ratings. The purpose of this study is to use the KINARM exoskeleton robot to (1) differentiate subjects with PD from controls and (2) quantify the motor effects of dopamine replacement therapies (DRTs). Methods Twenty-six subjects (Hoehn and Yahr mean 2.2; disease duration 0.5 to 15 years) were evaluated OFF (after > 12 h of their last dose) and ON their DRTs with the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and the KINARM exoskeleton robot. Bilateral upper extremity bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural stability were quantified using a repetitive movement task to hit moving targets, a passive stretch task, and a torque unloading task, respectively. Performance was compared against healthy age-matched controls. Results Mean hand speed was 41% slower and 25% fewer targets were hit in subjects with PD OFF medication than in controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area for hand speed was 0.94. The torque required to stop elbow movement during the passive stretch task was 34% lower in PD subjects versus controls and resulted in an ROC area of 0.91. The torque unloading task showed a maximum displacement that was 29% shorter than controls and had an ROC area of 0.71. Laterality indices for speed and end total torque were correlated to the most affected side. Hand speed laterality index had an ROC area of 0.80 against healthy controls. DRT administration resulted in a significant reduction in a cumulative score of parameter Z-scores (a measure of global performance compared to healthy controls) in subjects with clinically effective levodopa doses. The cumulative score was also correlated to UPDRS scores for the effect of DRT. Conclusions Robotic assessment is able to objectively quantify parkinsonian symptoms of bradykinesia, rigidity and postural stability similar to the UPDRS. This integrated testing platform has the potential to aid clinicians in the management of PD and help assess the effects of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Gaprielian
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Stephen H Scott
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.,Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catherine Lowrey
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Stuart Reid
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.,Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Giovanna Pari
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ron Levy
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada. .,Department of Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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Lowrey CR, Bourke TC, Bagg SD, Dukelow SP, Scott SH. A postural unloading task to assess fast corrective responses in the upper limb following stroke. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2019; 16:16. [PMID: 30691482 PMCID: PMC6350318 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-019-0483-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Robotic technologies to measure human behavior are emerging as a new approach to assess brain function. Recently, we developed a robot-based postural Load Task to assess corrective responses to mechanical disturbances to the arm and found impairments in many participants with stroke compared to a healthy cohort (Bourke et al, J NeuroEngineering Rehabil 12: 7, 2015). However, a striking feature was the large range and skewed distribution of healthy performance. This likely reflects the use of different strategies across the healthy control sample, making it difficult to identify impairments. Here, we developed an intuitive “Unload Task”. We hypothesized this task would reduce healthy performance variability and improve the detection of impairment following stroke. Methods Performance on the Load and Unload Task in the KINARM exoskeleton robot was directly compared for healthy control (n = 107) and stroke (n = 31) participants. The goal was to keep a cursor representing the hand inside a virtual target and return “quickly and accurately” if the robot applied (or removed) an unexpected load to the arm (0.5–1.5 Nm). Several kinematic parameters quantified performance. Impairment was defined as performance outside the 95% of controls (corrected for age, sex and handedness). Task Scores were calculated using standardized parameter scores reflecting overall task performance. Results The distribution of healthy control performance was smaller and less skewed for the Unload Task compared to the Load Task. Fewer task outliers (outside 99.9 percentile for controls) were removed from the Unload Task (3.7%) compared to the Load Task (7.4%) when developing normative models of performance. Critically, more participants with stroke failed the Unload Task based on Task Score with their affected arm (68%) compared to the Load Task (23%). More impairments were found at the parameter level for the Unload (median = 52%) compared to Load Task (median = 29%). Conclusions The Unload Task provides an improved approach to assess fast corrective responses of the arm. We found that corrective responses are impaired in persons living with stroke, often equally in both arms. Impairments in generating rapid motor corrections may place individuals at greater risk of falls when they move and interact in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine R Lowrey
- Laboratory of Integrative Motor Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, 18 Stuart St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Teige C Bourke
- Laboratory of Integrative Motor Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, 18 Stuart St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.,Present Address: Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen D Bagg
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Sean P Dukelow
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Stephen H Scott
- Laboratory of Integrative Motor Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, 18 Stuart St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.,Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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16
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Simmatis L, Atallah G, Scott SH, Taylor S. The feasibility of using robotic technology to quantify sensory, motor, and cognitive impairments associated with ALS. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2019; 20:43-52. [PMID: 30688092 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2018.1550515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We used the KINARM robot to quantify impairments in cognitive and upper-limb sensorimotor performance in a cohort of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We sought to study the feasibility of using this technology for ALS research, to quantify patterns of impairments in individuals living with ALS, and elucidate correlations between robotic and traditional clinical behavioral measures. METHODS Participants completed robot-based behavioral tasks testing sensorimotor, cognitive, and proprioceptive performance. Performance on robotic tasks was normalized to a large healthy control cohort (no neurological impairments), adjusted for age. Task impairment was defined as performance outside the 95% range of controls. Traditional clinical tests included: Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). RESULTS Seventeen people with ALS were assessed. Two participants reported pain or discomfort from the robot's seat and 2 others reported discomfort from arm position during the assessment (both rectified and did not affect exam completion). Participants were able to perform the majority of the robotic tasks, although 9 participants were unable to complete 1 or more tasks. Between 20 and 69% of participants displayed sensorimotor impairments; 19 and 69% displayed cognitive task impairments; 25% displayed proprioceptive impairments. MoCA was impaired in 9/17 participants; 10/17 had impaired performance on FAB. MoCA and FAB correlated well with robot-based measures of cognition. CONCLUSION Use of robotic assessment is generally feasible for people with ALS. Individuals with ALS have sensorimotor impairments as expected, and some demonstrate substantial cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leif Simmatis
- a Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University , Kingston , Canada
| | - Ghada Atallah
- a Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University , Kingston , Canada
| | - Stephen H Scott
- a Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University , Kingston , Canada.,b Department of Medicine , Queen's University , Kingston , Canada and.,c Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences , Queen's University , Kingston , Canada
| | - Sean Taylor
- a Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University , Kingston , Canada.,b Department of Medicine , Queen's University , Kingston , Canada and
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