1
|
Millkvist H, Källströmer A, Bernspång B, Wiberg M. The impact of a soft robotic glove on activity performance and body function for brachial plexus birth injury patients-A longitudinal case series. J Hand Ther 2024:S0894-1130(24)00023-1. [PMID: 38937162 DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) can cause reduced ability to use the arm and hand in daily activities due to reduced grip strength and endurance. A soft robotic glove can increase the number of activities performed and improve activity performance for patients with neurological disease. The use of a soft robotic glove for patients with BPBI has not been studied. PURPOSE To investigate if a soft robotic glove can improve activity performance and body function for patients with BPBI. STUDY DESIGN Longitudinal Case Series. METHODS A convenience sample of patients with BPBI, treated by the Brachial plexus injury service in Umeå, Sweden were studied. Eight patients used a soft robotic glove, (Carbonhand®), at home for three months. Data on activity performance and satisfaction with activity performance, active range of motion and strength were collected at baseline, and at three and four months. A patient evaluation form was filled out at three months, all patients kept a diary for three out of 12 weeks. RESULTS Six out of eight patients wanted to continue using the device and improved their self-perception of activity performance and satisfaction with the performance due to a more secure grip, compared to when not using the device. All patients had improved maximum strength and endurance in elbow flexion at three months. The device was useful as an assisting device and as a training tool. CONCLUSION A soft robotic glove (Carbonhand) may improve activity performance and perceived satisfaction and increase the number of activities that a person with BPBI can perform in everyday life. It is possible to increase strength in elbow flexion after using such a device. Due to this limited material, more research is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena Millkvist
- Hand and Plastic Surgery Clinic, University Hospital of Umeå, Umeå, Sweden; Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Department of Community Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Anna Källströmer
- Hand and Plastic Surgery Clinic, University Hospital of Umeå, Umeå, Sweden; Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Mikael Wiberg
- Hand and Plastic Surgery Clinic, University Hospital of Umeå, Umeå, Sweden; Department of Diagnostics and Intervention, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li Y, Lian Y, Chen X, Zhang H, Xu G, Duan H, Xie X, Li Z. Effect of task-oriented training assisted by force feedback hand rehabilitation robot on finger grasping function in stroke patients with hemiplegia: a randomised controlled trial. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2024; 21:77. [PMID: 38745227 PMCID: PMC11092254 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-024-01372-3] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 80% of patients with stroke experience finger grasping dysfunction, affecting independence in activities of daily living and quality of life. In routine training, task-oriented training is usually used for functional hand training, which may improve finger grasping performance after stroke, while augmented therapy may lead to a better treatment outcome. As a new technology-supported training, the hand rehabilitation robot provides opportunities to improve the therapeutic effect by increasing the training intensity. However, most hand rehabilitation robots commonly applied in clinics are based on a passive training mode and lack the sensory feedback function of fingers, which is not conducive to patients completing more accurate grasping movements. A force feedback hand rehabilitation robot can compensate for these defects. However, its clinical efficacy in patients with stroke remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and added value of a force feedback hand rehabilitation robot combined with task-oriented training in stroke patients with hemiplegia. METHODS In this single-blinded randomised controlled trial, 44 stroke patients with hemiplegia were randomly divided into experimental (n = 22) and control (n = 22) groups. Both groups received 40 min/day of conventional upper limb rehabilitation training. The experimental group received 20 min/day of task-oriented training assisted by a force feedback rehabilitation robot, and the control group received 20 min/day of task-oriented training assisted by therapists. Training was provided for 4 weeks, 5 times/week. The Fugl-Meyer motor function assessment of the hand part (FMA-Hand), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), grip strength, Modified Ashworth scale (MAS), range of motion (ROM), Brunnstrom recovery stages of the hand (BRS-H), and Barthel index (BI) were used to evaluate the effect of two groups before and after treatment. RESULTS Intra-group comparison: In both groups, the FMA-Hand, ARAT, grip strength, AROM, BRS-H, and BI scores after 4 weeks of treatment were significantly higher than those before treatment (p < 0.05), whereas there was no significant difference in finger flexor MAS scores before and after treatment (p > 0.05). Inter-group comparison: After 4 weeks of treatment, the experimental group's FMA-Hand total score, ARAT, grip strength, and AROM were significantly better than those of the control group (p < 0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the scores of each sub-item of the FMA-Hand after Bonferroni correction (p > 0.007). In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in MAS, BRS-H, and BI scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Hand performance improved in patients with stroke after 4 weeks of task-oriented training. The use of a force feedback hand rehabilitation robot to support task-oriented training showed additional value over conventional task-oriented training in stroke patients with hand dysfunction. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION NCT05841108.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinghua Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yawen Lian
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guoxing Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Haoyang Duan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xixi Xie
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhenlan Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Duanmu D, Li X, Huang W, Hu Y. Soft Finger Rehabilitation Exoskeleton of Biomimetic Dragonfly Abdominal Ventral Muscles: Center Tendon Pneumatic Bellows Actuator. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:614. [PMID: 38132552 PMCID: PMC10741396 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8080614] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of soft robotics owes much to the field of biomimetics, where soft actuators predominantly mimic the movement found in nature. In contrast to their rigid counterparts, soft robots offer superior safety and human-machine interaction comfort, particularly in medical applications. However, when it comes to the hand rehabilitation exoskeletons, the soft devices have been limited by size and material constraints, unable to provide sufficient tensile strength for patients with high muscle tension. In this paper, we drew inspiration from the muscle structure found in the tail of dragonflies and designed a novel central tendon-based bellows actuator. The experimental results demonstrated that the central tendon-based bellows actuator significantly outperforms conventional pneumatic bellows actuators in terms of mechanical output. The tensile strength of the central tendon-based bellows actuator exceeded that of pneumatic actuators more than tenfold, while adding only 2 g to the wearable weight. This finding suggests that the central tendon-based bellows actuator is exceptionally well-suited for applications demanding substantial pulling force, such as in the field of exoskeleton robotics. With tensile strength exceeding that of pneumatic bellows actuators, this biomimetic design opens new avenues for safer and more effective human-machine interaction, revolutionizing various sectors from healthcare to industrial automation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dehao Duanmu
- Orthopedics Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Orthopedics Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Zhanjiang 524002, China
| | - Yong Hu
- Orthopedics Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Zhanjiang 524002, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bertels N, Seelen H, Dembele J, Spooren A. Essential training variables of arm-hand training in people with cervical spinal cord injury: a systematic review. J Rehabil Med 2023; 55:jrm7147. [PMID: 37930130 PMCID: PMC10642344 DOI: 10.2340/jrm.v55.7147] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify and evaluate 3 training variables of motor training programmes involving people with a cervical spinal cord injury: i.e. motor training strategies, therapy dosage, and persons' motivation for arm-hand functioning in subacute and chronic phases. METHODS PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, EMBASE, and DARE databases were searched for active arm-hand motor training programmes. Two independent reviewers assessed methodological quality. Pre-post effect sizes were calculated using Hedge's g, and mean effect sizes were calculated to compare outcomes on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health levels of function and activity. RESULTS Twelve training programmes integrated mainly skill training alone or combined with strength and/or endurance training. Task-oriented training components included: multiple movement planes, functional movements, clear functional goals, and bimanual practice. Training duration of 8 weeks was common. Quantitative analyses of 8 training programmes showed an overall small effect (0.34) on function level and an overall moderate effect (0.55) on activity level. In depth-analysis of activity level showed moderate effects of skill training only (0.55) or combined with strength and endurance training (0.53). Moderate effects (0.53-0.60) were found for integrating functional movements, clear functional goals, real-life object manipulation, multiple movement planes, total skill practice, context-specific environment, exercise variety, and bimanual practice. Training of minimum 8 weeks showed a moderate effect (0.60-0.69). CONCLUSION Based on limited studies, arm-hand functioning aiming to improve activity level can be improved using skill training with at least 8 task-oriented training components, additional strength and endurance training, with a minimum training duration of 8 weeks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nele Bertels
- Rehabilitation Research Center REVAL, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Henk Seelen
- Adelante Centre of Expertise in Rehabilitation and Audiology, Hoensbroek, Netherlands; Maastricht University, Research School CAPHRI, dept. of Rehabilitation Medicine, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Justine Dembele
- Rehabilitation Research Center REVAL, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annemie Spooren
- Rehabilitation Research Center REVAL, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Arntz A, Weber F, Handgraaf M, Lällä K, Korniloff K, Murtonen KP, Chichaeva J, Kidritsch A, Heller M, Sakellari E, Athanasopoulou C, Lagiou A, Tzonichaki I, Salinas-Bueno I, Martínez-Bueso P, Velasco-Roldán O, Schulz RJ, Grüneberg C. Technologies in Home-Based Digital Rehabilitation: Scoping Review. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2023; 10:e43615. [PMID: 37253381 PMCID: PMC10415951 DOI: 10.2196/43615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to growing pressure on the health care system, a shift in rehabilitation to home settings is essential. However, efficient support for home-based rehabilitation is lacking. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges and has affected individuals and health care professionals during rehabilitation. Digital rehabilitation (DR) could support home-based rehabilitation. To develop and implement DR solutions that meet clients' needs and ease the growing pressure on the health care system, it is necessary to provide an overview of existing, relevant, and future solutions shaping the constantly evolving market of technologies for home-based DR. OBJECTIVE In this scoping review, we aimed to identify digital technologies for home-based DR, predict new or emerging DR trends, and report on the influences of the COVID-19 pandemic on DR. METHODS The scoping review followed the framework of Arksey and O'Malley, with improvements made by Levac et al. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library. The search spanned January 2015 to January 2022. A bibliometric analysis was performed to provide an overview of the included references, and a co-occurrence analysis identified the technologies for home-based DR. A full-text analysis of all included reviews filtered the trends for home-based DR. A gray literature search supplemented the results of the review analysis and revealed the influences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of DR. RESULTS A total of 2437 records were included in the bibliometric analysis and 95 in the full-text analysis, and 40 records were included as a result of the gray literature search. Sensors, robotic devices, gamification, virtual and augmented reality, and digital and mobile apps are already used in home-based DR; however, artificial intelligence and machine learning, exoskeletons, and digital and mobile apps represent new and emerging trends. Advantages and disadvantages were displayed for all technologies. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased use of digital technologies as remote approaches but has not led to the development of new technologies. CONCLUSIONS Multiple tools are available and implemented for home-based DR; however, some technologies face limitations in the application of home-based rehabilitation. However, artificial intelligence and machine learning could be instrumental in redesigning rehabilitation and addressing future challenges of the health care system, and the rehabilitation sector in particular. The results show the need for feasible and effective approaches to implement DR that meet clients' needs and adhere to framework conditions, regardless of exceptional situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Arntz
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Applied Health Sciences, University of Applied Health Sciences Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Franziska Weber
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Applied Health Sciences, University of Applied Health Sciences Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Science & Sports, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marietta Handgraaf
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Applied Health Sciences, University of Applied Health Sciences Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kaisa Lällä
- Institute of Rehabilitation, Jamk University of Applied Sciences, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Katariina Korniloff
- Institute of Rehabilitation, Jamk University of Applied Sciences, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Kari-Pekka Murtonen
- Institute of Rehabilitation, Jamk University of Applied Sciences, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Julija Chichaeva
- Institute of Rehabilitation, Jamk University of Applied Sciences, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Anita Kidritsch
- Institute of Health Sciences, St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, St. Pölten, Austria
| | - Mario Heller
- Department of Media & Digital Technologies, St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, St. Pölten, Austria
| | - Evanthia Sakellari
- Department of Public and Community Health, Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Areti Lagiou
- Department of Public and Community Health, Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Tzonichaki
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Iosune Salinas-Bueno
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Pau Martínez-Bueso
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Olga Velasco-Roldán
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | | | - Christian Grüneberg
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Applied Health Sciences, University of Applied Health Sciences Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bates M, Sunderam S. Hand-worn devices for assessment and rehabilitation of motor function and their potential use in BCI protocols: a review. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1121481. [PMID: 37484920 PMCID: PMC10357516 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1121481] [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: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Various neurological conditions can impair hand function. Affected individuals cannot fully participate in activities of daily living due to the lack of fine motor control. Neurorehabilitation emphasizes repetitive movement and subjective clinical assessments that require clinical experience to administer. Methods Here, we perform a review of literature focused on the use of hand-worn devices for rehabilitation and assessment of hand function. We paid particular attention to protocols that involve brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) since BCIs are gaining ground as a means for detecting volitional signals as the basis for interactive motor training protocols to augment recovery. All devices reviewed either monitor, assist, stimulate, or support hand and finger movement. Results A majority of studies reviewed here test or validate devices through clinical trials, especially for stroke. Even though sensor gloves are the most commonly employed type of device in this domain, they have certain limitations. Many such gloves use bend or inertial sensors to monitor the movement of individual digits, but few monitor both movement and applied pressure. The use of such devices in BCI protocols is also uncommon. Discussion We conclude that hand-worn devices that monitor both flexion and grip will benefit both clinical diagnostic assessment of function during treatment and closed-loop BCI protocols aimed at rehabilitation.
Collapse
|
7
|
Bressi F, Cricenti L, Bravi M, Pannunzio F, Cordella F, Lapresa M, Miccinilli S, Santacaterina F, Zollo L, Sterzi S, Campagnola B. Treatment of the Paretic Hand with a Robotic Glove Combined with Physiotherapy in a Patient Suffering from Traumatic Tetraparesis: A Case Report. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:3484. [PMID: 37050544 PMCID: PMC10099243 DOI: 10.3390/s23073484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND cervical spinal cord injury leads to loss of upper limb functionality, which causes a decrease in autonomy to perform activities of daily living. The use of robotic technologies in rehabilitation could contribute to improving upper limb functionality and treatment quality. This case report aims to describe the potential of robotic hand treatment with Gloreha Sinfonia, in combination with conventional rehabilitation, in a tetraparetic patient. MATERIAL fifteen rehabilitative sessions were performed. Evaluations were conducted pre-treatment (T0), post-treatment (T1), and at two-months follow-up (T2) based on: the upper-limb range of motion and force assessment, the FMA-UE, the 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), and the DASH questionnaire. A virtual reality game-based rating system was used to evaluate the force control and modulation ability. RESULTS the patient reported greater ability to use hands with less compensation at T1 and T2 assessments. Improvements in clinical scales were reported in both hands at T1, however, at T2 only did the dominant hand show further improvement. Improved grip strength control and modulation ability were reported for T1. However a worsening was found in both hands at T2, significant only for the non-dominant hand. The maximum force exerted increased from T0 to T2 in both hands. CONCLUSION hand treatment combining physical therapy and Gloreha Sinfonia seems to have benefits in functionality and dexterity in tetraparetic patient in the short term. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings, to verify long-term results, and to identify the most appropriate modalities of robotic rehabilitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Bressi
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Polyclinic Foundation of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Cricenti
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Polyclinic Foundation of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Bravi
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Polyclinic Foundation of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico”, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Pannunzio
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Polyclinic Foundation of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Cordella
- Unit of Advanced Robotics and Human-Centred Technologies, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Lapresa
- Unit of Advanced Robotics and Human-Centred Technologies, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Miccinilli
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Polyclinic Foundation of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Santacaterina
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Polyclinic Foundation of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Zollo
- Unit of Advanced Robotics and Human-Centred Technologies, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Sterzi
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Polyclinic Foundation of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Campagnola
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Polyclinic Foundation of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Angerhöfer C, Vermehren M, Colucci A, Nann M, Koßmehl P, Niedeggen A, Kim WS, Chang WK, Paik NJ, Hömberg V, Soekadar SR. The Berlin Bimanual Test for Tetraplegia (BeBiTT): development, psychometric properties, and sensitivity to change in assistive hand exoskeleton application. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023; 20:17. [PMID: 36707885 PMCID: PMC9881328 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01137-4] [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: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assistive hand exoskeletons are promising tools to restore hand function after cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) but assessing their specific impact on bimanual hand and arm function is limited due to lack of reliable and valid clinical tests. Here, we introduce the Berlin Bimanual Test for Tetraplegia (BeBiTT) and demonstrate its psychometric properties and sensitivity to assistive hand exoskeleton-related improvements in bimanual task performance. METHODS Fourteen study participants with subacute cervical SCI performed the BeBiTT unassisted (baseline). Thereafter, participants repeated the BeBiTT while wearing a brain/neural hand exoskeleton (B/NHE) (intervention). Online control of the B/NHE was established via a hybrid sensorimotor rhythm-based brain-computer interface (BCI) translating electroencephalographic (EEG) and electrooculographic (EOG) signals into open/close commands. For reliability assessment, BeBiTT scores were obtained by four independent observers. Besides internal consistency analysis, construct validity was assessed by correlating baseline BeBiTT scores with the Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM III) and Quadriplegia Index of Function (QIF). Sensitivity to differences in bimanual task performance was assessed with a bootstrapped paired t-test. RESULTS The BeBiTT showed excellent interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.9) and internal consistency (α = 0.91). Validity of the BeBiTT was evidenced by strong correlations between BeBiTT scores and SCIM III as well as QIF. Wearing a B/NHE (intervention) improved the BeBiTT score significantly (p < 0.05) with high effect size (d = 1.063), documenting high sensitivity to intervention-related differences in bimanual task performance. CONCLUSION The BeBiTT is a reliable and valid test for evaluating bimanual task performance in persons with tetraplegia, suitable to assess the impact of assistive hand exoskeletons on bimanual function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius Angerhöfer
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Clinical Neurotechnology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Neurowissenschaftliches Forschungszentrum (NWFZ), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité Campus Mitte (CCM), Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mareike Vermehren
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Clinical Neurotechnology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Neurowissenschaftliches Forschungszentrum (NWFZ), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité Campus Mitte (CCM), Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Annalisa Colucci
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Clinical Neurotechnology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Neurowissenschaftliches Forschungszentrum (NWFZ), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité Campus Mitte (CCM), Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marius Nann
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Clinical Neurotechnology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Neurowissenschaftliches Forschungszentrum (NWFZ), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité Campus Mitte (CCM), Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Koßmehl
- Kliniken Beelitz GmbH, Paracelsusring 6A, Beelitz-Heilstätten, 14547 Beelitz, Germany
| | - Andreas Niedeggen
- Kliniken Beelitz GmbH, Paracelsusring 6A, Beelitz-Heilstätten, 14547 Beelitz, Germany
| | - Won-Seok Kim
- grid.412480.b0000 0004 0647 3378Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82, Gumi-ro 173 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-do 13620 Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Kee Chang
- grid.412480.b0000 0004 0647 3378Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82, Gumi-ro 173 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-do 13620 Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Jong Paik
- grid.412480.b0000 0004 0647 3378Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82, Gumi-ro 173 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Gyeonggi-do 13620 Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Volker Hömberg
- SRH Gesundheitszentrum Bad Wimpfen GmbH, Bad Wimpfen, Germany
| | - Surjo R. Soekadar
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Clinical Neurotechnology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Neurowissenschaftliches Forschungszentrum (NWFZ), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charité Campus Mitte (CCM), Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Occupational therapy using a robotic-assisted glove ameliorates finger dexterity and modulates functional connectivity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Clin Neurosci 2023; 107:144-149. [PMID: 36411175 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although rehabilitation is recommended for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), improvement of functional decline has hardly been achieved. We investigated the effect of occupational therapy that uses a robotic-assisted glove (RAG) on hand dexterity and the functional connectivities found in the brain of ALS patients. METHOD Ten patients diagnosed with ALS and admitted to the Shiga University of Medical Science (SUMS) Hospital from December 2018 to December 2021 participated in the study. These participants chose the hand side to wear RAG and exercised for two weeks. A sham movement was performed on the other side. We administered several functional assessments, including the Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function (STEF), grip strength, pinch meter for grip strength, Canadian occupational performance measure (COPM), as well as nerve conduction study (NCS) before and after the exercise, and evaluated the results. We also analyzed six patients' resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). RESULTS Two-week robotic rehabilitation improved the STEF, grip strength, and COPM scores when compared with those of the other side. However, no significant effect was observed in the pinch meter and the NCS results. The rs-fMRI data analysis revealed that the robotic rehabilitation augmented two functional connectivities between the left pallidum-right supplementary motor cortex and right insular cortex-right sensorimotor network among the patients, which had beneficial effects. CONCLUSION The occupational therapy using RAG displayed improved hand dexterity. The enhanced functional connectivities around the sensorimotor network might be associated with the improvement in hand dexterity because of the RAG.
Collapse
|
10
|
Mayer TA, Harsch AK, Koska D, Hensel-Unger R, Maiwald C. Effects of an active hand exoskeleton on forearm muscle activity in industrial assembly grips. Work 2022; 72:1577-1591. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-211272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Bioservo Ironhand® is a commercially available active hand exoskeleton for reducing grip-induced stress. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed at quantifying the effect of the Ironhand® exoskeleton on the myoelectric muscle activity of forearm flexor and extensor muscles in three relevant assembly grip tasks: 2-Finger-grip (2Finger), 5-Finger-grip (5Finger) and Full grip (FullGrip). METHODS: Twenty-two subjects were tested in three different exoskeleton conditions for each grip task (overall 3×3×10 = 90 repetitions in randomized order): Exoskeleton off (Off), Exoskeleton on, “locking tendency” 0% (On_LT0), and Exoskeleton on, “locking tendency” 85% (On_LT85). Muscle activity was measured at 25% of the participant’s maximum grip force using two EMG sensors at the M. flexor digitorum superficialis (M.FDS) and one at the M. extensor digitorum (M.ED). RESULTS: The effect of the Ironhand® exoskeleton varied depending on the grip task and the participant’s sex. A statistically significant reduction in muscle activity of the M.FDS was found only for male subjects in the FullGrip condition. No reduction of muscular activity in the M.FDS was found for the other grip tasks (2Finger, 5Finger). For the females in the 2Finger condition, mean muscle activity of M.FDS even increased significantly in On_LT0 compared to Off. Besides differences between grip tasks and sex, the current study revealed substantial individual differences. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to testing for statistical significance, a detailed exploratory analysis of exoskeleton effects at subject level should be performed to evaluate these from a safety and regulatory perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias A. Mayer
- Professorship of Research Methodology and Data Analysis in Biomechanics, Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Harsch
- Professorship of Research Methodology and Data Analysis in Biomechanics, Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Daniel Koska
- Professorship of Research Methodology and Data Analysis in Biomechanics, Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| | | | - Christian Maiwald
- Professorship of Research Methodology and Data Analysis in Biomechanics, Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cardoso LRL, Bochkezanian V, Forner-Cordero A, Melendez-Calderon A, Bo APL. Soft robotics and functional electrical stimulation advances for restoring hand function in people with SCI: a narrative review, clinical guidelines and future directions. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2022; 19:66. [PMID: 35773733 PMCID: PMC9245887 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-022-01043-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recovery of hand function is crucial for the independence of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Wearable devices based on soft robotics (SR) or functional electrical stimulation (FES) have been employed to assist the recovery of hand function both during activities of daily living (ADLs) and during therapy. However, the implementation of these wearable devices has not been compiled in a review focusing on the functional outcomes they can activate/elicit/stimulate/potentiate. This narrative review aims at providing a guide both for engineers to help in the development of new technologies and for clinicians to serve as clinical guidelines based on the available technology in order to assist and/or recover hand function in people with SCI. Methods A literature search was performed in Scopus, Pubmed and IEEE Xplore for articles involving SR devices or FES systems designed for hand therapy or assistance, published since 2010. Only studies that reported functional outcomes from individuals with SCI were selected. The final collections of both groups (SR and FES) were analysed based on the technical aspects and reported functional outcomes. Results A total of 37 out of 1101 articles were selected, 12 regarding SR and 25 involving FES devices. Most studies were limited to research prototypes, designed either for assistance or therapy. From an engineering perspective, technological improvements for home-based use such as portability, donning/doffing and the time spent with calibration were identified. From the clinician point of view, the most suitable technical features (e.g., user intent detection) and assessment tools should be determined according to the particular patient condition. A wide range of functional assessment tests were adopted, moreover, most studies used non-standardized tests. Conclusion SR and FES wearable devices are promising technologies to support hand function recovery in subjects with SCI. Technical improvements in aspects such as the user intent detection, portability or calibration as well as consistent assessment of functional outcomes were the main identified limitations. These limitations seem to be be preventing the translation into clinical practice of these technological devices created in the laboratory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas R L Cardoso
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Vanesa Bochkezanian
- College of Health Sciences, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, North Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Arturo Forner-Cordero
- Biomechatronics Laboratory, Escola Politecnica, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alejandro Melendez-Calderon
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Jamieson Trauma Institute, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Antonio P L Bo
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Senk S, Ulbricht M, Tsokalo I, Rischke J, Li SC, Speidel S, Nguyen GT, Seeling P, Fitzek FHP. Healing Hands: The Tactile Internet in Future Tele-Healthcare. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22041404. [PMID: 35214306 PMCID: PMC8963047 DOI: 10.3390/s22041404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In the early 2020s, the coronavirus pandemic brought the notion of remotely connected care to the general population across the globe. Oftentimes, the timely provisioning of access to and the implementation of affordable care are drivers behind tele-healthcare initiatives. Tele-healthcare has already garnered significant momentum in research and implementations in the years preceding the worldwide challenge of 2020, supported by the emerging capabilities of communication networks. The Tactile Internet (TI) with human-in-the-loop is one of those developments, leading to the democratization of skills and expertise that will significantly impact the long-term developments of the provisioning of care. However, significant challenges remain that require today’s communication networks to adapt to support the ultra-low latency required. The resulting latency challenge necessitates trans-disciplinary research efforts combining psychophysiological as well as technological solutions to achieve one millisecond and below round-trip times. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the benefits enabled by solving this network latency reduction challenge by employing state-of-the-art Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) devices in a testbed, realizing the service differentiation required for the multi-modal human-machine interface. With completely new types of services and use cases resulting from the TI, we describe the potential impacts on remote surgery and remote rehabilitation as examples, with a focus on the future of tele-healthcare in rural settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Senk
- Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (CeTI), Technische Universität Dresden, Deutsche Telekom Chair of Communication Network, 01062 Dresden, Germany; (S.S.); (M.U.); (J.R.); (F.H.P.F.)
| | - Marian Ulbricht
- Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (CeTI), Technische Universität Dresden, Deutsche Telekom Chair of Communication Network, 01062 Dresden, Germany; (S.S.); (M.U.); (J.R.); (F.H.P.F.)
| | | | - Justus Rischke
- Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (CeTI), Technische Universität Dresden, Deutsche Telekom Chair of Communication Network, 01062 Dresden, Germany; (S.S.); (M.U.); (J.R.); (F.H.P.F.)
| | - Shu-Chen Li
- Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (CeTI), Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Stefanie Speidel
- Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (CeTI), National Center for Tumor Diseases, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Giang T. Nguyen
- Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (CeTI), Technische Universität Dresden, Chair of Haptic Communication Systems, 01062 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Patrick Seeling
- Department of Computer Science, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Frank H. P. Fitzek
- Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (CeTI), Technische Universität Dresden, Deutsche Telekom Chair of Communication Network, 01062 Dresden, Germany; (S.S.); (M.U.); (J.R.); (F.H.P.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Boerger TF, Hyngstrom AS, Furlan JC, Kalsi-Ryan S, Curt A, Kwon BK, Kurpad SN, Fehlings MG, Harrop JS, Aarabi B, Rahimi-Movaghar V, Guest JD, Wilson JR, Davies BM, Kotter MRN, Koljonen PA. Developing Peri-Operative Rehabilitation in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy [AO Spine RECODE-DCM Research Priority Number 6]: An Unexplored Opportunity? Global Spine J 2022; 12:97S-108S. [PMID: 35174735 PMCID: PMC8859699 DOI: 10.1177/21925682211050925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Narrative review. OBJECTIVE Degenerative cervical myelopathy is one of the most frequent impairments of the spinal cord encountered internationally in adults. Currently, surgical decompression is the recommended treatment for people with DCM (PwCM) presenting with moderate to severe symptoms or neurological deficits. However, despite surgical intervention, not all patients make a complete recovery due to the irreversible tissue damage within the spinal cord. The objective of this review is to describe the state and gaps in the current literature on rehabilitation for PwCM and possible innovative rehabilitation strategies. METHODS Literature search. RESULTS In other neurological disorders such as stroke and acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), timely and strategic rehabilitation has been shown to be indispensable for maximizing functional outcomes, and it is imperative that appropriate perioperative rehabilitative interventions accompany surgical approaches in order to enable the best outcomes. In this review, the current state of knowledge regarding rehabilitation for PwCM is described. Additionally, various therapies that have shown to improve outcomes in comparable neurological conditions such as stroke and SCI which may be translated to DCM will be reviewed. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that locomotor training and arm/hand therapy may benefit PwCM. Further, we conclude that body weight support, robotic assistance, and virtual/augmented reality therapies may be beneficial therapeutic analogs to locomotor and hand therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy F. Boerger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Julio C. Furlan
- KITE Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sukhvinder Kalsi-Ryan
- KITE Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Armin Curt
- University Spine Center, Balgrist University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Brian K. Kwon
- Department of Orthopedics, Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shekar N. Kurpad
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James S. Harrop
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bizhan Aarabi
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - James D. Guest
- Department of Neurosurgery and The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, The Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jefferson R. Wilson
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Paul A. Koljonen
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Morone G, de Sire A, Martino Cinnera A, Paci M, Perrero L, Invernizzi M, Lippi L, Agostini M, Aprile I, Casanova E, Marino D, La Rosa G, Bressi F, Sterzi S, Giansanti D, Battistini A, Miccinilli S, Filoni S, Sicari M, Petrozzino S, Solaro CM, Gargano S, Benanti P, Boldrini P, Bonaiuti D, Castelli E, Draicchio F, Falabella V, Galeri S, Gimigliano F, Grigioni M, Mazzoleni S, Mazzon S, Molteni F, Petrarca M, Picelli A, Gandolfi M, Posteraro F, Senatore M, Turchetti G, Straudi S. Upper Limb Robotic Rehabilitation for Patients with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Comprehensive Review. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11121630. [PMID: 34942935 PMCID: PMC8699455 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11121630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The upper extremities limitation represents one of the essential functional impairments in patients with cervical spinal cord injury. Electromechanics assisted devices and robots are increasingly used in neurorehabilitation to help functional improvement in patients with neurological diseases. This review aimed to systematically report the evidence-based, state-of-art on clinical applications and robotic-assisted arm training (RAT) in motor and functional recovery in subjects affected by cervical spinal cord injury. The present study has been carried out within the framework of the Italian Consensus Conference on “Rehabilitation assisted by robotic and electromechanical devices for persons with disability of neurological origin” (CICERONE). PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) databases were systematically searched from inception to September 2021. The 10-item PEDro scale assessed the study quality for the RCT and the AMSTAR-2 for the systematic review. Two different authors rated the studies included in this review. If consensus was not achieved after discussion, a third reviewer was interrogated. The five-item Oxford CEBM scale was used to rate the level of evidence. A total of 11 studies were included. The selected studies were: two systematic reviews, two RCTs, one parallel-group controlled trial, one longitudinal intervention study and five case series. One RCT was scored as a high-quality study, while the systematic review was of low quality. RAT was reported as feasible and safe. Initial positive effects of RAT were found for arm function and quality of movement in addition to conventional therapy. The high clinical heterogeneity of treatment programs and the variety of robot devices could severely affect the generalizability of the study results. Therefore, future studies are warranted to standardize the type of intervention and evaluate the role of robotic-assisted training in subjects affected by cervical spinal cord injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Morone
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (G.M.); (A.d.S.); Tel.: +39-0651501005 (G.M.); +39-0961712819 (A.d.S.)
| | - Alessandro de Sire
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.M.); (A.d.S.); Tel.: +39-0651501005 (G.M.); +39-0961712819 (A.d.S.)
| | | | - Matteo Paci
- AUSL (Unique Sanitary Local Company), 50123 Florence, Italy;
| | - Luca Perrero
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15121 Alessandria, Italy;
| | - Marco Invernizzi
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont “A. Avogadro”, 10121 Novara, Italy; (M.I.); (L.L.)
- Translational Medicine, Dipartimento Attività Integrate Ricerca e Innovazione (DAIRI), Azienda Ospedaliera Nazionale SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Lippi
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont “A. Avogadro”, 10121 Novara, Italy; (M.I.); (L.L.)
| | - Michela Agostini
- Section of Rehabilitation, Department of Neuroscience, University General Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Irene Aprile
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, 50123 Florence, Italy;
| | - Emanuela Casanova
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Medicina Riabilitativa e Neuroriabilitazione, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (E.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Dario Marino
- IRCCS Neurolysis Center “Bonino Pulejo”, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe La Rosa
- C.S.R.—Consorzio Siciliano di Riabilitazione, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Federica Bressi
- Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital, University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (S.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Silvia Sterzi
- Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital, University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (S.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Daniele Giansanti
- National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Alberto Battistini
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Medicina Riabilitativa e Neuroriabilitazione, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (E.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Sandra Miccinilli
- Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital, University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (S.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Serena Filoni
- Padre Pio Foundation and Rehabilitation Center, San Giovanni Rotondo 71013, Italy;
| | - Monica Sicari
- A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (M.S.); (S.P.)
| | - Salvatore Petrozzino
- A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (M.S.); (S.P.)
| | | | | | - Paolo Benanti
- Department of Moral Theology, Pontifical Gregorian University, 00187 Rome, Italy;
| | - Paolo Boldrini
- Società Italiana di Medicina Fisica e Riabilitativa (SIMFER), 00198 Rome, Italy; (P.B.); (D.B.)
| | - Donatella Bonaiuti
- Società Italiana di Medicina Fisica e Riabilitativa (SIMFER), 00198 Rome, Italy; (P.B.); (D.B.)
| | - Enrico Castelli
- Paediatric Neurorehabilitation Department, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00163 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Draicchio
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL, Monte Porzio Catone, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Falabella
- Italian Federation of Persons with Spinal Cord Injuries (Faip Onlus), 00195 Rome, Italy;
| | - Silvia Galeri
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, 20148 Milan, Italy;
| | - Francesca Gimigliano
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medicine for Surgery and Orthodontics, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Mauro Grigioni
- National Center for Innovative Technologies in Public Health, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (D.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Stefano Mazzoleni
- Department of Electrical and Information Engineering, Politecnico di Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Stefano Mazzon
- AULSS6 (Unique Sanitary Local Company) Euganea Padova, Rehabilitation Department, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Franco Molteni
- Villa Beretta Rehabilitation Center, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Valduce Hospital, 23845 Costa Masnaga, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Petrarca
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory MARlab, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00163 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Picelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy; (A.P.); (M.G.)
| | - Marialuisa Gandolfi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy; (A.P.); (M.G.)
| | - Federico Posteraro
- Rehabilitation Department Versilia Hospital, Versilia Hospital AUSL Toscana Nord Ovest, 55049 Lido di Camaiore, Italy;
| | - Michele Senatore
- AITO (Associazione Italiana Terapisti Occupazionali), 00136 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Turchetti
- Management Institute, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, 56127 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Sofia Straudi
- Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Department, Ferrara University Hospital, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yang F, Guo X. Research on Rehabilitation Effect Prediction for Patients with SCI Based on Machine Learning. World Neurosurg 2021; 158:e662-e674. [PMID: 34793992 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Due to the complex condition of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) patients, it is difficult to accurately calculate the Activity of Daily Living (ADL) score of discharged patients. In view of the above problem, this research proposes a prediction model of discharged ADL score based on machine learning, in order to get the rehabilitation effect of patients after rehabilitation training. METHODS Firstly, the medical records of 1231 SCI patients were collected, and the corresponding data preprocessing was carried out. Secondly, Pearson Correlation Coefficient method (PCC) was combined with feature selection method based on Random Forest (RF) to screen out six features closely related to discharged ADL score. Then RF and RF optimized by Harris Hawks Optimizer (HHO-RF) were used to predict discharged ADL score of SCI patients. The Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) and Coefficient of determination () were used as evaluation indicators of the model. RESULTS The prediction features selected by feature extraction were ADL score on admission, age, injury segment, injury reason, injury position, and injury degree. After 10-fold cross-validation, MAE, RMSE and of RF were 0.0875, 0.1346 and 0.7662. MAE, RMSE and of HHO-RF were 0.0821, 0.1089 and 0.8537. The prediction effect of HHO-RF has been greatly improved. CONCLUSIONS In clinical treatment, HHO-RF can accurately predict discharged ADL score and provide a reasonable direction for patients to choose rehabilitation programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yang
- School of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Hebei University of Technology, No. 8 Guangrong Road, HongQiao, Tianjin 300130, China; Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Rehabilitation Device and Detection Technology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Xin Guo
- School of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Hebei University of Technology, No. 8 Guangrong Road, HongQiao, Tianjin 300130, China; Qinhuangdao Institute of Rehabilitation Technical Aids, NRRA, Qinhuangdao 066000, Hebei, China; Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Rehabilitation Device and Detection Technology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin 300130, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Walker JR, Detloff MR. Plasticity in Cervical Motor Circuits following Spinal Cord Injury and Rehabilitation. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10100976. [PMID: 34681075 PMCID: PMC8533179 DOI: 10.3390/biology10100976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Spinal cord injury results in a decreased quality of life and impacts hundreds of thousands of people in the US alone. This review discusses the underlying cellular mechanisms of injury and the concurrent therapeutic hurdles that impede recovery. It then describes the phenomena of neural plasticity—the nervous system’s ability to change. The primary focus of the review is on the impact of cervical spinal cord injury on control of the upper limbs. The neural plasticity that occurs without intervention is discussed, which shows new connections growing around the injury site and the involvement of compensatory movements. Rehabilitation-driven neural plasticity is shown to have the ability to guide connections to create more normal functions. Various novel stimulation and recording technologies are outlined for their role in further improving rehabilitative outcomes and gains in independence. Finally, the importance of sensory input, an often-overlooked aspect of motor control, is shown in driving neural plasticity. Overall, this review seeks to delineate the historical and contemporary research into neural plasticity following injury and rehabilitation to guide future studies. Abstract Neuroplasticity is a robust mechanism by which the central nervous system attempts to adapt to a structural or chemical disruption of functional connections between neurons. Mechanical damage from spinal cord injury potentiates via neuroinflammation and can cause aberrant changes in neural circuitry known as maladaptive plasticity. Together, these alterations greatly diminish function and quality of life. This review discusses contemporary efforts to harness neuroplasticity through rehabilitation and neuromodulation to restore function with a focus on motor recovery following cervical spinal cord injury. Background information on the general mechanisms of plasticity and long-term potentiation of the nervous system, most well studied in the learning and memory fields, will be reviewed. Spontaneous plasticity of the nervous system, both maladaptive and during natural recovery following spinal cord injury is outlined to provide a baseline from which rehabilitation builds. Previous research has focused on the impact of descending motor commands in driving spinal plasticity. However, this review focuses on the influence of physical therapy and primary afferent input and interneuron modulation in driving plasticity within the spinal cord. Finally, future directions into previously untargeted primary afferent populations are presented.
Collapse
|
17
|
Akbari A, Haghverd F, Behbahani S. Robotic Home-Based Rehabilitation Systems Design: From a Literature Review to a Conceptual Framework for Community-Based Remote Therapy During COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Robot AI 2021; 8:612331. [PMID: 34239898 PMCID: PMC8258116 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2021.612331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the higher susceptibility of post-stroke patients to infection calls for extra safety precautions. Despite the imposed restrictions, early neurorehabilitation cannot be postponed due to its paramount importance for improving motor and functional recovery chances. Utilizing accessible state-of-the-art technologies, home-based rehabilitation devices are proposed as a sustainable solution in the current crisis. In this paper, a comprehensive review on developed home-based rehabilitation technologies of the last 10 years (2011-2020), categorizing them into upper and lower limb devices and considering both commercialized and state-of-the-art realms. Mechatronic, control, and software aspects of the system are discussed to provide a classified roadmap for home-based systems development. Subsequently, a conceptual framework on the development of smart and intelligent community-based home rehabilitation systems based on novel mechatronic technologies is proposed. In this framework, each rehabilitation device acts as an agent in the network, using the internet of things (IoT) technologies, which facilitates learning from the recorded data of the other agents, as well as the tele-supervision of the treatment by an expert. The presented design paradigm based on the above-mentioned leading technologies could lead to the development of promising home rehabilitation systems, which encourage stroke survivors to engage in under-supervised or unsupervised therapeutic activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Saeed Behbahani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Effects of a Soft Robotic Hand for Hand Rehabilitation in Chronic Stroke Survivors. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2021; 30:105812. [PMID: 33895427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.105812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Soft robotic hands are proposed for stroke rehabilitation in terms of their high compliance and low inherent stiffness. We investigated the clinical efficacy of a soft robotic hand that could actively flex and extend the fingers in chronic stroke subjects with different levels of spasticity. METHODS Sixteen chronic stroke subjects were recruited into this single-group study. Subjects underwent 20 sessions of 1-hour EMG-driven soft robotic hand training. Training effect was evaluated by the pre-training and post-training assessments with the clinical scores: Action Research Arm Test(ARAT), Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity(FMA-UE), Box-and-Block test(BBT), Modified Ashworth Scale(MAS), and maximum voluntary grip strength. RESULTS For all the recruited subjects (n = 16), significant improvement of upper limb function was generally observed in ARAT (increased mean=2.44, P = 0.032), FMA-UE (increased mean=3.31, P = 0.003), BBT (increased mean=1.81, P = 0.024), and maximum voluntary grip strength (increased mean=2.14 kg, P < 0.001). No significant change was observed in terms of spasticity with the MAS (decreased mean=0.11, P = 0.423). Further analysis showed subjects with mild or no finger flexor spasticity (MAS<2, n = 9) at pre-training had significant improvement of upper limb function after 20 sessions of training. However, for subjects with moderate and severe finger flexor spasticity (MAS=2,3, n = 7) at pre-training, no significant change in clinical scores was shown and only maximum voluntary grip strength had significant increase. CONCLUSION EMG-driven rehabilitation training using the soft robotic hand with flexion and extension could be effective for the functional recovery of upper limb in chronic stroke subjects with mild or no spasticity.
Collapse
|
19
|
Zulauf-Czaja A, Al-Taleb MKH, Purcell M, Petric-Gray N, Cloughley J, Vuckovic A. On the way home: a BCI-FES hand therapy self-managed by sub-acute SCI participants and their caregivers: a usability study. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2021; 18:44. [PMID: 33632262 PMCID: PMC7905902 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-021-00838-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regaining hand function is the top priority for people with tetraplegia, however access to specialised therapy outwith clinics is limited. Here we present a system for hand therapy based on brain-computer interface (BCI) which uses a consumer grade electroencephalography (EEG) device combined with functional electrical stimulation (FES), and evaluate its usability among occupational therapists (OTs) and people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and their family members. METHODS Users: Eight people with sub-acute SCI (6 M, 2F, age 55.4 ± 15.6) and their caregivers (3 M, 5F, age 45.3 ± 14.3); four OTs (4F, age 42.3 ± 9.8). User Activity: Researchers trained OTs; OTs subsequently taught caregivers to set up the system for the people with SCI to perform hand therapy. Hand therapy consisted of attempted movement (AM) of one hand to lower the power of EEG sensory-motor rhythm in the 8-12 Hz band and thereby activate FES which induced wrist flexion and extension. Technology: Consumer grade wearable EEG, multichannel FES, custom made BCI application. LOCATION Research space within hospital. Evaluation: donning times, BCI accuracy, BCI and FES parameter repeatability, questionnaires, focus groups and interviews. RESULTS Effectiveness: The BCI accuracy was 70-90%. Efficiency: Median donning times decreased from 40.5 min for initial session to 27 min during last training session (N = 7), dropping to 14 min on the last self-managed session (N = 3). BCI and FES parameters were stable from session to session. Satisfaction: Mean satisfaction with the system among SCI users and caregivers was 3.68 ± 0.81 (max 5) as measured by QUEST questionnaire. Main facilitators for implementing BCI-FES technology were "seeing hand moving", "doing something useful for the loved ones", good level of computer literacy (people with SCI and caregivers), "active engagement in therapy" (OT), while main barriers were technical complexity of setup (all groups) and "lack of clinical evidence" (OT). CONCLUSION BCI-FES has potential to be used as at home hand therapy by people with SCI or stroke, provided it is easy to use and support is provided. Transfer of knowledge of operating BCI is possible from researchers to therapists to users and caregivers. Trial registration Registered with NHS GG&C on December 6th 2017; clinicaltrials.gov reference number NCT03257982, url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03257982 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zulauf-Czaja
- Biomedical Engineering Research Division, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Manaf K H Al-Taleb
- Biomedical Engineering Research Division, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Wasit University, Wasit, Iraq
| | - Mariel Purcell
- Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, Queen, UK
| | - Nina Petric-Gray
- Biomedical Engineering Research Division, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jennifer Cloughley
- Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, Queen, UK
| | - Aleksandra Vuckovic
- Biomedical Engineering Research Division, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|